ICU Travel Nurse Salary in La Crosse, Wisconsin
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Intensive Care Unit travel nurses heading to La Crosse.
Last updated: March 11, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (ICU)
$50/hr
La Crosse, WI
Total Weekly Package
$3,218
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$2,585
After ~31.65% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: ICU in La Crosse
GSA Housing (Monthly Est.)
$3,334/mo
$110/night × 30 days
Avg 1BR Rent
$1,000/mo
COL index: 88.5
Monthly Margin
+2,334/mo
Stipend covers rent
Wisconsin ICU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for ICU travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$2,000
Max Weekly Stipend
$1,218
Annual Potential
$104,000
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 La Crosse
Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for La Crosse'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 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 — La Crosse
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for ICU travel nurses working in La Crosse. Stipend amounts above these limits are taxable.
Lodging
$110/night
$770/week
Meals & Incidentals
$64/day
$448/week
Total Weekly Max
$1,218
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 La Crosse
- Gundersen Health
- Mayo Clinic Health System
- Winona Health
Other Specialties in La Crosse
ER
~$49/hr
Very HighOR
~$51/hr
HighLabor & Delivery
~$47/hr
HighMed-Surg
~$44/hr
Very HighPACU
~$48/hr
HighNICU
~$49/hr
HighPICU
~$50/hr
HighPsychiatric
~$45/hr
ModerateOncology
~$46/hr
HighOther Wisconsin Cities for ICU Travel Nurses
Appleton
~$44/hr ICU
COL: 95
Eau Claire
~$44/hr ICU
COL: 95
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 La Crosse?
Intensive Care Unit travel nurses in La Crosse earn approximately $50/hr in taxable wages ($2,000/week). Including GSA stipends up to $1,218/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $3,218. Annual potential is $104,000 working full-time.
What are the 2026 GSA rates for La Crosse?
The 2026 GSA per diem rates for La Crosse are: Lodging $110/night, Meals $59/day, and Incidentals $5/day. Maximum weekly tax-free stipend: $1,218. These rates set the ceiling for tax-free travel nurse stipends — amounts above these limits become taxable.
Is La Crosse affordable for travel nurses?
The cost of living index in La Crosse is 88.5 (below the national average of 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,000/month. The GSA lodging stipend covers ~$3,334/month, leaving a surplus of $2,334/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 La Crosse without additional licensing.
Which hospitals in La Crosse hire ICU travel nurses?
Top hospitals in La Crosse that hire Intensive Care Unit travel nurses include: Gundersen Health, Mayo Clinic Health System, Winona Health. ICU is in very high demand nationally — facilities in La Crosse actively seek qualified candidates and often offer premium packages.
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