NICU Travel Nurse Salary in Bend, Oregon
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses heading to Bend.
Last updated: March 11, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (NICU)
$53/hr
Bend, OR
Total Weekly Package
$3,444
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$2,725
After ~33.9% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: NICU in Bend
GSA Housing (Monthly Est.)
$3,637/mo
$120/night × 30 days
Avg 1BR Rent
$1,400/mo
COL index: 118.5
Monthly Margin
+2,237/mo
Stipend covers rent
Oregon NICU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for NICU travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$2,121
Max Weekly Stipend
$1,323
Annual Potential
$110,278
Tax estimate: 9.9% state + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your NICU Pay in Bend
Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for Bend's GSA rates and cost of living index of 118.5.
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
Estimate your take-home pay, taxes, and blended rate in seconds.
Same state assignment. You'll pay 9.9% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$89.78
Based on 36 hours in OR.
Gross Weekly Pay
$3,232
Taxable Weekly Income
$1,944
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$659
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,573
Looking for a contract? Get matched with top-paying recruiters.
Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$33,449
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$66,898
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$133,795
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,573
per week
Taxes
$659
per week
Total Gross: $3,232 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$840
≈ $3,637/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Oregon
$1,400
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$2,237
Your stipend covers rent with $2,237 left over each month.
Find apartments under $1,400/month in Portland:
Affiliate link
We may earn a commission if you book through our link.
Cost of Living Analysis in Oregon
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Oregon's cost of living is higher than the national average by 30.8 points.
💡 High cost of living area. Ensure your pay compensates for the increased expenses.
Housing Cost: High
Utilities: Moderate
Rent data based on 2025 market averages. Actual rent may vary by neighborhood and housing type.
Resources for Your Assignment
These are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
2026 GSA Per Diem Rates — Bend
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for NICU travel nurses working in Bend. Stipend amounts above these limits are taxable.
Lodging
$120/night
$840/week
Meals & Incidentals
$69/day
$483/week
Total Weekly Max
$1,323
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 Oregon
NICU Certifications Required
- BLS
- NRP
- 2+ years NICU experience
Oregon Licensing
Hospitals Hiring NICU Travel Nurses in Bend
- St. Charles Health System
- Cascade Medical
- High Desert Medical
Other Specialties in Bend
ICU
~$54/hr
Very HighER
~$53/hr
Very HighOR
~$55/hr
HighLabor & Delivery
~$51/hr
HighMed-Surg
~$47/hr
Very HighPACU
~$52/hr
HighPICU
~$54/hr
HighPsychiatric
~$48/hr
ModerateOncology
~$50/hr
HighOther Oregon Cities for NICU Travel Nurses
View all Oregon cities →Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do NICU travel nurses make in Bend?
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses in Bend earn approximately $53/hr in taxable wages ($2,121/week). Including GSA stipends up to $1,323/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $3,444. Annual potential is $110,278 working full-time.
What are the 2026 GSA rates for Bend?
The 2026 GSA per diem rates for Bend are: Lodging $120/night, Meals $64/day, and Incidentals $5/day. Maximum weekly tax-free stipend: $1,323. These rates set the ceiling for tax-free travel nurse stipends — amounts above these limits become taxable.
Is Bend affordable for travel nurses?
The cost of living index in Bend is 118.5 (above the national average of 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,400/month. The GSA lodging stipend covers ~$3,637/month, leaving a surplus of $2,237/month. Your stipend should fully cover average rent.
What certifications do NICU travel nurses need for Oregon assignments?
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses need: BLS, NRP, 2+ years NICU experience. For Oregon specifically: Oregon is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state — multistate license holders can work in Bend without additional licensing.
Which hospitals in Bend hire NICU travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Bend that hire Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses include: St. Charles Health System, Cascade Medical, High Desert Medical. Contact these hospitals directly or use an agency to find open NICU positions in Bend.
Looking for a contract?
Get matched with top-paying recruiters in your desired state.