PICU Travel Nurse Salary in Mankato, Minnesota
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurses heading to Mankato.
Last updated: March 11, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (PICU)
$48/hr
Mankato, MN
Total Weekly Package
$3,243
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$2,593
After ~33.85% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: PICU in Mankato
GSA Housing (Monthly Est.)
$3,637/mo
$120/night × 30 days
Avg 1BR Rent
$1,000/mo
COL index: 95
Monthly Margin
+2,637/mo
Stipend covers rent
Minnesota PICU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for PICU travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$1,920
Max Weekly Stipend
$1,323
Annual Potential
$99,840
Tax estimate: 9.85% state + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your PICU Pay in Mankato
Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for Mankato's GSA rates and cost of living index of 95.
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
Estimate your take-home pay, taxes, and blended rate in seconds.
Same state assignment. You'll pay 9.85% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$83.78
Based on 36 hours in MN.
Gross Weekly Pay
$3,016
Taxable Weekly Income
$1,728
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$585
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,431
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$31,604
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$63,208
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$126,416
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,431
per week
Taxes
$585
per week
Total Gross: $3,016 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$840
≈ $3,637/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Minnesota
$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 Minneapolis:
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Cost of Living Analysis in Minnesota
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Minnesota's cost of living is lower than the national average by 2.8 points.
Housing Cost: Moderate
Utilities: Moderate
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 — Mankato
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for PICU travel nurses working in Mankato. 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 PICU Travel Nurses in Minnesota
PICU Certifications Required
- BLS
- PALS
- 2+ years PICU experience
Minnesota Licensing
Hospitals Hiring PICU Travel Nurses in Mankato
- Mankato Regional Medical
- Mankato General Hospital
- Community Health Mankato
Other Specialties in Mankato
ICU
~$48/hr
Very HighER
~$47/hr
Very HighOR
~$49/hr
HighLabor & Delivery
~$45/hr
HighMed-Surg
~$42/hr
Very HighPACU
~$46/hr
HighNICU
~$47/hr
HighPsychiatric
~$43/hr
ModerateOncology
~$45/hr
HighOther Minnesota Cities for PICU Travel Nurses
View all Minnesota cities →Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do PICU travel nurses make in Mankato?
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurses in Mankato earn approximately $48/hr in taxable wages ($1,920/week). Including GSA stipends up to $1,323/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $3,243. Annual potential is $99,840 working full-time.
What are the 2026 GSA rates for Mankato?
The 2026 GSA per diem rates for Mankato 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 Mankato affordable for travel nurses?
The cost of living index in Mankato is 95 (below the national average of 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,000/month. The GSA lodging stipend covers ~$3,637/month, leaving a surplus of $2,637/month. Your stipend should fully cover average rent.
What certifications do PICU travel nurses need for Minnesota assignments?
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurses need: BLS, PALS, 2+ years PICU experience. For Minnesota specifically: Minnesota is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state — multistate license holders can work in Mankato without additional licensing.
Which hospitals in Mankato hire PICU travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Mankato that hire Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurses include: Mankato Regional Medical, Mankato General Hospital, Community Health Mankato. Contact these hospitals directly or use an agency to find open PICU positions in Mankato.
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