NICU Travel Nurse Salary in South Dakota
Calculate your take-home pay as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurse in South Dakota. NICU travel nurses care for premature and critically ill newborns, requiring specialized skills in neonatal care.
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Average Hourly Rate
$43/hr
NICU in SD
Weekly Gross Pay
$1,728
Before taxes
Annual Potential
$89,856
Working full-time
Calculate Your NICU Pay in South Dakota
Use our calculator to estimate your take-home pay as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurse in South Dakota. 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 no state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$70.53
Based on 36 hours in SD.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,539
Taxable Weekly Income
$1,440
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$346
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,193
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$28,514
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$57,028
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$114,057
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,193
per week
Taxes
$346
per week
Total Gross: $2,539 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$686
≈ $2,970/month
Est. 1BR Rent in South Dakota
$850
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$2,120
Your stipend covers rent with $2,120 left over each month.
Find apartments under $850/month in Sioux Falls:
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Cost of Living Analysis in South Dakota
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. South Dakota's cost of living is lower than the national average by 1.0 points.
Housing Cost: Moderate
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 Dakota
NICU travel nurses in South Dakota 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 Dakota
NICU Certifications
- BLS
- NRP
- 2+ years NICU experience
South Dakota Licensing
Tax & Cost of Living in South Dakota
Tax Information
Cost of Living
Top Hospitals Hiring NICU Nurses in South Dakota
- Sanford USD Medical Center
- Avera McKennan Hospital
- Rapid City Regional Hospital
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do NICU travel nurses make in South Dakota?
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses in South Dakota typically earn between $38 and $55 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $43/hr. This translates to approximately $1,728 per week or $89,856 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 Dakota?
To work as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurse in South Dakota, you typically need: BLS, NRP, 2+ years NICU experience. South Dakota 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 Dakota?
The GSA per diem rates for South Dakota 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 Dakota a good state for NICU travel nurses?
South Dakota is relatively tax-friendly for travel nurses. NICU nursing has high demand in this state. The cost of living index is 99 (below national average).
Which cities in South Dakota have the best NICU travel nurse jobs?
Popular cities for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurse assignments in South Dakota include: Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen. Major hospitals like Sanford USD Medical Center and Avera McKennan Hospital frequently hire NICU travel nurses. Use our calculator to compare pay and cost of living across these cities.