PICU Travel Nurse Salary in Seattle, Washington
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurses heading to Seattle.
Last updated: March 11, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (PICU)
$58/hr
Seattle, WA
Total Weekly Package
$4,497
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$3,940
After ~24% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: PICU in Seattle
GSA Housing (Monthly Est.)
$7,032/mo
$232/night × 30 days
Avg 1BR Rent
$2,100/mo
COL index: 172.3
Monthly Margin
+4,932/mo
Stipend covers rent
Washington PICU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for PICU travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$2,320
Max Weekly Stipend
$2,177
Annual Potential
$120,640
Tax estimate: No state tax + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your PICU Pay in Seattle
Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for Seattle's GSA rates and cost of living index of 172.3.
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
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Same state assignment. You'll pay no state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$91.78
Based on 36 hours in WA.
Gross Weekly Pay
$3,304
Taxable Weekly Income
$2,016
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$484
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,820
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$36,662
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$73,324
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$146,648
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,820
per week
Taxes
$484
per week
Total Gross: $3,304 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$840
≈ $3,637/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Washington
$1,600
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$2,037
Your stipend covers rent with $2,037 left over each month.
Find apartments under $1,600/month in Seattle:
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Cost of Living Analysis in Washington
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Washington's cost of living is higher than the national average by 18.7 points.
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 — Seattle
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for PICU travel nurses working in Seattle. Stipend amounts above these limits are taxable.
Lodging
$232/night
$1,624/week
Meals & Incidentals
$79/day
$553/week
Total Weekly Max
$2,177
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 Washington
PICU Certifications Required
- BLS
- PALS
- 2+ years PICU experience
Washington Licensing
Hospitals Hiring PICU Travel Nurses in Seattle
- UW Medical Center
- Swedish Medical Center
- Virginia Mason Medical Center
Other Specialties in Seattle
ICU
~$58/hr
Very HighER
~$57/hr
Very HighOR
~$59/hr
HighLabor & Delivery
~$55/hr
HighMed-Surg
~$51/hr
Very HighPACU
~$56/hr
HighNICU
~$57/hr
HighPsychiatric
~$52/hr
ModerateOncology
~$54/hr
HighOther Washington Cities for PICU Travel Nurses
Bellingham
~$56/hr PICU
COL: 95
Spokane
~$55/hr PICU
COL: 92.5
Tacoma
~$56/hr PICU
COL: 115.5
Yakima
~$56/hr PICU
COL: 95
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do PICU travel nurses make in Seattle?
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurses in Seattle earn approximately $58/hr in taxable wages ($2,320/week). Including GSA stipends up to $2,177/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $4,497. Annual potential is $120,640 working full-time.
What are the 2026 GSA rates for Seattle?
The 2026 GSA per diem rates for Seattle are: Lodging $232/night, Meals $74/day, and Incidentals $5/day. Maximum weekly tax-free stipend: $2,177. These rates set the ceiling for tax-free travel nurse stipends — amounts above these limits become taxable.
Is Seattle affordable for travel nurses?
The cost of living index in Seattle is 172.3 (above the national average of 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $2,100/month. The GSA lodging stipend covers ~$7,032/month, leaving a surplus of $4,932/month. Your stipend should fully cover average rent.
What certifications do PICU travel nurses need for Washington assignments?
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurses need: BLS, PALS, 2+ years PICU experience. For Washington specifically: Washington is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state — multistate license holders can work in Seattle without additional licensing.
Which hospitals in Seattle hire PICU travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Seattle that hire Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurses include: UW Medical Center, Swedish Medical Center, Virginia Mason Medical Center. Contact these hospitals directly or use an agency to find open PICU positions in Seattle.
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