PICU Travel Nurse Salary in Portland, Oregon
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurses heading to Portland.
Last updated: March 11, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (PICU)
$55/hr
Portland, OR
Total Weekly Package
$3,964
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$3,218
After ~33.9% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: PICU in Portland
GSA Housing (Monthly Est.)
$5,547/mo
$183/night × 30 days
Avg 1BR Rent
$1,700/mo
COL index: 130.8
Monthly Margin
+3,847/mo
Stipend covers rent
Oregon PICU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for PICU travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$2,200
Max Weekly Stipend
$1,764
Annual Potential
$114,400
Tax estimate: 9.9% state + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your PICU Pay in Portland
Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for Portland's GSA rates and cost of living index of 130.8.
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
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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
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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:
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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.
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2026 GSA Per Diem Rates — Portland
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for PICU travel nurses working in Portland. Stipend amounts above these limits are taxable.
Lodging
$183/night
$1,281/week
Meals & Incidentals
$69/day
$483/week
Total Weekly Max
$1,764
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 Oregon
PICU Certifications Required
- BLS
- PALS
- 2+ years PICU experience
Oregon Licensing
Hospitals Hiring PICU Travel Nurses in Portland
- OHSU Hospital
- Providence Portland
- Legacy Health
Other Specialties in Portland
ICU
~$55/hr
Very HighER
~$54/hr
Very HighOR
~$56/hr
HighLabor & Delivery
~$52/hr
HighMed-Surg
~$48/hr
Very HighPACU
~$53/hr
HighNICU
~$54/hr
HighPsychiatric
~$49/hr
ModerateOncology
~$51/hr
HighOther Oregon Cities for PICU Travel Nurses
View all Oregon cities →Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do PICU travel nurses make in Portland?
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurses in Portland earn approximately $55/hr in taxable wages ($2,200/week). Including GSA stipends up to $1,764/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $3,964. Annual potential is $114,400 working full-time.
What are the 2026 GSA rates for Portland?
The 2026 GSA per diem rates for Portland are: Lodging $183/night, Meals $64/day, and Incidentals $5/day. Maximum weekly tax-free stipend: $1,764. These rates set the ceiling for tax-free travel nurse stipends — amounts above these limits become taxable.
Is Portland affordable for travel nurses?
The cost of living index in Portland is 130.8 (above the national average of 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,700/month. The GSA lodging stipend covers ~$5,547/month, leaving a surplus of $3,847/month. Your stipend should fully cover average rent.
What certifications do PICU travel nurses need for Oregon assignments?
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurses need: BLS, PALS, 2+ years PICU experience. For Oregon specifically: Oregon is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state — multistate license holders can work in Portland without additional licensing.
Which hospitals in Portland hire PICU travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Portland that hire Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurses include: OHSU Hospital, Providence Portland, Legacy Health. Contact these hospitals directly or use an agency to find open PICU positions in Portland.
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