PICU Travel Nurse Salary in Missoula, Montana
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Pediatric 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 (PICU)
$51/hr
Missoula, MT
Total Weekly Package
$3,174
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$2,547
After ~30.75% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: PICU 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 PICU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for PICU travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$2,040
Max Weekly Stipend
$1,134
Annual Potential
$106,080
Tax estimate: 6.75% state + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your PICU 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 PICU 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 PICU Travel Nurses in Montana
PICU Certifications Required
- BLS
- PALS
- 2+ years PICU experience
Montana Licensing
Hospitals Hiring PICU 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
HighNICU
~$50/hr
HighPsychiatric
~$45/hr
ModerateOncology
~$47/hr
HighOther Montana Cities for PICU Travel Nurses
View all Montana cities →Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do PICU travel nurses make in Missoula?
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurses in Missoula earn approximately $51/hr in taxable wages ($2,040/week). Including GSA stipends up to $1,134/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $3,174. Annual potential is $106,080 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 PICU travel nurses need for Montana assignments?
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurses need: BLS, PALS, 2+ years PICU 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 PICU travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Missoula that hire Pediatric 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 PICU positions in Missoula.
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