ICU Travel Nurse Salary in Rio Rancho, New Mexico
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Intensive Care Unit travel nurses heading to Rio Rancho.
Last updated: March 11, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (ICU)
$46/hr
Rio Rancho, NM
Total Weekly Package
$2,974
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$2,424
After ~29.9% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: ICU in Rio Rancho
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
New Mexico ICU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for ICU travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$1,840
Max Weekly Stipend
$1,134
Annual Potential
$95,680
Tax estimate: 5.9% state + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your ICU Pay in Rio Rancho
Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for Rio Rancho's GSA rates and cost of living index of 95.
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 — Rio Rancho
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for ICU travel nurses working in Rio Rancho. 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 ICU Travel Nurses in New Mexico
ICU Certifications Required
- ACLS
- BLS
- 2+ years ICU experience
- Critical care certification preferred
New Mexico Licensing
Hospitals Hiring ICU Travel Nurses in Rio Rancho
- Rio Rancho Regional Medical
- Rio Rancho General Hospital
- Community Health Rio Rancho
Other Specialties in Rio Rancho
ER
~$45/hr
Very HighOR
~$47/hr
HighLabor & Delivery
~$43/hr
HighMed-Surg
~$40/hr
Very HighPACU
~$44/hr
HighNICU
~$45/hr
HighPICU
~$46/hr
HighPsychiatric
~$41/hr
ModerateOncology
~$43/hr
HighOther New Mexico Cities for ICU Travel Nurses
View all New Mexico cities →Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do ICU travel nurses make in Rio Rancho?
Intensive Care Unit travel nurses in Rio Rancho earn approximately $46/hr in taxable wages ($1,840/week). Including GSA stipends up to $1,134/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $2,974. Annual potential is $95,680 working full-time.
What are the 2026 GSA rates for Rio Rancho?
The 2026 GSA per diem rates for Rio Rancho 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 Rio Rancho affordable for travel nurses?
The cost of living index in Rio Rancho 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 ICU travel nurses need for New Mexico assignments?
Intensive Care Unit travel nurses need: ACLS, BLS, 2+ years ICU experience, Critical care certification preferred. For New Mexico specifically: New Mexico is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state — multistate license holders can work in Rio Rancho without additional licensing.
Which hospitals in Rio Rancho hire ICU travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Rio Rancho that hire Intensive Care Unit travel nurses include: Rio Rancho Regional Medical, Rio Rancho General Hospital, Community Health Rio Rancho. ICU is in very high demand nationally — facilities in Rio Rancho actively seek qualified candidates and often offer premium packages.
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