NICU Travel Nurse Salary in Santa Ana, California
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses heading to Santa Ana.
Last updated: March 11, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (NICU)
$57/hr
Santa Ana, CA
Total Weekly Package
$4,455
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$3,605
After ~37.3% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: NICU in Santa Ana
GSA Housing (Monthly Est.)
$7,032/mo
$232/night × 30 days
Avg 1BR Rent
$2,000/mo
COL index: 162.3
Monthly Margin
+5,032/mo
Stipend covers rent
California NICU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for NICU travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$2,278
Max Weekly Stipend
$2,177
Annual Potential
$118,447
Tax estimate: 13.3% state + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your NICU Pay in Santa Ana
Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for Santa Ana's GSA rates and cost of living index of 162.3.
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
Looking for a contract? Get matched with top-paying recruiters.
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:
Affiliate link
We may earn a commission if you book through our link.
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.
Resources for Your Assignment
These are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
2026 GSA Per Diem Rates — Santa Ana
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for NICU travel nurses working in Santa Ana. 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 NICU Travel Nurses in California
NICU Certifications Required
- BLS
- NRP
- 2+ years NICU experience
California Licensing
Hospitals Hiring NICU Travel Nurses in Santa Ana
- Providence St. Joseph Hospital
- UCI Medical Center
- Children's Hospital
Other Specialties in Santa Ana
ICU
~$58/hr
Very HighER
~$57/hr
Very HighOR
~$59/hr
HighLabor & Delivery
~$55/hr
HighMed-Surg
~$51/hr
Very HighPACU
~$56/hr
HighPICU
~$58/hr
HighPsychiatric
~$52/hr
ModerateOncology
~$54/hr
HighOther California Cities for NICU Travel Nurses
Anaheim
~$57/hr NICU
COL: 165.1
Fresno
~$53/hr NICU
COL: 108.9
Long Beach
~$56/hr NICU
COL: 156.2
Los Angeles
~$57/hr NICU
COL: 173.3
Oakland
~$58/hr NICU
COL: 187.4
Sacramento
~$55/hr NICU
COL: 118.1
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do NICU travel nurses make in Santa Ana?
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses in Santa Ana earn approximately $57/hr in taxable wages ($2,278/week). Including GSA stipends up to $2,177/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $4,455. Annual potential is $118,447 working full-time.
What are the 2026 GSA rates for Santa Ana?
The 2026 GSA per diem rates for Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana affordable for travel nurses?
The cost of living index in Santa Ana is 162.3 (above the national average of 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $2,000/month. The GSA lodging stipend covers ~$7,032/month, leaving a surplus of $5,032/month. Your stipend should fully cover average rent.
What certifications do NICU travel nurses need for California assignments?
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses need: BLS, NRP, 2+ years NICU experience. For California specifically: A separate California RN license is required. Cost: $350, processing time: 4-6 weeks.
Which hospitals in Santa Ana hire NICU travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Santa Ana that hire Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses include: Providence St. Joseph Hospital, UCI Medical Center, Children's Hospital. Contact these hospitals directly or use an agency to find open NICU positions in Santa Ana.
Looking for a contract?
Get matched with top-paying recruiters in your desired state.