NICU Travel Nurse Salary in Richmond, Virginia
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses heading to Richmond.
Last updated: March 11, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (NICU)
$50/hr
Richmond, VA
Total Weekly Package
$3,410
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$2,814
After ~29.75% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: NICU in Richmond
GSA Housing (Monthly Est.)
$4,001/mo
$132/night × 30 days
Avg 1BR Rent
$1,200/mo
COL index: 95.8
Monthly Margin
+2,801/mo
Stipend covers rent
Virginia NICU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for NICU travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$2,003
Max Weekly Stipend
$1,407
Annual Potential
$104,151
Tax estimate: 5.75% state + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your NICU Pay in Richmond
Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for Richmond's GSA rates and cost of living index of 95.8.
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
Estimate your take-home pay, taxes, and blended rate in seconds.
Same state assignment. You'll pay 5.75% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$82.78
Based on 36 hours in VA.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,980
Taxable Weekly Income
$1,692
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$503
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,477
Looking for a contract? Get matched with top-paying recruiters.
Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$32,196
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$64,392
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$128,785
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,477
per week
Taxes
$503
per week
Total Gross: $2,980 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$840
≈ $3,637/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Virginia
$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 Richmond:
Affiliate link
We may earn a commission if you book through our link.
Cost of Living Analysis in Virginia
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Virginia's cost of living is higher than the national average by 3.7 points.
Housing Cost: Moderate
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 — Richmond
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for NICU travel nurses working in Richmond. 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 Virginia
NICU Certifications Required
- BLS
- NRP
- 2+ years NICU experience
Virginia Licensing
Hospitals Hiring NICU Travel Nurses in Richmond
- VCU Health
- Bon Secours
- HCA Virginia
Other Specialties in Richmond
ICU
~$51/hr
Very HighER
~$50/hr
Very HighOR
~$52/hr
HighLabor & Delivery
~$48/hr
HighMed-Surg
~$45/hr
Very HighPACU
~$49/hr
HighPICU
~$51/hr
HighPsychiatric
~$45/hr
ModerateOncology
~$47/hr
HighOther Virginia Cities for NICU Travel Nurses
Alexandria
~$53/hr NICU
COL: 135.5
Lynchburg
~$46/hr NICU
COL: 95
Newport News
~$50/hr NICU
COL: 93.5
Norfolk
~$50/hr NICU
COL: 94.5
Roanoke
~$46/hr NICU
COL: 95
Virginia Beach
~$50/hr NICU
COL: 103.1
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do NICU travel nurses make in Richmond?
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses in Richmond earn approximately $50/hr in taxable wages ($2,003/week). Including GSA stipends up to $1,407/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $3,410. Annual potential is $104,151 working full-time.
What are the 2026 GSA rates for Richmond?
The 2026 GSA per diem rates for Richmond 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 Richmond affordable for travel nurses?
The cost of living index in Richmond is 95.8 (below 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 NICU travel nurses need for Virginia assignments?
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses need: BLS, NRP, 2+ years NICU experience. For Virginia specifically: Virginia is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state — multistate license holders can work in Richmond without additional licensing.
Which hospitals in Richmond hire NICU travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Richmond that hire Neonatal Intensive Care Unit travel nurses include: VCU Health, Bon Secours, HCA Virginia. Contact these hospitals directly or use an agency to find open NICU positions in Richmond.
Looking for a contract?
Get matched with top-paying recruiters in your desired state.