NICU Travel Nurse Salary in Louisiana
Calculate your take-home pay as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurse in Louisiana. NICU travel nurses care for premature and critically ill newborns, requiring specialized skills in neonatal care.
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Average Hourly Rate
$46/hr
NICU in LA
Weekly Gross Pay
$1,858
Before taxes
Annual Potential
$96,595
Working full-time
Calculate Your NICU Pay in Louisiana
Use our calculator to estimate your take-home pay as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurse in Louisiana. 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 4.25% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$73.53
Based on 36 hours in LA.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,647
Taxable Weekly Income
$1,548
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$437
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,210
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$28,726
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$57,452
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$114,904
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,210
per week
Taxes
$437
per week
Total Gross: $2,647 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$686
≈ $2,970/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Louisiana
$950
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$2,020
Your stipend covers rent with $2,020 left over each month.
Find apartments under $950/month in New Orleans:
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Cost of Living Analysis in Louisiana
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Louisiana's cost of living is lower than the national average by 7.9 points.
Housing Cost: Low
Utilities: Low
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 Louisiana
NICU travel nurses in Louisiana 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 NICU Travel Nurses in Louisiana
NICU Certifications
- BLS
- NRP
- 2+ years NICU experience
Louisiana Licensing
Tax & Cost of Living in Louisiana
Tax Information
Cost of Living
Top Hospitals Hiring NICU Nurses in Louisiana
- Ochsner Medical Center
- Tulane Medical Center
- LSU Health Sciences Center
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do NICU travel nurses make in Louisiana?
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses in Louisiana typically earn between $41 and $58 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $46/hr. This translates to approximately $1,858 per week or $96,595 annually. NICU nurses often earn a premium due to specialized skills required.
What are the requirements to work as a NICU travel nurse in Louisiana?
To work as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurse in Louisiana, you typically need: BLS, NRP, 2+ years NICU experience. Louisiana 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 NICU travel nurses in Louisiana?
The GSA per diem rates for Louisiana are: Lodging: $98/night, Meals: $59/day, and Incidentals: $5/day. These rates determine the maximum tax-free stipend amounts. NICU travel nurses receive the same stipend rates as other specialties—the specialty premium is reflected in the higher taxable hourly rate.
Is Louisiana a good state for NICU travel nurses?
Louisiana is relatively tax-friendly for travel nurses. NICU nursing has high demand in this state. The cost of living index is 92.1 (below national average).
Which cities in Louisiana have the best NICU travel nurse jobs?
Popular cities for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurse assignments in Louisiana include: New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport. Major hospitals like Ochsner Medical Center and Tulane Medical Center frequently hire NICU travel nurses. Use our calculator to compare pay and cost of living across these cities.