Tax Strategy Guide · 2025
Best States for Travel Nurse Take-Home Pay
Nine states have no income tax. Working in them instead of California or New York can put thousands more in your pocket per assignment.
No-tax state take-home — ICU RN
Weekly take-home estimates including tax-free stipend. No state income tax withheld.
0% state tax
Seattle, WA
$3,084/wk
13-wk: $40,087
0% state tax
Miami, FL
$2,720/wk
13-wk: $35,355
0% state tax
Austin, TX
$2,587/wk
13-wk: $33,626
0% state tax
Nashville, TN
$2,426/wk
13-wk: $31,533
0% state tax
Houston, TX
$2,335/wk
13-wk: $30,350
0% state tax
Las Vegas, NV
$2,300/wk
13-wk: $29,895
High-tax state comparison
Same specialty — state income tax significantly reduces take-home.
State tax applies
New York City, NY
$3,775/wk
13-wk: $49,076
State tax applies
Los Angeles, CA
$2,972/wk
13-wk: $38,642
State tax applies
Portland, OR
$2,626/wk
13-wk: $34,133
Houston (TX) vs Los Angeles (CA) — ICU RN
Houston, TX
$2,335
Los Angeles, CA
$2,972
Weekly difference
$638