PICU Travel Nurse Salary in Kearney, Nebraska
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurses heading to Kearney.
Last updated: March 11, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (PICU)
$41/hr
Kearney, NE
Total Weekly Package
$2,774
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$2,268
After ~30.84% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: PICU in Kearney
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
Nebraska PICU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for PICU travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$1,640
Max Weekly Stipend
$1,134
Annual Potential
$85,280
Tax estimate: 6.84% state + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your PICU Pay in Kearney
Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for Kearney's GSA rates and cost of living index of 95.
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
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Same state assignment. You'll pay 6.84% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$71.53
Based on 36 hours in NE.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,575
Taxable Weekly Income
$1,476
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$455
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,120
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$27,557
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$55,115
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$110,230
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,120
per week
Taxes
$455
per week
Total Gross: $2,575 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$686
≈ $2,970/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Nebraska
$900
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$2,070
Your stipend covers rent with $2,070 left over each month.
Find apartments under $900/month in Omaha:
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Cost of Living Analysis in Nebraska
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Nebraska's cost of living is lower than the national average by 10.9 points.
💡 Lower cost of living area. Your pay may go further here than in expensive cities.
Housing Cost: Low
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 — Kearney
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for PICU travel nurses working in Kearney. 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 Nebraska
PICU Certifications Required
- BLS
- PALS
- 2+ years PICU experience
Nebraska Licensing
Hospitals Hiring PICU Travel Nurses in Kearney
- Kearney Regional Medical
- Kearney General Hospital
- Community Health Kearney
Other Specialties in Kearney
ICU
~$41/hr
Very HighER
~$40/hr
Very HighOR
~$42/hr
HighLabor & Delivery
~$39/hr
HighMed-Surg
~$36/hr
Very HighPACU
~$40/hr
HighNICU
~$40/hr
HighPsychiatric
~$37/hr
ModerateOncology
~$38/hr
HighOther Nebraska Cities for PICU Travel Nurses
View all Nebraska cities →Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do PICU travel nurses make in Kearney?
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurses in Kearney earn approximately $41/hr in taxable wages ($1,640/week). Including GSA stipends up to $1,134/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $2,774. Annual potential is $85,280 working full-time.
What are the 2026 GSA rates for Kearney?
The 2026 GSA per diem rates for Kearney 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 Kearney affordable for travel nurses?
The cost of living index in Kearney 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 PICU travel nurses need for Nebraska assignments?
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurses need: BLS, PALS, 2+ years PICU experience. For Nebraska specifically: Nebraska is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state — multistate license holders can work in Kearney without additional licensing.
Which hospitals in Kearney hire PICU travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Kearney that hire Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurses include: Kearney Regional Medical, Kearney General Hospital, Community Health Kearney. Contact these hospitals directly or use an agency to find open PICU positions in Kearney.
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