NICU Travel Nurse Salary in Grand Rapids, Michigan
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses heading to Grand Rapids.
Last updated: March 11, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (NICU)
$50/hr
Grand Rapids, MI
Total Weekly Package
$3,410
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$2,844
After ~28.25% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: NICU in Grand Rapids
GSA Housing (Monthly Est.)
$4,001/mo
$132/night × 30 days
Avg 1BR Rent
$1,000/mo
COL index: 88.1
Monthly Margin
+3,001/mo
Stipend covers rent
Michigan NICU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for NICU travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$2,003
Max Weekly Stipend
$1,407
Annual Potential
$104,151
Tax estimate: 4.25% state + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your NICU Pay in Grand Rapids
Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for Grand Rapids's GSA rates and cost of living index of 88.1.
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
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Same state assignment. You'll pay 4.25% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$75.53
Based on 36 hours in MI.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,719
Taxable Weekly Income
$1,620
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$458
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,261
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$29,398
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$58,795
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$117,590
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,261
per week
Taxes
$458
per week
Total Gross: $2,719 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$686
≈ $2,970/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Michigan
$1,000
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$1,970
Your stipend covers rent with $1,970 left over each month.
Find apartments under $1,000/month in Detroit:
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Cost of Living Analysis in Michigan
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Michigan's cost of living is lower than the national average by 11.0 points.
💡 Lower cost of living area. Your pay may go further here than in expensive cities.
Housing Cost: Low
Utilities: Low
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 — Grand Rapids
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for NICU travel nurses working in Grand Rapids. 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 NICU Travel Nurses in Michigan
NICU Certifications Required
- BLS
- NRP
- 2+ years NICU experience
Michigan Licensing
Hospitals Hiring NICU Travel Nurses in Grand Rapids
- Spectrum Health
- Mercy Health
- University of Michigan Health West
Other Specialties in Grand Rapids
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 Michigan Cities for NICU Travel Nurses
Detroit
~$50/hr NICU
COL: 88.9
Lansing
~$49/hr NICU
COL: 86.2
Muskegon
~$44/hr NICU
COL: 95
Saginaw
~$44/hr NICU
COL: 95
Sterling Heights
~$50/hr NICU
COL: 88.5
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do NICU travel nurses make in Grand Rapids?
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses in Grand Rapids earn approximately $50/hr in taxable wages ($2,003/week). Including GSA stipends up to $1,407/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $3,410. Annual potential is $104,151 working full-time.
What are the 2026 GSA rates for Grand Rapids?
The 2026 GSA per diem rates for Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids affordable for travel nurses?
The cost of living index in Grand Rapids is 88.1 (below the national average of 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,000/month. The GSA lodging stipend covers ~$4,001/month, leaving a surplus of $3,001/month. Your stipend should fully cover average rent.
What certifications do NICU travel nurses need for Michigan assignments?
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses need: BLS, NRP, 2+ years NICU experience. For Michigan specifically: Michigan is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state — multistate license holders can work in Grand Rapids without additional licensing.
Which hospitals in Grand Rapids hire NICU travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Grand Rapids that hire Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses include: Spectrum Health, Mercy Health, University of Michigan Health West. Contact these hospitals directly or use an agency to find open NICU positions in Grand Rapids.
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