Need help on Boston pay package

NedRN · Dec 9, 2016

The only way to determine fair pay for your specialty and experience at a given locale at a given time is to get competitive quotes from several agencies. No way can anyone here tell you definitively. However, I will suggest if you are making more than $18 with good benefits, on that assignment with the cost of local housing (I'm assuming your housing stipend number is weekly), you will not be putting away more in the bank than now.

Understand that to get that housing stipend tax-free, you have to be maintaining a tax home. I understand a residence may not cost a lot in much of the Midwest, but it is still in addition to your local assignment housing. You can't simply start using a relative's address and be assured that you won't be audited and dinged for back taxes, interest, and penalties. Nor can you rent out your home or apartment (although a houseshare will meet the requirements).

Oddobox · Dec 10, 2016

From your response NedRN, I am gathering that it may be a little tricky to make a substantially greater income in travel nursing if you own or rent. Here she would only make $18.00 no non-taxable stipend income? Or am I mistaken that she will make only the $18.00? Confused

So, IF a nurse takes the housing provided by the agency, they don't get the stipend of course; therefore, are they just trying to get basically the same amount of hourly wage or even less than what they would make at the hospital unless they received $35-37.00 hr? Just trying to get educated before I get taken financially...LOL again, LOL real hard hurting inside. Lela

NedRN · Dec 10, 2016

No, you actually have greater net income if you own or rent as long as your costs are reasonable. Tax free housing, per diems, and travel pay require a tax home, which means maintaining a residence for your year round use at any time.

eymilin, MSN · Jan 4, 2017

I did an assignment in Boston last year because a friend wanted to travel together and your contract quote sounds about right. The East coast generally pays lower than the West. Made half of what I normally make as a traveler in California.