PICU Travel Nurse Salary in Worcester, Massachusetts
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurses heading to Worcester.
Last updated: March 11, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (PICU)
$57/hr
Worcester, MA
Total Weekly Package
$3,687
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$3,026
After ~29% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: PICU in Worcester
GSA Housing (Monthly Est.)
$4,001/mo
$132/night × 30 days
Avg 1BR Rent
$1,300/mo
COL index: 108.5
Monthly Margin
+2,701/mo
Stipend covers rent
Massachusetts PICU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for PICU travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$2,280
Max Weekly Stipend
$1,407
Annual Potential
$118,560
Tax estimate: 5% state + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your PICU Pay in Worcester
Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for Worcester's GSA rates and cost of living index of 108.5.
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
Estimate your take-home pay, taxes, and blended rate in seconds.
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
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
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
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 — Worcester
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for PICU travel nurses working in Worcester. 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
Hospitals Hiring PICU Travel Nurses in Worcester
- UMass Memorial
- St. Vincent Hospital
- Harrington Hospital
Other Specialties in Worcester
ICU
~$57/hr
Very HighER
~$56/hr
Very HighOR
~$58/hr
HighLabor & Delivery
~$54/hr
HighMed-Surg
~$50/hr
Very HighPACU
~$55/hr
HighNICU
~$56/hr
HighPsychiatric
~$51/hr
ModerateOncology
~$53/hr
HighOther Massachusetts Cities for PICU Travel Nurses
Boston
~$60/hr PICU
COL: 162.4
Brockton
~$56/hr PICU
COL: 95
New Bedford
~$56/hr PICU
COL: 95
Springfield
~$56/hr PICU
COL: 102.5
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do PICU travel nurses make in Worcester?
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurses in Worcester earn approximately $57/hr in taxable wages ($2,280/week). Including GSA stipends up to $1,407/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $3,687. Annual potential is $118,560 working full-time.
What are the 2026 GSA rates for Worcester?
The 2026 GSA per diem rates for Worcester 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 Worcester affordable for travel nurses?
The cost of living index in Worcester is 108.5 (above the national average of 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,300/month. The GSA lodging stipend covers ~$4,001/month, leaving a surplus of $2,701/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 Worcester hire PICU travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Worcester that hire Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurses include: UMass Memorial, St. Vincent Hospital, Harrington Hospital. Contact these hospitals directly or use an agency to find open PICU positions in Worcester.
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