NICU Travel Nurse Salary in Athens, Georgia
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses heading to Athens.
Last updated: March 11, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (NICU)
$49/hr
Athens, GA
Total Weekly Package
$3,182
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$2,598
After ~29.75% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: NICU in Athens
GSA Housing (Monthly Est.)
$3,334/mo
$110/night × 30 days
Avg 1BR Rent
$1,000/mo
COL index: 88.5
Monthly Margin
+2,334/mo
Stipend covers rent
Georgia NICU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for NICU travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$1,964
Max Weekly Stipend
$1,218
Annual Potential
$102,109
Tax estimate: 5.75% state + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your NICU Pay in Athens
Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for Athens's GSA rates and cost of living index of 88.5.
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
Estimate your take-home pay, taxes, and blended rate in seconds.
Same state assignment. You'll pay 5.75% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$81.53
Based on 36 hours in GA.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,935
Taxable Weekly Income
$1,836
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$546
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,389
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$31,054
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$62,109
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$124,217
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,389
per week
Taxes
$546
per week
Total Gross: $2,935 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$686
≈ $2,970/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Georgia
$1,100
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$1,870
Your stipend covers rent with $1,870 left over each month.
Find apartments under $1,100/month in Atlanta:
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Cost of Living Analysis in Georgia
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Georgia's cost of living is lower than the national average by 10.5 points.
💡 Lower cost of living area. Your pay may go further here than in expensive cities.
Housing Cost: Low
Utilities: Low
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 — Athens
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for NICU travel nurses working in Athens. Stipend amounts above these limits are taxable.
Lodging
$110/night
$770/week
Meals & Incidentals
$64/day
$448/week
Total Weekly Max
$1,218
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 Georgia
NICU Certifications Required
- BLS
- NRP
- 2+ years NICU experience
Georgia Licensing
Hospitals Hiring NICU Travel Nurses in Athens
- Piedmont Athens Regional
- St. Mary's Health Care
- Landmark Hospital
Other Specialties in Athens
ICU
~$50/hr
Very HighER
~$49/hr
Very HighOR
~$51/hr
HighLabor & Delivery
~$47/hr
HighMed-Surg
~$44/hr
Very HighPACU
~$48/hr
HighPICU
~$50/hr
HighPsychiatric
~$45/hr
ModerateOncology
~$46/hr
HighOther Georgia Cities for NICU Travel Nurses
Atlanta
~$51/hr NICU
COL: 108.1
Augusta
~$48/hr NICU
COL: 85.2
Rome
~$50/hr NICU
COL: 95
Savannah
~$49/hr NICU
COL: 90.7
Valdosta
~$50/hr NICU
COL: 95
Warner Robins
~$50/hr NICU
COL: 95
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do NICU travel nurses make in Athens?
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses in Athens earn approximately $49/hr in taxable wages ($1,964/week). Including GSA stipends up to $1,218/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $3,182. Annual potential is $102,109 working full-time.
What are the 2026 GSA rates for Athens?
The 2026 GSA per diem rates for Athens are: Lodging $110/night, Meals $59/day, and Incidentals $5/day. Maximum weekly tax-free stipend: $1,218. These rates set the ceiling for tax-free travel nurse stipends — amounts above these limits become taxable.
Is Athens affordable for travel nurses?
The cost of living index in Athens is 88.5 (below the national average of 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,000/month. The GSA lodging stipend covers ~$3,334/month, leaving a surplus of $2,334/month. Your stipend should fully cover average rent.
What certifications do NICU travel nurses need for Georgia assignments?
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses need: BLS, NRP, 2+ years NICU experience. For Georgia specifically: Georgia is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state — multistate license holders can work in Athens without additional licensing.
Which hospitals in Athens hire NICU travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Athens that hire Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses include: Piedmont Athens Regional, St. Mary's Health Care, Landmark Hospital. Contact these hospitals directly or use an agency to find open NICU positions in Athens.
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