NICU Travel Nurse Salary in Portland, Maine
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses heading to Portland.
Last updated: March 11, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (NICU)
$50/hr
Portland, ME
Total Weekly Package
$3,326
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$2,702
After ~31.15% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: NICU in Portland
GSA Housing (Monthly Est.)
$3,637/mo
$120/night × 30 days
Avg 1BR Rent
$1,300/mo
COL index: 112.5
Monthly Margin
+2,337/mo
Stipend covers rent
Maine NICU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for NICU travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$2,003
Max Weekly Stipend
$1,323
Annual Potential
$104,151
Tax estimate: 7.15% state + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your NICU Pay in Portland
Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for Portland's GSA rates and cost of living index of 112.5.
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
Estimate your take-home pay, taxes, and blended rate in seconds.
Same state assignment. You'll pay 7.15% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$81.78
Based on 36 hours in ME.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,944
Taxable Weekly Income
$1,656
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$516
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,428
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$31,566
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$63,132
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$126,264
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,428
per week
Taxes
$516
per week
Total Gross: $2,944 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$840
≈ $3,637/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Maine
$1,100
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$2,537
Your stipend covers rent with $2,537 left over each month.
Find apartments under $1,100/month in Portland:
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Cost of Living Analysis in Maine
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Maine's cost of living is higher than the national average by 8.1 points.
Housing Cost: Moderate
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 — Portland
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for NICU travel nurses working in Portland. Stipend amounts above these limits are taxable.
Lodging
$120/night
$840/week
Meals & Incidentals
$69/day
$483/week
Total Weekly Max
$1,323
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 Maine
NICU Certifications Required
- BLS
- NRP
- 2+ years NICU experience
Maine Licensing
Hospitals Hiring NICU Travel Nurses in Portland
- Maine Medical Center
- Mercy Hospital
- Northern Light Health
Other Specialties in Portland
ICU
~$51/hr
Very HighER
~$50/hr
Very HighOR
~$52/hr
HighLabor & Delivery
~$48/hr
HighMed-Surg
~$45/hr
Very HighPACU
~$49/hr
HighPICU
~$51/hr
HighPsychiatric
~$45/hr
ModerateOncology
~$47/hr
HighOther Maine Cities for NICU Travel Nurses
View all Maine cities →Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do NICU travel nurses make in Portland?
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses in Portland earn approximately $50/hr in taxable wages ($2,003/week). Including GSA stipends up to $1,323/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $3,326. Annual potential is $104,151 working full-time.
What are the 2026 GSA rates for Portland?
The 2026 GSA per diem rates for Portland are: Lodging $120/night, Meals $64/day, and Incidentals $5/day. Maximum weekly tax-free stipend: $1,323. These rates set the ceiling for tax-free travel nurse stipends — amounts above these limits become taxable.
Is Portland affordable for travel nurses?
The cost of living index in Portland is 112.5 (above the national average of 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,300/month. The GSA lodging stipend covers ~$3,637/month, leaving a surplus of $2,337/month. Your stipend should fully cover average rent.
What certifications do NICU travel nurses need for Maine assignments?
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses need: BLS, NRP, 2+ years NICU experience. For Maine specifically: Maine is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state — multistate license holders can work in Portland without additional licensing.
Which hospitals in Portland hire NICU travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Portland that hire Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses include: Maine Medical Center, Mercy Hospital, Northern Light Health. Contact these hospitals directly or use an agency to find open NICU positions in Portland.
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