NICU Travel Nurse Salary in Jersey City, New Jersey
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses heading to Jersey City.
Last updated: March 11, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (NICU)
$51/hr
Jersey City, NJ
Total Weekly Package
$3,470
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$2,760
After ~34.75% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: NICU in Jersey City
GSA Housing (Monthly Est.)
$3,940/mo
$130/night × 30 days
Avg 1BR Rent
$1,000/mo
COL index: 95
Monthly Margin
+2,940/mo
Stipend covers rent
New Jersey NICU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for NICU travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$2,042
Max Weekly Stipend
$1,428
Annual Potential
$106,193
Tax estimate: 10.75% state + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your NICU Pay in Jersey City
Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for Jersey City'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 10.75% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$90.69
Based on 36 hours in NJ.
Gross Weekly Pay
$3,265
Taxable Weekly Income
$1,872
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$651
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,614
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$33,988
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$67,976
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$135,953
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,614
per week
Taxes
$651
per week
Total Gross: $3,265 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$910
≈ $3,940/month
Est. 1BR Rent in New Jersey
$1,500
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$2,440
Your stipend covers rent with $2,440 left over each month.
Find apartments under $1,500/month in Newark:
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Cost of Living Analysis in New Jersey
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. New Jersey's cost of living is higher than the national average by 20.4 points.
💡 High cost of living area. Ensure your pay compensates for the increased expenses.
Housing Cost: High
Utilities: High
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 — Jersey City
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for NICU travel nurses working in Jersey City. Stipend amounts above these limits are taxable.
Lodging
$130/night
$910/week
Meals & Incidentals
$74/day
$518/week
Total Weekly Max
$1,428
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 New Jersey
NICU Certifications Required
- BLS
- NRP
- 2+ years NICU experience
New Jersey Licensing
Hospitals Hiring NICU Travel Nurses in Jersey City
- Jersey City Regional Medical
- Jersey City General Hospital
- Community Health Jersey City
Other Specialties in Jersey City
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 New Jersey Cities for NICU Travel Nurses
View all New Jersey cities →Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do NICU travel nurses make in Jersey City?
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses in Jersey City earn approximately $51/hr in taxable wages ($2,042/week). Including GSA stipends up to $1,428/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $3,470. Annual potential is $106,193 working full-time.
What are the 2026 GSA rates for Jersey City?
The 2026 GSA per diem rates for Jersey City are: Lodging $130/night, Meals $69/day, and Incidentals $5/day. Maximum weekly tax-free stipend: $1,428. These rates set the ceiling for tax-free travel nurse stipends — amounts above these limits become taxable.
Is Jersey City affordable for travel nurses?
The cost of living index in Jersey City is 95 (below the national average of 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,000/month. The GSA lodging stipend covers ~$3,940/month, leaving a surplus of $2,940/month. Your stipend should fully cover average rent.
What certifications do NICU travel nurses need for New Jersey assignments?
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses need: BLS, NRP, 2+ years NICU experience. For New Jersey specifically: A separate New Jersey RN license is required. Cost: $300, processing time: 4-6 weeks.
Which hospitals in Jersey City hire NICU travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Jersey City that hire Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses include: Jersey City Regional Medical, Jersey City General Hospital, Community Health Jersey City. Contact these hospitals directly or use an agency to find open NICU positions in Jersey City.
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