NICU Travel Nurse Salary in Missoula, Montana
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses heading to Missoula.
Last updated: March 11, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (NICU)
$50/hr
Missoula, MT
Total Weekly Package
$3,137
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$2,521
After ~30.75% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: NICU in Missoula
GSA Housing (Monthly Est.)
$2,970/mo
$98/night × 30 days
Avg 1BR Rent
$1,200/mo
COL index: 102.5
Monthly Margin
+1,770/mo
Stipend covers rent
Montana NICU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for NICU travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$2,003
Max Weekly Stipend
$1,134
Annual Potential
$104,151
Tax estimate: 6.75% state + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your NICU Pay in Missoula
Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for Missoula's GSA rates and cost of living index of 102.5.
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
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Same state assignment. You'll pay 6.75% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$74.53
Based on 36 hours in MT.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,683
Taxable Weekly Income
$1,584
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$487
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,196
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$28,547
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$57,094
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$114,188
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,196
per week
Taxes
$487
per week
Total Gross: $2,683 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$686
≈ $2,970/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Montana
$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 Billings:
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Cost of Living Analysis in Montana
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Montana's cost of living is higher than the national average by 2.5 points.
Housing Cost: Moderate
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 — Missoula
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for NICU travel nurses working in Missoula. 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 Montana
NICU Certifications Required
- BLS
- NRP
- 2+ years NICU experience
Montana Licensing
Hospitals Hiring NICU Travel Nurses in Missoula
- Providence St. Patrick
- Community Medical Center
- Western Montana Clinic
Other Specialties in Missoula
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 Montana Cities for NICU Travel Nurses
View all Montana cities →Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do NICU travel nurses make in Missoula?
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses in Missoula earn approximately $50/hr in taxable wages ($2,003/week). Including GSA stipends up to $1,134/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $3,137. Annual potential is $104,151 working full-time.
What are the 2026 GSA rates for Missoula?
The 2026 GSA per diem rates for Missoula 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 Missoula affordable for travel nurses?
The cost of living index in Missoula is 102.5 (above the national average of 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,200/month. The GSA lodging stipend covers ~$2,970/month, leaving a surplus of $1,770/month. Your stipend should fully cover average rent.
What certifications do NICU travel nurses need for Montana assignments?
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses need: BLS, NRP, 2+ years NICU experience. For Montana specifically: Montana is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state — multistate license holders can work in Missoula without additional licensing.
Which hospitals in Missoula hire NICU travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Missoula that hire Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses include: Providence St. Patrick, Community Medical Center, Western Montana Clinic. Contact these hospitals directly or use an agency to find open NICU positions in Missoula.
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