ICU Travel Nurse Salary in Meridian, Idaho
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Intensive Care Unit travel nurses heading to Meridian.
Last updated: March 11, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (ICU)
$46/hr
Meridian, ID
Total Weekly Package
$2,974
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$2,422
After ~30% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: ICU in Meridian
GSA Housing (Monthly Est.)
$2,970/mo
$98/night × 30 days
Avg 1BR Rent
$1,000/mo
COL index: 95
Monthly Margin
+1,970/mo
Stipend covers rent
Idaho ICU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for ICU travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$1,840
Max Weekly Stipend
$1,134
Annual Potential
$95,680
Tax estimate: 6% state + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your ICU Pay in Meridian
Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for Meridian's GSA rates and cost of living index of 95.
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
Estimate your take-home pay, taxes, and blended rate in seconds.
Same state assignment. You'll pay 6% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$76.53
Based on 36 hours in ID.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,755
Taxable Weekly Income
$1,656
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$497
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,258
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$29,357
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$58,713
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$117,426
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,258
per week
Taxes
$497
per week
Total Gross: $2,755 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$686
≈ $2,970/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Idaho
$1,000
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$1,970
Your stipend covers rent with $1,970 left over each month.
Find apartments under $1,000/month in Boise:
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Cost of Living Analysis in Idaho
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Idaho's cost of living is lower than the national average by 5.8 points.
Housing Cost: Moderate
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 — Meridian
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for ICU travel nurses working in Meridian. Stipend amounts above these limits are taxable.
Lodging
$98/night
$686/week
Meals & Incidentals
$64/day
$448/week
Total Weekly Max
$1,134
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 Idaho
ICU Certifications Required
- ACLS
- BLS
- 2+ years ICU experience
- Critical care certification preferred
Idaho Licensing
Hospitals Hiring ICU Travel Nurses in Meridian
- Meridian Regional Medical
- Meridian General Hospital
- Community Health Meridian
Other Specialties in Meridian
ER
~$45/hr
Very HighOR
~$47/hr
HighLabor & Delivery
~$43/hr
HighMed-Surg
~$40/hr
Very HighPACU
~$44/hr
HighNICU
~$45/hr
HighPICU
~$46/hr
HighPsychiatric
~$41/hr
ModerateOncology
~$43/hr
HighOther Idaho Cities for ICU Travel Nurses
View all Idaho cities →Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do ICU travel nurses make in Meridian?
Intensive Care Unit travel nurses in Meridian earn approximately $46/hr in taxable wages ($1,840/week). Including GSA stipends up to $1,134/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $2,974. Annual potential is $95,680 working full-time.
What are the 2026 GSA rates for Meridian?
The 2026 GSA per diem rates for Meridian are: Lodging $98/night, Meals $59/day, and Incidentals $5/day. Maximum weekly tax-free stipend: $1,134. These rates set the ceiling for tax-free travel nurse stipends — amounts above these limits become taxable.
Is Meridian affordable for travel nurses?
The cost of living index in Meridian is 95 (below the national average of 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,000/month. The GSA lodging stipend covers ~$2,970/month, leaving a surplus of $1,970/month. Your stipend should fully cover average rent.
What certifications do ICU travel nurses need for Idaho assignments?
Intensive Care Unit travel nurses need: ACLS, BLS, 2+ years ICU experience, Critical care certification preferred. For Idaho specifically: Idaho is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state — multistate license holders can work in Meridian without additional licensing.
Which hospitals in Meridian hire ICU travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Meridian that hire Intensive Care Unit travel nurses include: Meridian Regional Medical, Meridian General Hospital, Community Health Meridian. ICU is in very high demand nationally — facilities in Meridian actively seek qualified candidates and often offer premium packages.
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