ICU Travel Nurse Salary in Rockford, Illinois
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Intensive Care Unit travel nurses heading to Rockford.
Last updated: March 11, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (ICU)
$51/hr
Rockford, IL
Total Weekly Package
$3,258
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$2,667
After ~28.95% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: ICU in Rockford
GSA Housing (Monthly Est.)
$3,334/mo
$110/night × 30 days
Avg 1BR Rent
$850/mo
COL index: 82.3
Monthly Margin
+2,484/mo
Stipend covers rent
Illinois ICU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for ICU travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$2,040
Max Weekly Stipend
$1,218
Annual Potential
$106,080
Tax estimate: 4.95% state + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your ICU Pay in Rockford
Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for Rockford's GSA rates and cost of living index of 82.3.
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
Estimate your take-home pay, taxes, and blended rate in seconds.
Same state assignment. You'll pay 4.95% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$83.78
Based on 36 hours in IL.
Gross Weekly Pay
$3,016
Taxable Weekly Income
$1,728
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$500
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,516
Looking for a contract? Get matched with top-paying recruiters.
Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$32,705
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$65,409
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$130,819
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,516
per week
Taxes
$500
per week
Total Gross: $3,016 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$840
≈ $3,637/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Illinois
$1,200
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$2,437
Your stipend covers rent with $2,437 left over each month.
Find apartments under $1,200/month in Chicago:
Affiliate link
We may earn a commission if you book through our link.
Cost of Living Analysis in Illinois
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Illinois's cost of living is lower than the national average by 5.7 points.
Housing Cost: Moderate
Utilities: Moderate
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 — Rockford
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for ICU travel nurses working in Rockford. 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 ICU Travel Nurses in Illinois
ICU Certifications Required
- ACLS
- BLS
- 2+ years ICU experience
- Critical care certification preferred
Illinois Licensing
Hospitals Hiring ICU Travel Nurses in Rockford
- Mercyhealth
- OSF Saint Anthony
- SwedishAmerican
Other Specialties in Rockford
ER
~$50/hr
Very HighOR
~$52/hr
HighLabor & Delivery
~$48/hr
HighMed-Surg
~$45/hr
Very HighPACU
~$49/hr
HighNICU
~$50/hr
HighPICU
~$51/hr
HighPsychiatric
~$45/hr
ModerateOncology
~$47/hr
HighOther Illinois Cities for ICU Travel Nurses
Bloomington
~$48/hr ICU
COL: 95
Champaign
~$48/hr ICU
COL: 95
Chicago
~$52/hr ICU
COL: 106.9
Elgin
~$52/hr ICU
COL: 95.5
Normal
~$48/hr ICU
COL: 95
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do ICU travel nurses make in Rockford?
Intensive Care Unit travel nurses in Rockford earn approximately $51/hr in taxable wages ($2,040/week). Including GSA stipends up to $1,218/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $3,258. Annual potential is $106,080 working full-time.
What are the 2026 GSA rates for Rockford?
The 2026 GSA per diem rates for Rockford 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 Rockford affordable for travel nurses?
The cost of living index in Rockford is 82.3 (below the national average of 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $850/month. The GSA lodging stipend covers ~$3,334/month, leaving a surplus of $2,484/month. Your stipend should fully cover average rent.
What certifications do ICU travel nurses need for Illinois assignments?
Intensive Care Unit travel nurses need: ACLS, BLS, 2+ years ICU experience, Critical care certification preferred. For Illinois specifically: A separate Illinois RN license is required. Cost: $200, processing time: 4-6 weeks.
Which hospitals in Rockford hire ICU travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Rockford that hire Intensive Care Unit travel nurses include: Mercyhealth, OSF Saint Anthony, SwedishAmerican. ICU is in very high demand nationally — facilities in Rockford actively seek qualified candidates and often offer premium packages.
Looking for a contract?
Get matched with top-paying recruiters in your desired state.