NICU Travel Nurse Salary in Hattiesburg, Mississippi
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses heading to Hattiesburg.
Last updated: March 11, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (NICU)
$37/hr
Hattiesburg, MS
Total Weekly Package
$2,626
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$2,193
After ~29% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: NICU in Hattiesburg
GSA Housing (Monthly Est.)
$2,970/mo
$98/night × 30 days
Avg 1BR Rent
$1,000/mo
COL index: 95
Monthly Margin
+1,970/mo
Stipend covers rent
Mississippi NICU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for NICU travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$1,492
Max Weekly Stipend
$1,134
Annual Potential
$77,603
Tax estimate: 5% state + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your NICU Pay in Hattiesburg
Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for Hattiesburg'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 5% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$68.53
Based on 36 hours in MS.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,467
Taxable Weekly Income
$1,368
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$397
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,070
Looking for a contract? Get matched with top-paying recruiters.
Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$26,914
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$53,827
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$107,655
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,070
per week
Taxes
$397
per week
Total Gross: $2,467 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$686
≈ $2,970/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Mississippi
$800
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$2,170
Your stipend covers rent with $2,170 left over each month.
Find apartments under $800/month in Jackson:
Affiliate link
We may earn a commission if you book through our link.
Cost of Living Analysis in Mississippi
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Mississippi's cost of living is lower than the national average by 16.7 points.
💡 Lower cost of living area. Your pay may go further here than in expensive cities.
Housing Cost: Very Low
Utilities: Low
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 — Hattiesburg
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for NICU travel nurses working in Hattiesburg. Stipend amounts above these limits are taxable.
Lodging
$98/night
$686/week
Meals & Incidentals
$64/day
$448/week
Total Weekly Max
$1,134
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 Mississippi
NICU Certifications Required
- BLS
- NRP
- 2+ years NICU experience
Mississippi Licensing
Hospitals Hiring NICU Travel Nurses in Hattiesburg
- Hattiesburg Regional Medical
- Hattiesburg General Hospital
- Community Health Hattiesburg
Other Specialties in Hattiesburg
ICU
~$38/hr
Very HighER
~$37/hr
Very HighOR
~$39/hr
HighLabor & Delivery
~$36/hr
HighMed-Surg
~$33/hr
Very HighPACU
~$37/hr
HighPICU
~$38/hr
HighPsychiatric
~$34/hr
ModerateOncology
~$35/hr
HighOther Mississippi Cities for NICU Travel Nurses
View all Mississippi cities →Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do NICU travel nurses make in Hattiesburg?
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses in Hattiesburg earn approximately $37/hr in taxable wages ($1,492/week). Including GSA stipends up to $1,134/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $2,626. Annual potential is $77,603 working full-time.
What are the 2026 GSA rates for Hattiesburg?
The 2026 GSA per diem rates for Hattiesburg are: Lodging $98/night, Meals $59/day, and Incidentals $5/day. Maximum weekly tax-free stipend: $1,134. These rates set the ceiling for tax-free travel nurse stipends — amounts above these limits become taxable.
Is Hattiesburg affordable for travel nurses?
The cost of living index in Hattiesburg is 95 (below the national average of 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,000/month. The GSA lodging stipend covers ~$2,970/month, leaving a surplus of $1,970/month. Your stipend should fully cover average rent.
What certifications do NICU travel nurses need for Mississippi assignments?
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses need: BLS, NRP, 2+ years NICU experience. For Mississippi specifically: Mississippi is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state — multistate license holders can work in Hattiesburg without additional licensing.
Which hospitals in Hattiesburg hire NICU travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Hattiesburg that hire Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses include: Hattiesburg Regional Medical, Hattiesburg General Hospital, Community Health Hattiesburg. Contact these hospitals directly or use an agency to find open NICU positions in Hattiesburg.
Looking for a contract?
Get matched with top-paying recruiters in your desired state.