NICU Travel Nurse Salary in Baltimore, Maryland
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses heading to Baltimore.
Last updated: March 11, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (NICU)
$54/hr
Baltimore, MD
Total Weekly Package
$3,924
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$3,281
After ~29.75% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: NICU in Baltimore
GSA Housing (Monthly Est.)
$5,547/mo
$183/night × 30 days
Avg 1BR Rent
$1,500/mo
COL index: 118.8
Monthly Margin
+4,047/mo
Stipend covers rent
Maryland NICU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for NICU travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$2,160
Max Weekly Stipend
$1,764
Annual Potential
$112,320
Tax estimate: 5.75% state + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your NICU Pay in Baltimore
Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for Baltimore's GSA rates and cost of living index of 118.8.
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
Estimate your take-home pay, taxes, and blended rate in seconds.
Same state assignment. You'll pay 5.75% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$88.69
Based on 36 hours in MD.
Gross Weekly Pay
$3,193
Taxable Weekly Income
$1,800
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$536
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,658
Looking for a contract? Get matched with top-paying recruiters.
Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$34,548
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$69,095
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$138,190
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,658
per week
Taxes
$536
per week
Total Gross: $3,193 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$910
≈ $3,940/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Maryland
$1,400
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$2,540
Your stipend covers rent with $2,540 left over each month.
Find apartments under $1,400/month in Baltimore:
Affiliate link
We may earn a commission if you book through our link.
Cost of Living Analysis in Maryland
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Maryland's cost of living is higher than the national average by 24.0 points.
💡 High cost of living area. Ensure your pay compensates for the increased expenses.
Housing Cost: High
Utilities: High
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 — Baltimore
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for NICU travel nurses working in Baltimore. Stipend amounts above these limits are taxable.
Lodging
$183/night
$1,281/week
Meals & Incidentals
$69/day
$483/week
Total Weekly Max
$1,764
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 NICU Travel Nurses in Maryland
NICU Certifications Required
- BLS
- NRP
- 2+ years NICU experience
Maryland Licensing
Hospitals Hiring NICU Travel Nurses in Baltimore
- Johns Hopkins Hospital
- University of Maryland Medical Center
- MedStar Health
Other Specialties in Baltimore
ICU
~$55/hr
Very HighER
~$54/hr
Very HighOR
~$56/hr
HighLabor & Delivery
~$52/hr
HighMed-Surg
~$48/hr
Very HighPACU
~$53/hr
HighPICU
~$55/hr
HighPsychiatric
~$49/hr
ModerateOncology
~$51/hr
HighOther Maryland Cities for NICU Travel Nurses
View all Maryland cities →Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do NICU travel nurses make in Baltimore?
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses in Baltimore earn approximately $54/hr in taxable wages ($2,160/week). Including GSA stipends up to $1,764/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $3,924. Annual potential is $112,320 working full-time.
What are the 2026 GSA rates for Baltimore?
The 2026 GSA per diem rates for Baltimore are: Lodging $183/night, Meals $64/day, and Incidentals $5/day. Maximum weekly tax-free stipend: $1,764. These rates set the ceiling for tax-free travel nurse stipends — amounts above these limits become taxable.
Is Baltimore affordable for travel nurses?
The cost of living index in Baltimore is 118.8 (above the national average of 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,500/month. The GSA lodging stipend covers ~$5,547/month, leaving a surplus of $4,047/month. Your stipend should fully cover average rent.
What certifications do NICU travel nurses need for Maryland assignments?
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses need: BLS, NRP, 2+ years NICU experience. For Maryland specifically: Maryland is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state — multistate license holders can work in Baltimore without additional licensing.
Which hospitals in Baltimore hire NICU travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Baltimore that hire Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses include: Johns Hopkins Hospital, University of Maryland Medical Center, MedStar Health. Contact these hospitals directly or use an agency to find open NICU positions in Baltimore.
Looking for a contract?
Get matched with top-paying recruiters in your desired state.