PICU Travel Nurse Salary in Meridian, Idaho
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Pediatric 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 (PICU)
$46/hr
Meridian, ID
Total Weekly Package
$2,974
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$2,422
After ~30% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: PICU 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 PICU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for PICU 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 PICU 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 PICU 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 PICU Travel Nurses in Idaho
PICU Certifications Required
- BLS
- PALS
- 2+ years PICU experience
Idaho Licensing
Hospitals Hiring PICU Travel Nurses in Meridian
- Meridian Regional Medical
- Meridian General Hospital
- Community Health Meridian
Other Specialties in Meridian
ICU
~$46/hr
Very HighER
~$45/hr
Very HighOR
~$47/hr
HighLabor & Delivery
~$43/hr
HighMed-Surg
~$40/hr
Very HighPACU
~$44/hr
HighNICU
~$45/hr
HighPsychiatric
~$41/hr
ModerateOncology
~$43/hr
HighOther Idaho Cities for PICU Travel Nurses
View all Idaho cities →Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do PICU travel nurses make in Meridian?
Pediatric 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 PICU travel nurses need for Idaho assignments?
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurses need: BLS, PALS, 2+ years PICU experience. 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 PICU travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Meridian that hire Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurses include: Meridian Regional Medical, Meridian General Hospital, Community Health Meridian. Contact these hospitals directly or use an agency to find open PICU positions in Meridian.
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