NICU Travel Nurse Salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses heading to Albuquerque.
Last updated: March 11, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (NICU)
$47/hr
Albuquerque, NM
Total Weekly Package
$3,362
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$2,798
After ~29.9% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: NICU in Albuquerque
GSA Housing (Monthly Est.)
$4,304/mo
$142/night × 30 days
Avg 1BR Rent
$1,100/mo
COL index: 90.3
Monthly Margin
+3,204/mo
Stipend covers rent
New Mexico NICU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for NICU travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$1,885
Max Weekly Stipend
$1,477
Annual Potential
$98,025
Tax estimate: 5.9% state + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your NICU Pay in Albuquerque
Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for Albuquerque's GSA rates and cost of living index of 90.3.
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
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Same state assignment. You'll pay 5.9% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$76.53
Based on 36 hours in NM.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,755
Taxable Weekly Income
$1,656
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$495
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,260
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$29,378
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$58,756
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$117,513
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,260
per week
Taxes
$495
per week
Total Gross: $2,755 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$686
≈ $2,970/month
Est. 1BR Rent in New Mexico
$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 Albuquerque:
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Cost of Living Analysis in New Mexico
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. New Mexico's cost of living is lower than the national average by 11.6 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 — Albuquerque
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for NICU travel nurses working in Albuquerque. Stipend amounts above these limits are taxable.
Lodging
$142/night
$994/week
Meals & Incidentals
$69/day
$483/week
Total Weekly Max
$1,477
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 Mexico
NICU Certifications Required
- BLS
- NRP
- 2+ years NICU experience
New Mexico Licensing
Hospitals Hiring NICU Travel Nurses in Albuquerque
- UNM Hospital
- Presbyterian Hospital
- Lovelace Medical Center
Other Specialties in Albuquerque
ICU
~$48/hr
Very HighER
~$47/hr
Very HighOR
~$49/hr
HighLabor & Delivery
~$45/hr
HighMed-Surg
~$42/hr
Very HighPACU
~$46/hr
HighPICU
~$48/hr
HighPsychiatric
~$43/hr
ModerateOncology
~$45/hr
HighOther New Mexico Cities for NICU Travel Nurses
View all New Mexico cities →Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do NICU travel nurses make in Albuquerque?
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses in Albuquerque earn approximately $47/hr in taxable wages ($1,885/week). Including GSA stipends up to $1,477/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $3,362. Annual potential is $98,025 working full-time.
What are the 2026 GSA rates for Albuquerque?
The 2026 GSA per diem rates for Albuquerque are: Lodging $142/night, Meals $64/day, and Incidentals $5/day. Maximum weekly tax-free stipend: $1,477. These rates set the ceiling for tax-free travel nurse stipends — amounts above these limits become taxable.
Is Albuquerque affordable for travel nurses?
The cost of living index in Albuquerque is 90.3 (below the national average of 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,100/month. The GSA lodging stipend covers ~$4,304/month, leaving a surplus of $3,204/month. Your stipend should fully cover average rent.
What certifications do NICU travel nurses need for New Mexico assignments?
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses need: BLS, NRP, 2+ years NICU experience. For New Mexico specifically: New Mexico is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state — multistate license holders can work in Albuquerque without additional licensing.
Which hospitals in Albuquerque hire NICU travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Albuquerque that hire Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses include: UNM Hospital, Presbyterian Hospital, Lovelace Medical Center. Contact these hospitals directly or use an agency to find open NICU positions in Albuquerque.
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