NICU Travel Nurse Salary in Missouri
Calculate your take-home pay as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurse in Missouri. NICU travel nurses care for premature and critically ill newborns, requiring specialized skills in neonatal care.
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Average Hourly Rate
$45/hr
NICU in MO
Weekly Gross Pay
$1,814
Before taxes
Annual Potential
$94,349
Working full-time
Calculate Your NICU Pay in Missouri
Use our calculator to estimate your take-home pay as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurse in Missouri. 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 5.4% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$72.53
Based on 36 hours in MO.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,611
Taxable Weekly Income
$1,512
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$445
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,166
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$28,164
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$56,328
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$112,657
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,166
per week
Taxes
$445
per week
Total Gross: $2,611 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$686
≈ $2,970/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Missouri
$900
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$2,070
Your stipend covers rent with $2,070 left over each month.
Find apartments under $900/month in Kansas City:
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Cost of Living Analysis in Missouri
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Missouri's cost of living is lower than the national average by 12.1 points.
💡 Lower cost of living area. Your pay may go further here than in expensive cities.
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 Missouri
NICU travel nurses in Missouri 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 Missouri
NICU Certifications
- BLS
- NRP
- 2+ years NICU experience
Missouri Licensing
Tax & Cost of Living in Missouri
Tax Information
Cost of Living
Top Hospitals Hiring NICU Nurses in Missouri
- Barnes-Jewish Hospital
- Saint Luke's Hospital
- Mercy Hospital
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do NICU travel nurses make in Missouri?
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses in Missouri typically earn between $40 and $57 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $45/hr. This translates to approximately $1,814 per week or $94,349 annually. NICU nurses often earn a premium due to specialized skills required.
What are the requirements to work as a NICU travel nurse in Missouri?
To work as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurse in Missouri, you typically need: BLS, NRP, 2+ years NICU experience. Missouri 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 Missouri?
The GSA per diem rates for Missouri 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 Missouri a good state for NICU travel nurses?
Missouri 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 87.9 (below national average).
Which cities in Missouri have the best NICU travel nurse jobs?
Popular cities for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurse assignments in Missouri include: Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield. Major hospitals like Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Saint Luke's Hospital frequently hire NICU travel nurses. Use our calculator to compare pay and cost of living across these cities.