Travel nurse stipends in Massachusetts
Federal GSA per diem rates for FY2027 in Massachusetts, the ceiling most staffing agencies use for tax-free housing and meal stipends. The table covers the areas around 84 hospitals; 13 areas have rates above the standard rate.
FY2027 GSA rates in Massachusetts
| Area | Lodging this month | Seasonal range | Meals per day | Weekly maximum | HUD 1-bed rent | Hospitals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston / CambridgeBoston, Brighton, Cambridge | $213 | $213 to $365 | $92 | $2,135 | $2,870 | 18 |
| Martha's VineyardOak Bluffs | $199 | $199 to $473 | $92 | $2,037 | $1,770 | 1 |
| NantucketNantucket | $171 | $171 to $487 | $92 | $1,841 | $2,430 | 1 |
| NorthamptonLeeds, Northampton | $157 | Same all year | $80 | $1,659 | $2,230 | 2 |
| Burlington / WoburnAyer, Bedford, Belmont | $152 | $152 to $187 | $86 | $1,666 | $2,160 | 11 |
| QuincyBrookline, Dedham, Milton | $146 | $146 to $190 | $80 | $1,582 | $3,580 | 8 |
| PittsfieldGreat Barrington, North Adams, Pittsfield | $142 | $142 to $188 | $86 | $1,596 | $1,390 | 3 |
| WorcesterWorcester, Athol, Devens | $140 | Same all year | $80 | $1,540 | $1,200 | 12 |
| FalmouthFalmouth | $138 | $138 to $247 | $86 | $1,568 | $1,610 | 1 |
| AndoverBeverly, Haverhill, Lawrence | $137 | Same all year | $80 | $1,519 | $2,160 | 6 |
| HyannisHyannis, Pocasset | $131 | $131 to $220 | $92 | $1,561 | $1,860 | 2 |
| SpringfieldHolyoke, Springfield, Palmer | $131 | Same all year | $74 | $1,435 | $1,370 | 7 |
| Plymouth / Taunton / New BedfordFall River, Brockton, Taunton | $127 | Same all year | $80 | $1,449 | $1,610 | 11 |
| Rest of the state (standard rate)Greenfield | $113 | Same all year | $68 | $1,267 | $1,390 | 1 |
Weekly maximum is seven nights of lodging plus seven days of meals and incidentals at this month's rate. HUD rent is the FY2026 fair market rent for an unfurnished one-bedroom with basic utilities; furnished monthly rentals usually cost more. Sources: GSA and HUD.
How to use these rates
A weekly stipend is usually quoted as lodging plus meals and incidentals for seven days. Agencies set the actual amount, often below these ceilings, and the stipend is only tax-free if you keep a tax home you pay for. Read the tax home rules before you sign. The stipend calculator adds up a contract night by night when rates change by season.
Cities with the most hospitals in Massachusetts
- Boston12 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Worcester5 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Fall River3 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Holyoke3 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Brighton2 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Brockton2 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Brookline2 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Cambridge2 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Jamaica Plain2 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Springfield2 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Taunton2 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Athol1 hospital · estimate a contract
Questions about stipends in Massachusetts
What is the travel nurse stipend in Massachusetts?
Most agencies cap the tax-free stipend at the GSA per diem rate. In FY2027, the standard rate in Massachusetts is $113 a night for lodging and $68 a day for meals and incidentals, up to $1,267 a week. 13 areas pay more; the highest this month is Boston / Cambridge at $213 a night.
Which part of Massachusetts has the highest lodging rate?
Boston / Cambridge (Boston, Brighton, Cambridge) at $213 a night this month, or up to $2,135 a week with meals and incidentals.
Do agencies have to pay the full GSA rate?
No. Agencies set their own stipends, often at or below the GSA rate, and some move part of the pay between the hourly rate and the stipend. Payments above the federal rate are generally taxable. You also need a tax home for the stipend to be tax-free.
When do these rates change?
Every October 1, when the federal fiscal year starts. FY2027 rates apply from October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027. Some areas also change by season within the year.