PICU Travel Nurse Salary in Oakland, California
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurses heading to Oakland.
Last updated: March 11, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (PICU)
$59/hr
Oakland, CA
Total Weekly Package
$4,537
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$3,657
After ~37.3% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: PICU in Oakland
GSA Housing (Monthly Est.)
$7,032/mo
$232/night × 30 days
Avg 1BR Rent
$2,400/mo
COL index: 187.4
Monthly Margin
+4,632/mo
Stipend covers rent
California PICU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for PICU travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$2,360
Max Weekly Stipend
$2,177
Annual Potential
$122,720
Tax estimate: 13.3% state + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your PICU Pay in Oakland
Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for Oakland's GSA rates and cost of living index of 187.4.
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 — Oakland
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for PICU travel nurses working in Oakland. Stipend amounts above these limits are taxable.
Lodging
$232/night
$1,624/week
Meals & Incidentals
$79/day
$553/week
Total Weekly Max
$2,177
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 PICU Travel Nurses in California
PICU Certifications Required
- BLS
- PALS
- 2+ years PICU experience
California Licensing
Hospitals Hiring PICU Travel Nurses in Oakland
- Kaiser Permanente Oakland
- Alta Bates Summit
- Highland Hospital
Other Specialties in Oakland
ICU
~$59/hr
Very HighER
~$58/hr
Very HighOR
~$60/hr
HighLabor & Delivery
~$56/hr
HighMed-Surg
~$51/hr
Very HighPACU
~$57/hr
HighNICU
~$58/hr
HighPsychiatric
~$53/hr
ModerateOncology
~$55/hr
HighOther California Cities for PICU Travel Nurses
Anaheim
~$58/hr PICU
COL: 165.1
Fresno
~$54/hr PICU
COL: 108.9
Long Beach
~$57/hr PICU
COL: 156.2
Los Angeles
~$58/hr PICU
COL: 173.3
Sacramento
~$56/hr PICU
COL: 118.1
San Diego
~$57/hr PICU
COL: 160.1
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do PICU travel nurses make in Oakland?
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurses in Oakland earn approximately $59/hr in taxable wages ($2,360/week). Including GSA stipends up to $2,177/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $4,537. Annual potential is $122,720 working full-time.
What are the 2026 GSA rates for Oakland?
The 2026 GSA per diem rates for Oakland are: Lodging $232/night, Meals $74/day, and Incidentals $5/day. Maximum weekly tax-free stipend: $2,177. These rates set the ceiling for tax-free travel nurse stipends — amounts above these limits become taxable.
Is Oakland affordable for travel nurses?
The cost of living index in Oakland is 187.4 (above the national average of 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $2,400/month. The GSA lodging stipend covers ~$7,032/month, leaving a surplus of $4,632/month. Your stipend should fully cover average rent.
What certifications do PICU travel nurses need for California assignments?
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurses need: BLS, PALS, 2+ years PICU experience. For California specifically: A separate California RN license is required. Cost: $350, processing time: 4-6 weeks.
Which hospitals in Oakland hire PICU travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Oakland that hire Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurses include: Kaiser Permanente Oakland, Alta Bates Summit, Highland Hospital. Contact these hospitals directly or use an agency to find open PICU positions in Oakland.
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