NICU Travel Nurse Salary in Minneapolis, Minnesota
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses heading to Minneapolis.
Last updated: March 11, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (NICU)
$52/hr
Minneapolis, MN
Total Weekly Package
$3,845
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$3,141
After ~33.85% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: NICU in Minneapolis
GSA Housing (Monthly Est.)
$5,547/mo
$183/night × 30 days
Avg 1BR Rent
$1,400/mo
COL index: 105.3
Monthly Margin
+4,147/mo
Stipend covers rent
Minnesota NICU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for NICU travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$2,081
Max Weekly Stipend
$1,764
Annual Potential
$108,236
Tax estimate: 9.85% state + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your NICU Pay in Minneapolis
Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for Minneapolis's GSA rates and cost of living index of 105.3.
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
Looking for a contract? Get matched with top-paying recruiters.
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:
Affiliate link
We may earn a commission if you book through our link.
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.
Resources for Your Assignment
These are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
2026 GSA Per Diem Rates — Minneapolis
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for NICU travel nurses working in Minneapolis. 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 Minnesota
NICU Certifications Required
- BLS
- NRP
- 2+ years NICU experience
Minnesota Licensing
Hospitals Hiring NICU Travel Nurses in Minneapolis
- Mayo Clinic
- University of Minnesota Medical Center
- Abbott Northwestern
Other Specialties in Minneapolis
ICU
~$53/hr
Very HighER
~$52/hr
Very HighOR
~$54/hr
HighLabor & Delivery
~$50/hr
HighMed-Surg
~$46/hr
Very HighPACU
~$51/hr
HighPICU
~$53/hr
HighPsychiatric
~$47/hr
ModerateOncology
~$49/hr
HighOther Minnesota Cities for NICU Travel Nurses
View all Minnesota cities →Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do NICU travel nurses make in Minneapolis?
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses in Minneapolis earn approximately $52/hr in taxable wages ($2,081/week). Including GSA stipends up to $1,764/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $3,845. Annual potential is $108,236 working full-time.
What are the 2026 GSA rates for Minneapolis?
The 2026 GSA per diem rates for Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis affordable for travel nurses?
The cost of living index in Minneapolis is 105.3 (above the national average of 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,400/month. The GSA lodging stipend covers ~$5,547/month, leaving a surplus of $4,147/month. Your stipend should fully cover average rent.
What certifications do NICU travel nurses need for Minnesota assignments?
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses need: BLS, NRP, 2+ years NICU experience. For Minnesota specifically: Minnesota is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state — multistate license holders can work in Minneapolis without additional licensing.
Which hospitals in Minneapolis hire NICU travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Minneapolis that hire Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses include: Mayo Clinic, University of Minnesota Medical Center, Abbott Northwestern. Contact these hospitals directly or use an agency to find open NICU positions in Minneapolis.
Looking for a contract?
Get matched with top-paying recruiters in your desired state.