Pediatric ICU (PICU) travel nurse pay

A career as a pediatric ICU travel nurse is a smart choice because it's a sustainable occupation that will likely remain high in demand. Whether you’re a new PICU travel nurse or an experienced nurse looking to increase your earnings, traveling as a pediatric ICU nurse may be one of the most effective ways to increase your pay and skillset. No matter what stage of your PICU travel nursing career, use this guide to learn about current pay trends and benchmarks for PICU travel nurses. Here, Nomad Health breaks down the ins and outs of PICU travel nurse pay so you can get a baseline of pay and understand the different factors that influence PICU travel nurse total compensation.

Average pediatric ICU travel nurse pay

PICU travel nurse pay can vary depending on compensable factors such as your experience, certifications, and location where you take a travel job. The average weekly total compensation for pediatric ICU travel nurses is about $2,772, including a travel stipend.*

*Based off Nomad Health compensation data for travel PICU nurses as of September 28th, 2023.

Pediatric ICU travel nurse pay range

Pediatric ICU travel nurse pay ranges can change frequently depending on the facility demand for pediatric ICU nurses. When a facility is short staffed with pediatric ICU nurses, the pay range may increase for that particular specialty. Depending on the facility needs and your experience, the weekly total compensation for PICU travel nurses is between $1,476-$3,696, including a travel stipend.*

* Based off Nomad Health compensation data for travel PICU nurses as of September 28th, 2023.

Average pay rate for PICU travel nurses

At Nomad, the average pay rate for travel pediatric ICU nurses is approximately $77 per hour, although this number could be higher or lower for some travel nurses.*

* based off Nomad Health compensation data for travel PICU nurses as of September 28th, 2023.

What is the highest pediatric ICU travel nurse compensation?

As of September 26 2023, the highest total compensation for pediatric ICU travel nurses at Nomad is approximately $94 per hour or $3,696 per week, including a travel stipend.* Keep in mind that compensation for travel nurses fluctuates based on the needs of facilities, so the highest total compensation for PICU travel nurses may actually be higher or lower. To see the highest total compensation for pediatric ICU travel nurses today, browse our PICU travel nurse job board and sort by highest pay.

*Based off Nomad Health compensation data for travel PICU nurses as of September 28th, 2023.

Factors that influence pediatric ICU travel nurse pay

Pediatric ICU travel nurse pay is influenced by a number of compensable factors, which include but are not limited to:

Pediatric ICU travel nurse experience

Facilities are always looking for highly skilled pediatric ICU travel nurses with experience under their belt who can start work hitting the ground running. The more relevant experience you have as a PICU travel nurse, the more willing a facility is to pay you a higher salary for your skills.

Pediatric ICU travel nurse credentials

Obtaining specialized pediatric ICU credentials helps demonstrate your expertise and can be a helpful tool for securing high-paying PICU travel nurse jobs. Pediatric ICU travel nurses with specialized credentials may have more earning power than those without them.

Facility demand for PICU travel nurses

When facilities experience pediatric ICU staff nurse shortages, they often rely on pediatric ICU travel nurses to fill those gaps. Depending on the severity of the shortage, PICU travel nurses may be able to earn higher pay with the facility.

PICU travel nurse job location

The cost of living in each city and state can directly influence how much facilities can pay travel pediatric ICU nurses. For example, a PICU travel nurse on assignment in a rural area may earn less than a travel assignment in a big city where the cost of living is higher.

Education

For pediatric ICU travel nurses, achieving the highest level of education available to your specific profession can help open more doors to advanced job opportunities and higher pay.

Variable pay rates

Pediatric ICU travel nurse pay is constantly fluctuating based on factors like facility needs and seasonality. At times, hourly pay for travelers may be higher or lower than staff workers. Knowing when pediatric ICU travel nurses are most likely to be in-demand can help ensure you get the highest total compensation available.

Taxes

Taxes are an important factor for consideration when it comes to pediatric ICU travel nurse total compensation. In certain circumstances, PICU travel nurses without a registered tax home could be responsible for paying taxes on all earned income. Maintaining a permanent tax home could potentially provide tax advantages for travel stipends. We ask that you consult with your tax consultant to understand your specific tax circumstances.

Travel stipends

Travel stipends, also known as per diems, can be a big part of your total pay as a pediatric ICU travel nurse. If you qualify, these travel stipends can help pay for any duplicate lodging and meal expenses that come with living away from your tax home. Travel stipends may also be eligible for tax preferred treatment. Please consult with your tax consultant to better understand your specific circumstances.

Overtime pay

It’s important for pediatric ICU travel nurses to be clear in their contract about hourly rates and how much they will be compensated for overtime hours, which can differ from base pay rate and/or applicable law.

Completion bonus

Depending on the facility, your PICU travel nurse job might come with a completion bonus. A completion bonus is a set amount of money a facility will pay you if you complete the full pediatric ICU travel assignment. Facilities that have a hard time retaining PICU travel nurses and staff nurses tend to offer completion bonuses more often.

Benefits

Benefits are considered an extension of PICU travel nurse total compensation. Pediatric ICU travel nurses who work with Nomad enjoy a full range of benefits including health insurance, vision insurance, dental insurance, and participation in Nomad’s 401(k) plan. Nomad also partially reimburses PICU travel nurses for certifications, licensure, and scrubs.