Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Springfield, MA High Demand

PICU Travel Nurse Salary in Springfield, Massachusetts

City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurses heading to Springfield.

Last updated: March 11, 2026

Last Financially Reviewed:

Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist

Verified

Avg Hourly (PICU)

$56/hr

Springfield, MA

Total Weekly Package

$3,647

Taxable + stipends

Est. Weekly Net

$2,997

After ~29% tax

Housing Economics Verdict

Profitable: PICU in Springfield

GSA Housing (Monthly Est.)

$4,001/mo

$132/night × 30 days

Avg 1BR Rent

$1,200/mo

COL index: 102.5

Monthly Margin

+2,801/mo

Stipend covers rent

#3

Massachusetts PICU Pay Ranking

Out of 50 states for PICU travel nurses

Weekly Taxable Pay

$2,240

Max Weekly Stipend

$1,407

Annual Potential

$116,480

Tax estimate: 5% state + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.

Calculate Your PICU Pay in Springfield

Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for Springfield's GSA rates and cost of living index of 102.5.

Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown

Estimate your take-home pay, taxes, and blended rate in seconds.

Excellent: Your housing stipend matches or exceeds the GSA maximum for Massachusetts ($1,050/week). This is the maximum tax-free amount.
Effective Tax Rate29.0%
Federal: 24%
State: 5%

Same state assignment. You'll pay 5% state tax plus 24% federal tax.

Overtime (Optional)

Blended Hourly Rate

$99.56

Based on 36 hours in MA.

Gross Weekly Pay

$3,584

Taxable Weekly Income

$2,016

Estimated Weekly Taxes

$585

True Net Weekly Pay

$2,999

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Assignment Projections

13-Week Assignment

$38,992

Net Pay

26-Week Assignment

$77,983

Net Pay

Annual (52 weeks)

$155,967

Net Pay

Take Home vs Taxes

Loading chart...

Take Home

$2,999

per week

Taxes

$585

per week

Total Gross: $3,584 per week

🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis

Your Weekly Housing Stipend

$1,050

$4,547/month

Est. 1BR Rent in Massachusetts

$1,800

Monthly average

Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money

+$2,747

Your stipend covers rent with $2,747 left over each month.

Find apartments under $1,800/month in Boston:

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Cost of Living Analysis in Massachusetts

Monthly Net Income:$12,987
Average 1BR Rent:$1,800
True Discretionary Income:$11,187

After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses

Cost of Living Index:146.5

National average = 100. Massachusetts's cost of living is higher than the national average by 46.5 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.

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2026 GSA Per Diem Rates — Springfield

These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for PICU travel nurses working in Springfield. Stipend amounts above these limits are taxable.

Lodging

$132/night

$924/week

Meals & Incidentals

$69/day

$483/week

Total Weekly Max

$1,407

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 Massachusetts

PICU Certifications Required

  • BLS
  • PALS
  • 2+ years PICU experience

Massachusetts Licensing

NLC Compact State No — Separate license required
License Application Cost $300
Processing Time 4-6 weeks
State Income Tax 5%

Hospitals Hiring PICU Travel Nurses in Springfield

  • Baystate Medical Center
  • Mercy Medical Center
  • Cooley Dickinson

Other Specialties in Springfield

View full Springfield pay guide →

Other Massachusetts Cities for PICU Travel Nurses

View all Massachusetts cities →

Related Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do PICU travel nurses make in Springfield?

Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurses in Springfield earn approximately $56/hr in taxable wages ($2,240/week). Including GSA stipends up to $1,407/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $3,647. Annual potential is $116,480 working full-time.

What are the 2026 GSA rates for Springfield?

The 2026 GSA per diem rates for Springfield are: Lodging $132/night, Meals $64/day, and Incidentals $5/day. Maximum weekly tax-free stipend: $1,407. These rates set the ceiling for tax-free travel nurse stipends — amounts above these limits become taxable.

Is Springfield affordable for travel nurses?

The cost of living index in Springfield is 102.5 (above the national average of 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,200/month. The GSA lodging stipend covers ~$4,001/month, leaving a surplus of $2,801/month. Your stipend should fully cover average rent.

What certifications do PICU travel nurses need for Massachusetts assignments?

Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurses need: BLS, PALS, 2+ years PICU experience. For Massachusetts specifically: A separate Massachusetts RN license is required. Cost: $300, processing time: 4-6 weeks.

Which hospitals in Springfield hire PICU travel nurses?

Top hospitals in Springfield that hire Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurses include: Baystate Medical Center, Mercy Medical Center, Cooley Dickinson. Contact these hospitals directly or use an agency to find open PICU positions in Springfield.

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Resources for Springfield