PICU Travel Nurse Salary in Reno, Nevada
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurses heading to Reno.
Last updated: March 11, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (PICU)
$52/hr
Reno, NV
Total Weekly Package
$3,487
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$2,988
After ~24% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: PICU in Reno
GSA Housing (Monthly Est.)
$4,001/mo
$132/night × 30 days
Avg 1BR Rent
$1,200/mo
COL index: 105.2
Monthly Margin
+2,801/mo
Stipend covers rent
Nevada PICU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for PICU travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$2,080
Max Weekly Stipend
$1,407
Annual Potential
$108,160
Tax estimate: No state tax + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your PICU Pay in Reno
Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for Reno's GSA rates and cost of living index of 105.2.
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
Estimate your take-home pay, taxes, and blended rate in seconds.
Same state assignment. You'll pay no state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$85.78
Based on 36 hours in NV.
Gross Weekly Pay
$3,088
Taxable Weekly Income
$1,800
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$432
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,656
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$34,528
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$69,056
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$138,112
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,656
per week
Taxes
$432
per week
Total Gross: $3,088 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$840
≈ $3,637/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Nevada
$1,300
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$2,337
Your stipend covers rent with $2,337 left over each month.
Find apartments under $1,300/month in Las Vegas:
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Cost of Living Analysis in Nevada
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Nevada's cost of living is higher than the national average by 1.6 points.
Housing Cost: Moderate
Utilities: Moderate
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 — Reno
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for PICU travel nurses working in Reno. Stipend amounts above these limits are taxable.
Lodging
$132/night
$924/week
Meals & Incidentals
$69/day
$483/week
Total Weekly Max
$1,407
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 Nevada
PICU Certifications Required
- BLS
- PALS
- 2+ years PICU experience
Nevada Licensing
Hospitals Hiring PICU Travel Nurses in Reno
- Renown Health
- Saint Mary's
- VA Medical Center
Other Specialties in Reno
ICU
~$52/hr
Very HighER
~$51/hr
Very HighOR
~$53/hr
HighLabor & Delivery
~$49/hr
HighMed-Surg
~$45/hr
Very HighPACU
~$50/hr
HighNICU
~$51/hr
HighPsychiatric
~$46/hr
ModerateOncology
~$48/hr
HighOther Nevada Cities for PICU Travel Nurses
View all Nevada cities →Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do PICU travel nurses make in Reno?
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurses in Reno earn approximately $52/hr in taxable wages ($2,080/week). Including GSA stipends up to $1,407/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $3,487. Annual potential is $108,160 working full-time.
What are the 2026 GSA rates for Reno?
The 2026 GSA per diem rates for Reno are: Lodging $132/night, Meals $64/day, and Incidentals $5/day. Maximum weekly tax-free stipend: $1,407. These rates set the ceiling for tax-free travel nurse stipends — amounts above these limits become taxable.
Is Reno affordable for travel nurses?
The cost of living index in Reno is 105.2 (above the national average of 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,200/month. The GSA lodging stipend covers ~$4,001/month, leaving a surplus of $2,801/month. Your stipend should fully cover average rent.
What certifications do PICU travel nurses need for Nevada assignments?
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurses need: BLS, PALS, 2+ years PICU experience. For Nevada specifically: Nevada is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state — multistate license holders can work in Reno without additional licensing.
Which hospitals in Reno hire PICU travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Reno that hire Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurses include: Renown Health, Saint Mary's, VA Medical Center. Contact these hospitals directly or use an agency to find open PICU positions in Reno.
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