Taxes for Nurses
Income mix: W-2 hospital or clinic wages; overtime and differentials; occasional 1099 travel or per-diem contracts.
Common deduction themes
- License renewal and required CE when self-employed
- Scrubs/uniforms only under narrow employee rules (often limited)
- HSA / 401(k) / 403(b) deferrals
Travel nursing and contract shifts can flip you between W-2 and 1099 mid-year. Model both paths before you compare hourly rates—self-employment tax and estimated payments can erase a headline raise.
Overtime and night differentials are ordinary wages. They raise withholding needs but do not create special federal brackets. Use the paycheck calculator with your actual filing status and pre-tax benefits.