PICU Travel Nurse Salary in Reading, Pennsylvania
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurses heading to Reading.
Last updated: March 11, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (PICU)
$52/hr
Reading, PA
Total Weekly Package
$3,487
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$2,924
After ~27.07% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: PICU in Reading
GSA Housing (Monthly Est.)
$4,001/mo
$132/night × 30 days
Avg 1BR Rent
$1,000/mo
COL index: 88.5
Monthly Margin
+3,001/mo
Stipend covers rent
Pennsylvania 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: 3.07% state + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your PICU Pay in Reading
Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for Reading's GSA rates and cost of living index of 88.5.
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
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Same state assignment. You'll pay 3.07% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$83.78
Based on 36 hours in PA.
Gross Weekly Pay
$3,016
Taxable Weekly Income
$1,728
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$468
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,548
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$33,127
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$66,254
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$132,508
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,548
per week
Taxes
$468
per week
Total Gross: $3,016 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$840
≈ $3,637/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Pennsylvania
$1,100
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$2,537
Your stipend covers rent with $2,537 left over each month.
Find apartments under $1,100/month in Philadelphia:
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Cost of Living Analysis in Pennsylvania
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Pennsylvania's cost of living is higher than the national average by 0.3 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 — Reading
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for PICU travel nurses working in Reading. 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 Pennsylvania
PICU Certifications Required
- BLS
- PALS
- 2+ years PICU experience
Pennsylvania Licensing
Hospitals Hiring PICU Travel Nurses in Reading
- Tower Health
- Penn State Health
- St. Joseph Medical Center
Other Specialties in Reading
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 Pennsylvania Cities for PICU Travel Nurses
Allentown
~$52/hr PICU
COL: 90.4
Philadelphia
~$53/hr PICU
COL: 101.5
Pittsburgh
~$53/hr PICU
COL: 88.2
Scranton
~$51/hr PICU
COL: 82.5
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do PICU travel nurses make in Reading?
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurses in Reading 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 Reading?
The 2026 GSA per diem rates for Reading 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 Reading affordable for travel nurses?
The cost of living index in Reading is 88.5 (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 PICU travel nurses need for Pennsylvania assignments?
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurses need: BLS, PALS, 2+ years PICU experience. For Pennsylvania specifically: A separate Pennsylvania RN license is required. Cost: $200, processing time: 4-6 weeks.
Which hospitals in Reading hire PICU travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Reading that hire Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurses include: Tower Health, Penn State Health, St. Joseph Medical Center. Contact these hospitals directly or use an agency to find open PICU positions in Reading.
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