NICU Travel Nurse Salary in Rochester, New York
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses heading to Rochester.
Last updated: March 11, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (NICU)
$54/hr
Rochester, NY
Total Weekly Package
$3,567
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$2,813
After ~34.9% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: NICU in Rochester
GSA Housing (Monthly Est.)
$4,001/mo
$132/night × 30 days
Avg 1BR Rent
$1,000/mo
COL index: 89.5
Monthly Margin
+3,001/mo
Stipend covers rent
New York NICU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for NICU travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$2,160
Max Weekly Stipend
$1,407
Annual Potential
$112,320
Tax estimate: 10.9% state + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your NICU Pay in Rochester
Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for Rochester's GSA rates and cost of living index of 89.5.
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
Estimate your take-home pay, taxes, and blended rate in seconds.
Same state assignment. You'll pay 10.9% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$101.56
Based on 36 hours in NY.
Gross Weekly Pay
$3,656
Taxable Weekly Income
$2,088
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$729
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,927
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$38,055
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$76,109
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$152,219
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,927
per week
Taxes
$729
per week
Total Gross: $3,656 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$1,050
≈ $4,547/month
Est. 1BR Rent in New York
$2,000
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$2,547
Your stipend covers rent with $2,547 left over each month.
Find apartments under $2,000/month in New York City:
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Cost of Living Analysis in New York
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. New York's cost of living is higher than the national average by 39.1 points.
💡 High cost of living area. Ensure your pay compensates for the increased expenses.
Housing Cost: Very 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 — Rochester
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for NICU travel nurses working in Rochester. 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 NICU Travel Nurses in New York
NICU Certifications Required
- BLS
- NRP
- 2+ years NICU experience
New York Licensing
Hospitals Hiring NICU Travel Nurses in Rochester
- UR Medicine Strong Memorial Hospital
- Rochester Regional Health
- Highland Hospital
Other Specialties in Rochester
ICU
~$55/hr
Very HighER
~$54/hr
Very HighOR
~$56/hr
HighLabor & Delivery
~$52/hr
HighMed-Surg
~$48/hr
Very HighPACU
~$53/hr
HighPICU
~$55/hr
HighPsychiatric
~$49/hr
ModerateOncology
~$51/hr
HighOther New York Cities for NICU Travel Nurses
Albany
~$53/hr NICU
COL: 100.2
Buffalo
~$53/hr NICU
COL: 88.1
New York
~$61/hr NICU
COL: 187.2
Syracuse
~$53/hr NICU
COL: 87.2
Yonkers
~$56/hr NICU
COL: 140.5
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do NICU travel nurses make in Rochester?
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses in Rochester earn approximately $54/hr in taxable wages ($2,160/week). Including GSA stipends up to $1,407/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $3,567. Annual potential is $112,320 working full-time.
What are the 2026 GSA rates for Rochester?
The 2026 GSA per diem rates for Rochester 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 Rochester affordable for travel nurses?
The cost of living index in Rochester is 89.5 (below the national average of 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,000/month. The GSA lodging stipend covers ~$4,001/month, leaving a surplus of $3,001/month. Your stipend should fully cover average rent.
What certifications do NICU travel nurses need for New York assignments?
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses need: BLS, NRP, 2+ years NICU experience. For New York specifically: A separate New York RN license is required. Cost: $300, processing time: 4-6 weeks.
Which hospitals in Rochester hire NICU travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Rochester that hire Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses include: UR Medicine Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester Regional Health, Highland Hospital. Contact these hospitals directly or use an agency to find open NICU positions in Rochester.
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