NICU Travel Nurse Salary in Washington
Calculate your take-home pay as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurse in Washington. NICU travel nurses care for premature and critically ill newborns, requiring specialized skills in neonatal care.
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Average Hourly Rate
$60/hr
NICU in WA
Weekly Gross Pay
$2,419
Before taxes
Annual Potential
$125,798
Working full-time
Washington NICU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for NICU travel nurse compensation
While Washington has no state income tax, the high cost of living (index: 118.7) may offset some tax savings. However, steady demand often means higher contract rates to compensate.
Est. Weekly Gross
$3,707
(Taxable + Stipends)
Est. Weekly Net
$3,126
(After 24% est. tax)
Stipend vs Housing
+$918/wk
(Surplus or deficit)
Calculate Your NICU Pay in Washington
Use our calculator to estimate your take-home pay as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurse in Washington. 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
$91.78
Based on 36 hours in WA.
Gross Weekly Pay
$3,304
Taxable Weekly Income
$2,016
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$484
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,820
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$36,662
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$73,324
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$146,648
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,820
per week
Taxes
$484
per week
Total Gross: $3,304 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$840
≈ $3,637/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Washington
$1,600
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$2,037
Your stipend covers rent with $2,037 left over each month.
Find apartments under $1,600/month in Seattle:
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Cost of Living Analysis in Washington
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Washington's cost of living is higher than the national average by 18.7 points.
Housing Cost: High
Utilities: Moderate
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 Washington
NICU travel nurses in Washington receive the same tax-free stipend rates as other specialties. The specialty premium is reflected in your higher taxable hourly rate.
Lodging
$120/night
Meals & Incidentals
$69/day
Weekly Stipend Max
$1,323
Requirements for NICU Travel Nurses in Washington
NICU Certifications
- BLS
- NRP
- 2+ years NICU experience
Washington Licensing
Tax & Cost of Living in Washington
Tax Information
Cost of Living
Top Hospitals Hiring NICU Nurses in Washington
- University of Washington Medical Center
- Swedish Medical Center
- Virginia Mason Medical Center
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do NICU travel nurses make in Washington?
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses in Washington typically earn between $55 and $72 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $60/hr. This translates to approximately $2,419 per week or $125,798 annually. NICU nurses often earn a premium due to specialized skills required.
What are the requirements to work as a NICU travel nurse in Washington?
To work as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurse in Washington, you typically need: BLS, NRP, 2+ years NICU experience. Washington 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 Washington?
The GSA per diem rates for Washington are: Lodging: $120/night, Meals: $64/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 Washington a good state for NICU travel nurses?
Washington is relatively tax-friendly for travel nurses. NICU nursing has high demand in this state. The cost of living index is 118.7 (above national average).
Which cities in Washington have the best NICU travel nurse jobs?
Popular cities for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurse assignments in Washington include: Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma. Major hospitals like University of Washington Medical Center and Swedish Medical Center frequently hire NICU travel nurses. Use our calculator to compare pay and cost of living across these cities.