ICU Travel Nurse Salary in Fresno, California
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Intensive Care Unit travel nurses heading to Fresno.
Last updated: March 11, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (ICU)
$54/hr
Fresno, CA
Total Weekly Package
$3,924
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$3,118
After ~37.3% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: ICU in Fresno
GSA Housing (Monthly Est.)
$5,547/mo
$183/night × 30 days
Avg 1BR Rent
$1,300/mo
COL index: 108.9
Monthly Margin
+4,247/mo
Stipend covers rent
California ICU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for ICU travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$2,160
Max Weekly Stipend
$1,764
Annual Potential
$112,320
Tax estimate: 13.3% state + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your ICU Pay in Fresno
Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for Fresno's GSA rates and cost of living index of 108.9.
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
$98.56
Based on 36 hours in CA.
Gross Weekly Pay
$3,548
Taxable Weekly Income
$1,980
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$739
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,809
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$36,523
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$73,046
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$146,092
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,809
per week
Taxes
$739
per week
Total Gross: $3,548 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$1,050
≈ $4,547/month
Est. 1BR Rent in California
$2,300
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$2,247
Your stipend covers rent with $2,247 left over each month.
Find apartments under $2,300/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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2026 GSA Per Diem Rates — Fresno
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for ICU travel nurses working in Fresno. Stipend amounts above these limits are taxable.
Lodging
$183/night
$1,281/week
Meals & Incidentals
$69/day
$483/week
Total Weekly Max
$1,764
Tax-free stipend ceiling
Source: U.S. General Services Administration (GSA.gov) 2026 per diem rates. City-specific rates apply when the work location is more than 50 miles from your tax home.
Requirements for ICU Travel Nurses in California
ICU Certifications Required
- ACLS
- BLS
- 2+ years ICU experience
- Critical care certification preferred
California Licensing
Hospitals Hiring ICU Travel Nurses in Fresno
- Community Regional Medical Center
- Saint Agnes Medical Center
- Fresno Surgical Hospital
Other Specialties in Fresno
ER
~$53/hr
Very HighOR
~$55/hr
HighLabor & Delivery
~$51/hr
HighMed-Surg
~$47/hr
Very HighPACU
~$52/hr
HighNICU
~$53/hr
HighPICU
~$54/hr
HighPsychiatric
~$48/hr
ModerateOncology
~$50/hr
HighOther California Cities for ICU Travel Nurses
Anaheim
~$58/hr ICU
COL: 165.1
Long Beach
~$57/hr ICU
COL: 156.2
Los Angeles
~$58/hr ICU
COL: 173.3
Oakland
~$59/hr ICU
COL: 187.4
Sacramento
~$56/hr ICU
COL: 118.1
San Diego
~$57/hr ICU
COL: 160.1
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do ICU travel nurses make in Fresno?
Intensive Care Unit travel nurses in Fresno earn approximately $54/hr in taxable wages ($2,160/week). Including GSA stipends up to $1,764/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $3,924. Annual potential is $112,320 working full-time.
What are the 2026 GSA rates for Fresno?
The 2026 GSA per diem rates for Fresno are: Lodging $183/night, Meals $64/day, and Incidentals $5/day. Maximum weekly tax-free stipend: $1,764. These rates set the ceiling for tax-free travel nurse stipends — amounts above these limits become taxable.
Is Fresno affordable for travel nurses?
The cost of living index in Fresno is 108.9 (above the national average of 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,300/month. The GSA lodging stipend covers ~$5,547/month, leaving a surplus of $4,247/month. Your stipend should fully cover average rent.
What certifications do ICU travel nurses need for California assignments?
Intensive Care Unit travel nurses need: ACLS, BLS, 2+ years ICU experience, Critical care certification preferred. For California specifically: A separate California RN license is required. Cost: $350, processing time: 4-6 weeks.
Which hospitals in Fresno hire ICU travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Fresno that hire Intensive Care Unit travel nurses include: Community Regional Medical Center, Saint Agnes Medical Center, Fresno Surgical Hospital. ICU is in very high demand nationally — facilities in Fresno actively seek qualified candidates and often offer premium packages.
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