ICU Travel Nurse Salary in North Carolina
Calculate your take-home pay as a Intensive Care Unit travel nurse in North Carolina. ICU travel nurses care for critically ill patients in intensive care units, requiring advanced skills in life support, monitoring, and critical thinking.
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Average Hourly Rate
$48/hr
ICU in NC
Weekly Gross Pay
$1,936
Before taxes
Annual Potential
$100,672
Working full-time
North Carolina ICU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for ICU travel nurse compensation
North Carolina offers moderate ICU travel nurse compensation at $48/hr (ranked #32 of 50 states). As a compact license state, you can start working quickly without additional licensing. High demand means plenty of assignment options.
Est. Weekly Gross
$3,035
(Taxable + Stipends)
Est. Weekly Net
$2,469
(After 29.25% est. tax)
Stipend vs Housing
+$845/wk
(Surplus or deficit)
Hawaii leads at $64/hr — $16/hr more than North Carolina. Compare →
Calculate Your ICU Pay in North Carolina
Use our calculator to estimate your take-home pay as a Intensive Care Unit travel nurse in North Carolina. Enter your contract details to see your true discretionary income after cost of living adjustments.
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
Estimate your take-home pay, taxes, and blended rate in seconds.
Same state assignment. You'll pay 5.25% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$74.53
Based on 36 hours in NC.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,683
Taxable Weekly Income
$1,584
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$463
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,220
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$28,856
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$57,712
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$115,423
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,220
per week
Taxes
$463
per week
Total Gross: $2,683 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$686
≈ $2,970/month
Est. 1BR Rent in North Carolina
$1,100
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$1,870
Your stipend covers rent with $1,870 left over each month.
Find apartments under $1,100/month in Charlotte:
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Cost of Living Analysis in North Carolina
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. North Carolina's cost of living is lower than the national average by 3.5 points.
Housing Cost: Moderate
Utilities: Moderate
Rent data based on 2025 market averages. Actual rent may vary by neighborhood and housing type.
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GSA Rates & Tax-Free Stipends in North Carolina
ICU travel nurses in North Carolina receive the same tax-free stipend rates as other specialties. The specialty premium is reflected in your higher taxable hourly rate.
Lodging
$98/night
Meals & Incidentals
$64/day
Weekly Stipend Max
$1,134
Requirements for ICU Travel Nurses in North Carolina
ICU Certifications
- ACLS
- BLS
- 2+ years ICU experience
- Critical care certification preferred
North Carolina Licensing
Tax & Cost of Living in North Carolina
Tax Information
Cost of Living
Top Cities for ICU Travel Nurses in North Carolina
Top Hospitals Hiring ICU Nurses in North Carolina
- Duke University Hospital
- UNC Medical Center
- Atrium Health
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do ICU travel nurses make in North Carolina?
Intensive Care Unit travel nurses in North Carolina typically earn between $43 and $60 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $48/hr. This translates to approximately $1,936 per week or $100,672 annually. ICU nurses often earn a premium due to extremely high demand.
What are the requirements to work as a ICU travel nurse in North Carolina?
To work as a Intensive Care Unit travel nurse in North Carolina, you typically need: ACLS, BLS, 2+ years ICU experience, Critical care certification preferred. North Carolina is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, so if you have a compact license, you can work here without additional state licensing.
What GSA rates apply for ICU travel nurses in North Carolina?
The GSA per diem rates for North Carolina are: Lodging: $98/night, Meals: $59/day, and Incidentals: $5/day. These rates determine the maximum tax-free stipend amounts. ICU travel nurses receive the same stipend rates as other specialties—the specialty premium is reflected in the higher taxable hourly rate.
Is North Carolina a good state for ICU travel nurses?
North Carolina has higher taxes but often offers competitive rates for travel nurses. ICU nurses are in extremely high demand, which often leads to better pay and more assignment options. The cost of living index is 96.5 (below national average).
Which cities in North Carolina have the best ICU travel nurse jobs?
Popular cities for Intensive Care Unit travel nurse assignments in North Carolina include: Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro. Major hospitals like Duke University Hospital and UNC Medical Center frequently hire ICU travel nurses. Use our calculator to compare pay and cost of living across these cities.