NICU Travel Nurse Salary in Frederick, Maryland
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses heading to Frederick.
Last updated: March 11, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (NICU)
$49/hr
Frederick, MD
Total Weekly Package
$3,392
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$2,808
After ~29.75% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: NICU in Frederick
GSA Housing (Monthly Est.)
$3,940/mo
$130/night × 30 days
Avg 1BR Rent
$1,000/mo
COL index: 95
Monthly Margin
+2,940/mo
Stipend covers rent
Maryland NICU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for NICU travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$1,964
Max Weekly Stipend
$1,428
Annual Potential
$102,109
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 Frederick
Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for Frederick's GSA rates and cost of living index of 95.
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
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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
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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:
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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.
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2026 GSA Per Diem Rates — Frederick
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for NICU travel nurses working in Frederick. Stipend amounts above these limits are taxable.
Lodging
$130/night
$910/week
Meals & Incidentals
$74/day
$518/week
Total Weekly Max
$1,428
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 Frederick
- Frederick Regional Medical
- Frederick General Hospital
- Community Health Frederick
Other Specialties in Frederick
ICU
~$50/hr
Very HighER
~$49/hr
Very HighOR
~$51/hr
HighLabor & Delivery
~$47/hr
HighMed-Surg
~$44/hr
Very HighPACU
~$48/hr
HighPICU
~$50/hr
HighPsychiatric
~$45/hr
ModerateOncology
~$46/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 Frederick?
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses in Frederick earn approximately $49/hr in taxable wages ($1,964/week). Including GSA stipends up to $1,428/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $3,392. Annual potential is $102,109 working full-time.
What are the 2026 GSA rates for Frederick?
The 2026 GSA per diem rates for Frederick are: Lodging $130/night, Meals $69/day, and Incidentals $5/day. Maximum weekly tax-free stipend: $1,428. These rates set the ceiling for tax-free travel nurse stipends — amounts above these limits become taxable.
Is Frederick affordable for travel nurses?
The cost of living index in Frederick is 95 (below the national average of 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,000/month. The GSA lodging stipend covers ~$3,940/month, leaving a surplus of $2,940/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 Frederick without additional licensing.
Which hospitals in Frederick hire NICU travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Frederick that hire Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses include: Frederick Regional Medical, Frederick General Hospital, Community Health Frederick. Contact these hospitals directly or use an agency to find open NICU positions in Frederick.
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