NICU Maryland High Demand

NICU Travel Nurse Salary in Maryland

Calculate your take-home pay as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurse in Maryland. NICU travel nurses care for premature and critically ill newborns, requiring specialized skills in neonatal care.

Last updated: February 21, 2026

Average Hourly Rate

$54/hr

NICU in MD

Weekly Gross Pay

$2,160

Before taxes

Annual Potential

$112,320

Working full-time

Calculate Your NICU Pay in Maryland

Use our calculator to estimate your take-home pay as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurse in Maryland. 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.

Excellent: Your housing stipend matches or exceeds the GSA maximum for Maryland ($910/week). This is the maximum tax-free amount.
Effective Tax Rate29.8%
Federal: 24%
State: 5.75%

Same state assignment. You'll pay 5.75% state tax plus 24% federal tax.

Overtime (Optional)

Blended Hourly Rate

$88.69

Based on 36 hours in MD.

Gross Weekly Pay

$3,193

Taxable Weekly Income

$1,800

Estimated Weekly Taxes

$536

True Net Weekly Pay

$2,658

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Assignment Projections

13-Week Assignment

$34,548

Net Pay

26-Week Assignment

$69,095

Net Pay

Annual (52 weeks)

$138,190

Net Pay

Take Home vs Taxes

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Take Home

$2,658

per week

Taxes

$536

per week

Total Gross: $3,193 per week

🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis

Your Weekly Housing Stipend

$910

$3,940/month

Est. 1BR Rent in Maryland

$1,400

Monthly average

Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money

+$2,540

Your stipend covers rent with $2,540 left over each month.

Find apartments under $1,400/month in Baltimore:

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Cost of Living Analysis in Maryland

Monthly Net Income:$11,507
Average 1BR Rent:$1,400
True Discretionary Income:$10,107

After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses

Cost of Living Index:124.0

National average = 100. Maryland's cost of living is higher than the national average by 24.0 points.

💡 High cost of living area. Ensure your pay compensates for the increased expenses.

Housing Cost: High

Utilities: High

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 Maryland

NICU travel nurses in Maryland receive the same tax-free stipend rates as other specialties. The specialty premium is reflected in your higher taxable hourly rate.

Lodging

$130/night

Meals & Incidentals

$74/day

Weekly Stipend Max

$1,428

Requirements for NICU Travel Nurses in Maryland

NICU Certifications

  • BLS
  • NRP
  • 2+ years NICU experience

Maryland Licensing

Compact State Yes
License Cost $250
Processing Time 2-4 weeks

Tax & Cost of Living in Maryland

Tax Information

State Income Tax 5.75%
Tax-Friendly No

Cost of Living

COL Index 124
vs National Avg 24% higher
Housing High

Top Hospitals Hiring NICU Nurses in Maryland

  • Johns Hopkins Hospital
  • University of Maryland Medical Center
  • MedStar Health

Related Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do NICU travel nurses make in Maryland?

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses in Maryland typically earn between $49 and $66 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $54/hr. This translates to approximately $2,160 per week or $112,320 annually. NICU nurses often earn a premium due to specialized skills required.

What are the requirements to work as a NICU travel nurse in Maryland?

To work as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurse in Maryland, you typically need: BLS, NRP, 2+ years NICU experience. Maryland 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 Maryland?

The GSA per diem rates for Maryland are: Lodging: $130/night, Meals: $69/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 Maryland a good state for NICU travel nurses?

Maryland has higher taxes but often offers competitive rates for travel nurses. NICU nursing has high demand in this state. The cost of living index is 124 (above national average).

Which cities in Maryland have the best NICU travel nurse jobs?

Popular cities for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurse assignments in Maryland include: Baltimore, Bethesda, Annapolis. Major hospitals like Johns Hopkins Hospital and University of Maryland Medical Center frequently hire NICU travel nurses. Use our calculator to compare pay and cost of living across these cities.

Looking for a contract? Get matched with top-paying recruiters.

By submitting, you agree to be contacted by travel nursing agencies.