Average ICU Travel Nurse Salary | Pay Rates 2025
ICU travel nurses earn $2,500-$4,500 per week. See pay rates by state, experience level, and calculate your ICU travel nurse compensation.
Calculate Your ICU Travel Nurse Pay
Use our calculator below to estimate your ICU travel nurse compensation. Enter your hourly rate, stipends, and assignment location to see your take-home pay.
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
Estimate your take-home pay, taxes, and blended rate in seconds.
Same state assignment. You'll pay 13.3% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$58.89
Based on 36 hours in CA.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,120
Taxable Weekly Income
$720
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$269
True Net Weekly Pay
$1,851
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$24,069
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$48,137
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$96,275
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$1,851
per week
Taxes
$269
per week
Total Gross: $2,120 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$1,000
≈ $4,330/month
Est. 1BR Rent in California
$2,100
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$2,230
Your stipend covers rent with $2,230 left over each month.
Find apartments under $2,100/month in San Francisco:
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Cost of Living Analysis in California
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. California's cost of living is higher than the national average by 51.7 points.
💡 High cost of living area. Ensure your pay compensates for the increased expenses.
Housing Cost: Very High
Utilities: High
Rent data based on 2025 market averages. Actual rent may vary by neighborhood and housing type.
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Top Paying States for ICU Travel Nurses
| State | Weekly Pay | Hourly Rate | Annual Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $4,200/week | $65/hr | $218,400 |
| New York | $4,000/week | $62/hr | $208,000 |
| Massachusetts | $3,900/week | $60/hr | $202,800 |
| Washington | $3,800/week | $58/hr | $197,600 |
| Oregon | $3,700/week | $57/hr | $192,400 |
Factors Affecting ICU Travel Nurse Salary
- • Location: States with higher cost of living pay more
- • Facility Type: Teaching hospitals and Level 1 trauma centers pay premium rates
- • Experience: 2+ years ICU experience commands higher rates
- • Certifications: CCRN, ACLS, BLS certifications increase pay
- • Shift Differential: Nights and weekends pay 10-20% more
- • Demand: High-demand areas offer crisis rates and bonuses
ICU vs. Other Specialties
ICU travel nurses typically earn 10-20% more than med-surg nurses due to specialized skills and high demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average ICU travel nurse salary?
The average ICU travel nurse salary ranges from $2,500-$4,500 per week, with an average of approximately $3,500/week. This includes taxable wages plus tax-free stipends for housing and meals. Annual compensation typically ranges from $130,000-$234,000.
Which states pay the most for ICU travel nurses?
California, New York, Massachusetts, Washington, and Oregon typically offer the highest ICU travel nurse salaries, ranging from $3,700-$4,200 per week. These states have higher costs of living and greater demand for critical care nurses.
How much do ICU travel nurses make per hour?
ICU travel nurses typically earn $50-$70 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of around $55/hour. When including tax-free stipends, the blended hourly rate ranges from $70-$90 per hour, depending on location and experience.
What factors affect ICU travel nurse salary?
ICU travel nurse salary is affected by location (state and city), facility type (teaching hospitals pay more), experience level, certifications (CCRN, ACLS), shift differentials (nights/weekends), and demand for critical care nurses in the area.
Do ICU travel nurses make more than other specialties?
Yes, ICU travel nurses typically earn 10-20% more than general med-surg travel nurses due to the specialized skills, certifications required, and high demand for critical care. ICU nurses often earn $500-$1,000 more per week than med-surg nurses.
How does ICU travel nurse salary compare to staff ICU nurses?
ICU travel nurses typically earn 30-50% more than staff ICU nurses. While staff ICU nurses might earn $35-$50/hour, travel ICU nurses earn $50-$70/hour plus tax-free stipends, resulting in significantly higher total compensation.