Travel nurse stipends in New Jersey
Federal GSA per diem rates for FY2027 in New Jersey, the ceiling most staffing agencies use for tax-free housing and meal stipends. The table covers the areas around 75 hospitals; 10 areas have rates above the standard rate.
FY2027 GSA rates in New Jersey
| Area | Lodging this month | Seasonal range | Meals per day | Weekly maximum | HUD 1-bed rent | Hospitals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NewarkNewark, East Orange, Jersey City | $175 | $164 to $175 | $86 | $1,827 | $1,720 | 26 |
| Toms RiverToms River, Brick, Lakewood | $169 | $169 to $217 | $74 | $1,701 | $1,730 | 5 |
| Princeton / TrentonHamilton, Pennington, Trenton | $151 | Same all year | $86 | $1,659 | $1,630 | 3 |
| Eatontown / FreeholdFreehold, Holmdel, Long Branch | $148 | Same all year | $86 | $1,638 | $1,910 | 5 |
| ParsippanyDenville, Morris Plains, Pompton Plains | $148 | Same all year | $80 | $1,596 | $2,070 | 3 |
| SomersetBelle Mead, Somerville | $147 | Same all year | $80 | $1,589 | $2,620 | 2 |
| Springfield / Cranford / New ProvidenceSummit, Berkeley Heights, Elizabeth | $141 | Same all year | $80 | $1,547 | $2,480 | 5 |
| FlemingtonFlemington | $128 | Same all year | $80 | $1,456 | $1,780 | 1 |
| Edison / PiscatawayNew Brunswick, Edison, Perth Amboy | $123 | Same all year | $80 | $1,421 | $1,890 | 7 |
| Cherry Hill / MoorestownCamden, Browns Mills, Marlton | $115 | Same all year | $80 | $1,365 | $1,310 | 9 |
| Rest of the state (standard rate)Atlantic City, Blackwood, Cape May Court House | $113 | Same all year | $68 | $1,267 | $1,330 | 9 |
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 New Jersey
- Newark4 hospitals · estimate a contract
- New Brunswick3 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Camden2 hospitals · estimate a contract
- East Orange2 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Jersey City2 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Paramus2 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Secaucus2 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Summit2 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Toms River2 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Atlantic City1 hospital · estimate a contract
- Bayonne1 hospital · estimate a contract
- Belle Mead1 hospital · estimate a contract
Questions about stipends in New Jersey
What is the travel nurse stipend in New Jersey?
Most agencies cap the tax-free stipend at the GSA per diem rate. In FY2027, the standard rate in New Jersey is $113 a night for lodging and $68 a day for meals and incidentals, up to $1,267 a week. 10 areas pay more; the highest this month is Newark at $175 a night.
Which part of New Jersey has the highest lodging rate?
Newark (Newark, East Orange, Jersey City) at $175 a night this month, or up to $1,827 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.