Agency-neutral pay intelligence for every travel worker
We don't get paid when you take a job. We don't favor any agency. Our only job is giving you accurate numbers.
Why we built StipendIQ
Travel nurse pay is deliberately confusing. Agencies mix taxable wages and tax-free stipends into a single "blended rate" number that's almost impossible to compare between offers. Calculators built by agencies show you numbers that are in their interest to show you — not yours.
StipendIQ exists to give travel workers the same calculation engine agencies use internally — but without the bias. Every number we show is derived from public IRS and GSA data, calculated the same way regardless of which agency you're considering.
The only calculator that doesn't get a commission on your next assignment.
What makes us different
We use the actual GSA per diem rates — the same federal data the IRS uses — for every city in our database. We apply real federal tax brackets and state income tax rates. We calculate FICA. We show you the number after all of that, not before.
We're also the only calculator that covers every industry with per diem stipends: travel nursing, OTR trucking, linework, underwater welding, pipeline, and construction. The math is the same across all of them — just with different industry-specific rates.
The data we use
- GSA per diem rates — US General Services Administration, updated annually each October
- IRS federal tax brackets — 2024-25 Publication 15-T brackets for single filers
- State income tax rates — Effective rates for each state where travel nurses commonly work
- FICA rates — Social Security (6.2%) + Medicare (1.45%) = 7.65% combined employee share
- IRS Publication 463 — The governing document for per diem and travel expense tax treatment
Disclaimer: StipendIQ provides estimates for planning purposes only. Every nurse's tax situation is unique. Always consult a CPA specializing in travel healthcare workers before making decisions based on these calculations.
Get in touch
Questions, corrections, or agency partnership inquiries: hello@stipendiq.com