ICU Travel Nurse Salary in Eau Claire, Wisconsin
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Intensive Care Unit travel nurses heading to Eau Claire.
Last updated: March 11, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (ICU)
$44/hr
Eau Claire, WI
Total Weekly Package
$2,894
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$2,337
After ~31.65% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: ICU in Eau Claire
GSA Housing (Monthly Est.)
$2,970/mo
$98/night × 30 days
Avg 1BR Rent
$1,000/mo
COL index: 95
Monthly Margin
+1,970/mo
Stipend covers rent
Wisconsin ICU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for ICU travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$1,760
Max Weekly Stipend
$1,134
Annual Potential
$91,520
Tax estimate: 7.65% state + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your ICU Pay in Eau Claire
Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for Eau Claire's GSA rates and cost of living index of 95.
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
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Same state assignment. You'll pay 7.65% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$74.53
Based on 36 hours in WI.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,683
Taxable Weekly Income
$1,584
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$501
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,182
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$28,362
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$56,723
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$113,447
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,182
per week
Taxes
$501
per week
Total Gross: $2,683 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$686
≈ $2,970/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Wisconsin
$1,000
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$1,970
Your stipend covers rent with $1,970 left over each month.
Find apartments under $1,000/month in Milwaukee:
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Cost of Living Analysis in Wisconsin
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Wisconsin's cost of living is lower than the national average by 3.9 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 — Eau Claire
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for ICU travel nurses working in Eau Claire. Stipend amounts above these limits are taxable.
Lodging
$98/night
$686/week
Meals & Incidentals
$64/day
$448/week
Total Weekly Max
$1,134
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 ICU Travel Nurses in Wisconsin
ICU Certifications Required
- ACLS
- BLS
- 2+ years ICU experience
- Critical care certification preferred
Wisconsin Licensing
Hospitals Hiring ICU Travel Nurses in Eau Claire
- Eau Claire Regional Medical
- Eau Claire General Hospital
- Community Health Eau Claire
Other Specialties in Eau Claire
ER
~$43/hr
Very HighOR
~$45/hr
HighLabor & Delivery
~$42/hr
HighMed-Surg
~$38/hr
Very HighPACU
~$42/hr
HighNICU
~$43/hr
HighPICU
~$44/hr
HighPsychiatric
~$39/hr
ModerateOncology
~$41/hr
HighOther Wisconsin Cities for ICU Travel Nurses
Appleton
~$44/hr ICU
COL: 95
La Crosse
~$50/hr ICU
COL: 88.5
Madison
~$53/hr ICU
COL: 102.5
Milwaukee
~$50/hr ICU
COL: 95.2
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do ICU travel nurses make in Eau Claire?
Intensive Care Unit travel nurses in Eau Claire earn approximately $44/hr in taxable wages ($1,760/week). Including GSA stipends up to $1,134/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $2,894. Annual potential is $91,520 working full-time.
What are the 2026 GSA rates for Eau Claire?
The 2026 GSA per diem rates for Eau Claire are: Lodging $98/night, Meals $59/day, and Incidentals $5/day. Maximum weekly tax-free stipend: $1,134. These rates set the ceiling for tax-free travel nurse stipends — amounts above these limits become taxable.
Is Eau Claire affordable for travel nurses?
The cost of living index in Eau Claire is 95 (below the national average of 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,000/month. The GSA lodging stipend covers ~$2,970/month, leaving a surplus of $1,970/month. Your stipend should fully cover average rent.
What certifications do ICU travel nurses need for Wisconsin assignments?
Intensive Care Unit travel nurses need: ACLS, BLS, 2+ years ICU experience, Critical care certification preferred. For Wisconsin specifically: Wisconsin is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state — multistate license holders can work in Eau Claire without additional licensing.
Which hospitals in Eau Claire hire ICU travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Eau Claire that hire Intensive Care Unit travel nurses include: Eau Claire Regional Medical, Eau Claire General Hospital, Community Health Eau Claire. ICU is in very high demand nationally — facilities in Eau Claire actively seek qualified candidates and often offer premium packages.
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