Travel nurse stipends in Montana
Federal GSA per diem rates for FY2027 in Montana, the ceiling most staffing agencies use for tax-free housing and meal stipends. The table covers the areas around 62 hospitals; 4 areas have rates above the standard rate.
FY2027 GSA rates in Montana
| Area | Lodging this month | Seasonal range | Meals per day | Weekly maximum | HUD 1-bed rent | Hospitals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Sky / West Yellowstone/GardinerBozeman, Livingston | $169 | $169 to $326 | $80 | $1,743 | $1,470 | 2 |
| HelenaHelena, Fort Harrison | $140 | Same all year | $74 | $1,498 | $1,310 | 3 |
| MissoulaMissoula | $135 | $135 to $199 | $74 | $1,463 | $1,490 | 2 |
| Kalispell/WhitefishKalispell, Whitefish | $126 | $126 to $244 | $80 | $1,442 | $1,240 | 2 |
| Rest of the state (standard rate)Billings, Great Falls, Anaconda | $113 | Same all year | $68 | $1,267 | $980 | 53 |
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 Montana
- Billings2 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Great Falls2 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Helena2 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Missoula2 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Anaconda1 hospital · estimate a contract
- Baker1 hospital · estimate a contract
- Big Sandy1 hospital · estimate a contract
- Big Sky1 hospital · estimate a contract
- Big Timber1 hospital · estimate a contract
- Bozeman1 hospital · estimate a contract
- Browning1 hospital · estimate a contract
- Butte1 hospital · estimate a contract
Questions about stipends in Montana
What is the travel nurse stipend in Montana?
Most agencies cap the tax-free stipend at the GSA per diem rate. In FY2027, the standard rate in Montana is $113 a night for lodging and $68 a day for meals and incidentals, up to $1,267 a week. 4 areas pay more; the highest this month is Big Sky / West Yellowstone/Gardiner at $169 a night.
Which part of Montana has the highest lodging rate?
Big Sky / West Yellowstone/Gardiner (Bozeman, Livingston) at $169 a night this month, or up to $1,743 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.