ICU Travel Nurse Salary in Newark, New Jersey
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Intensive Care Unit travel nurses heading to Newark.
Last updated: March 11, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (ICU)
$52/hr
Newark, NJ
Total Weekly Package
$3,508
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$2,785
After ~34.75% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: ICU in Newark
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 ICU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for ICU travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$2,080
Max Weekly Stipend
$1,428
Annual Potential
$108,160
Tax estimate: 10.75% state + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your ICU Pay in Newark
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Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
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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 — Newark
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for ICU travel nurses working in Newark. 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 ICU Travel Nurses in New Jersey
ICU Certifications Required
- ACLS
- BLS
- 2+ years ICU experience
- Critical care certification preferred
New Jersey Licensing
Hospitals Hiring ICU Travel Nurses in Newark
- Newark Regional Medical
- Newark General Hospital
- Community Health Newark
Other Specialties in Newark
ER
~$51/hr
Very HighOR
~$53/hr
HighLabor & Delivery
~$49/hr
HighMed-Surg
~$45/hr
Very HighPACU
~$50/hr
HighNICU
~$51/hr
HighPICU
~$52/hr
HighPsychiatric
~$46/hr
ModerateOncology
~$48/hr
HighOther New Jersey Cities for ICU Travel Nurses
View all New Jersey cities →Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do ICU travel nurses make in Newark?
Intensive Care Unit travel nurses in Newark earn approximately $52/hr in taxable wages ($2,080/week). Including GSA stipends up to $1,428/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $3,508. Annual potential is $108,160 working full-time.
What are the 2026 GSA rates for Newark?
The 2026 GSA per diem rates for Newark 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 Newark affordable for travel nurses?
The cost of living index in Newark 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 ICU travel nurses need for New Jersey assignments?
Intensive Care Unit travel nurses need: ACLS, BLS, 2+ years ICU experience, Critical care certification preferred. For New Jersey specifically: A separate New Jersey RN license is required. Cost: $300, processing time: 4-6 weeks.
Which hospitals in Newark hire ICU travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Newark that hire Intensive Care Unit travel nurses include: Newark Regional Medical, Newark General Hospital, Community Health Newark. ICU is in very high demand nationally — facilities in Newark actively seek qualified candidates and often offer premium packages.
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