NICU Travel Nurse Salary in Durham, North Carolina
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses heading to Durham.
Last updated: March 11, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (NICU)
$51/hr
Durham, NC
Total Weekly Package
$3,449
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$2,852
After ~29.25% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: NICU in Durham
GSA Housing (Monthly Est.)
$4,001/mo
$132/night × 30 days
Avg 1BR Rent
$1,300/mo
COL index: 102.5
Monthly Margin
+2,701/mo
Stipend covers rent
North Carolina NICU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for NICU travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$2,042
Max Weekly Stipend
$1,407
Annual Potential
$106,193
Tax estimate: 5.25% state + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your NICU Pay in Durham
Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for Durham'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 5.25% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$74.53
Based on 36 hours in NC.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,683
Taxable Weekly Income
$1,584
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$463
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,220
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$28,856
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$57,712
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$115,423
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,220
per week
Taxes
$463
per week
Total Gross: $2,683 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$686
≈ $2,970/month
Est. 1BR Rent in North Carolina
$1,100
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$1,870
Your stipend covers rent with $1,870 left over each month.
Find apartments under $1,100/month in Charlotte:
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Cost of Living Analysis in North Carolina
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. North Carolina's cost of living is lower than the national average by 3.5 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 — Durham
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for NICU travel nurses working in Durham. Stipend amounts above these limits are taxable.
Lodging
$132/night
$924/week
Meals & Incidentals
$69/day
$483/week
Total Weekly Max
$1,407
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 North Carolina
NICU Certifications Required
- BLS
- NRP
- 2+ years NICU experience
North Carolina Licensing
Hospitals Hiring NICU Travel Nurses in Durham
- Duke University Hospital
- UNC Health
- Durham VA
Other Specialties in Durham
ICU
~$52/hr
Very HighER
~$51/hr
Very HighOR
~$53/hr
HighLabor & Delivery
~$49/hr
HighMed-Surg
~$45/hr
Very HighPACU
~$50/hr
HighPICU
~$52/hr
HighPsychiatric
~$46/hr
ModerateOncology
~$48/hr
HighOther North Carolina Cities for NICU Travel Nurses
Asheville
~$49/hr NICU
COL: 108.5
Chapel Hill
~$50/hr NICU
COL: 112.5
Charlotte
~$49/hr NICU
COL: 99.6
Concord
~$43/hr NICU
COL: 95
Fayetteville
~$48/hr NICU
COL: 84.5
Greensboro
~$49/hr NICU
COL: 89.8
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do NICU travel nurses make in Durham?
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses in Durham earn approximately $51/hr in taxable wages ($2,042/week). Including GSA stipends up to $1,407/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $3,449. Annual potential is $106,193 working full-time.
What are the 2026 GSA rates for Durham?
The 2026 GSA per diem rates for Durham are: Lodging $132/night, Meals $64/day, and Incidentals $5/day. Maximum weekly tax-free stipend: $1,407. These rates set the ceiling for tax-free travel nurse stipends — amounts above these limits become taxable.
Is Durham affordable for travel nurses?
The cost of living index in Durham is 102.5 (above the national average of 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,300/month. The GSA lodging stipend covers ~$4,001/month, leaving a surplus of $2,701/month. Your stipend should fully cover average rent.
What certifications do NICU travel nurses need for North Carolina assignments?
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses need: BLS, NRP, 2+ years NICU experience. For North Carolina specifically: North Carolina is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state — multistate license holders can work in Durham without additional licensing.
Which hospitals in Durham hire NICU travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Durham that hire Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses include: Duke University Hospital, UNC Health, Durham VA. Contact these hospitals directly or use an agency to find open NICU positions in Durham.
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