Travel nurse stipends in Washington
Federal GSA per diem rates for FY2027 in Washington, the ceiling most staffing agencies use for tax-free housing and meal stipends. The table covers the areas around 98 hospitals; 9 areas have rates above the standard rate.
FY2027 GSA rates in Washington
| Area | Lodging this month | Seasonal range | Meals per day | Weekly maximum | HUD 1-bed rent | Hospitals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SeattleSeattle, Kirkland, Auburn | $188 | $188 to $255 | $92 | $1,960 | $1,880 | 20 |
| VancouverVancouver, Longview | $161 | Same all year | $86 | $1,729 | $1,820 | 4 |
| Olympia / TumwaterOlympia, Lacey | $149 | $149 to $176 | $80 | $1,603 | $1,710 | 3 |
| TacomaTacoma, Gig Harbor, Joint Base Lewis-McChord | $143 | Same all year | $86 | $1,603 | $1,510 | 8 |
| Ocean ShoresAberdeen, Elma | $136 | $136 to $155 | $86 | $1,554 | $920 | 2 |
| Richland / PascoRichland, Kennewick, Pasco | $136 | Same all year | $86 | $1,554 | $1,450 | 5 |
| Port Angeles / Port TownsendForks, Port Angeles, Port Townsend | $131 | $131 to $252 | $92 | $1,561 | $1,010 | 3 |
| SpokaneSpokane, Medical Lake, Spokane Valley | $126 | Same all year | $86 | $1,484 | $1,020 | 6 |
| Everett / LynnwoodArlington, Edmonds, Everett | $120 | $120 to $147 | $86 | $1,442 | $1,940 | 5 |
| Rest of the state (standard rate)Anacortes, Bellingham, Brewster | $113 | Same all year | $68 | $1,267 | $1,030 | 42 |
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 Washington
- Seattle9 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Spokane4 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Tacoma4 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Vancouver3 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Kirkland2 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Olympia2 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Richland2 hospitals · estimate a contract
- Aberdeen1 hospital · estimate a contract
- Anacortes1 hospital · estimate a contract
- Arlington1 hospital · estimate a contract
- Auburn1 hospital · estimate a contract
- Bellevue1 hospital · estimate a contract
Questions about stipends in Washington
What is the travel nurse stipend in Washington?
Most agencies cap the tax-free stipend at the GSA per diem rate. In FY2027, the standard rate in Washington is $113 a night for lodging and $68 a day for meals and incidentals, up to $1,267 a week. 9 areas pay more; the highest this month is Seattle at $188 a night.
Which part of Washington has the highest lodging rate?
Seattle (Seattle, Kirkland, Auburn) at $188 a night this month, or up to $1,960 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.