NICU Travel Nurse Salary in South Carolina
Calculate your take-home pay as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurse in South Carolina. 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 SC
Weekly Gross Pay
$1,814
Before taxes
Annual Potential
$94,349
Working full-time
Calculate Your NICU Pay in South Carolina
Use our calculator to estimate your take-home pay as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurse in South 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 7% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$72.53
Based on 36 hours in SC.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,611
Taxable Weekly Income
$1,512
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$469
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,142
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$27,850
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$55,699
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$111,399
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,142
per week
Taxes
$469
per week
Total Gross: $2,611 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$686
≈ $2,970/month
Est. 1BR Rent in South Carolina
$1,000
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$1,970
Your stipend covers rent with $1,970 left over each month.
Find apartments under $1,000/month in Charleston:
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Cost of Living Analysis in South Carolina
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. South Carolina's cost of living is lower than the national average by 4.2 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 South Carolina
NICU travel nurses in South 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 NICU Travel Nurses in South Carolina
NICU Certifications
- BLS
- NRP
- 2+ years NICU experience
South Carolina Licensing
Tax & Cost of Living in South Carolina
Tax Information
Cost of Living
Top Hospitals Hiring NICU Nurses in South Carolina
- Medical University of South Carolina
- Prisma Health
- Roper St. Francis Healthcare
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do NICU travel nurses make in South Carolina?
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses in South Carolina 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 South Carolina?
To work as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurse in South Carolina, you typically need: BLS, NRP, 2+ years NICU experience. South 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 NICU travel nurses in South Carolina?
The GSA per diem rates for South Carolina 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 South Carolina a good state for NICU travel nurses?
South Carolina 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 95.8 (below national average).
Which cities in South Carolina have the best NICU travel nurse jobs?
Popular cities for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurse assignments in South Carolina include: Charleston, Columbia, Greenville. Major hospitals like Medical University of South Carolina and Prisma Health frequently hire NICU travel nurses. Use our calculator to compare pay and cost of living across these cities.