Travel Nursing · Pay Calculator
Pediatric Travel Nurses Pay Calculator — 2026
Pediatric travel nurses (general peds and PICU) are in consistent demand at children's hospitals and pediatric units within general hospitals. Packages typically run $1,900–$2,800/week, with PICU commanding the higher end.
Typical weekly package
$2,202–$3,750
Taxable hourly rate
$32–$50/hr
Housing stipend
$800–$1600/wk
Demand
High
Your true take-home breakdown
Fill in your contract details and hit Calculate →
Pediatric Travel Nurses: Pay, Demand & What to Expect
Typical pay breakdown
Pediatric Travel Nurses travel contracts typically include a taxable hourly rate of $32–$50/hour (W-2 wages), plus tax-free housing stipends of $800–$1600/week and M&IE stipends of $250–$350/week. The total package ranges from $2,202–$3,750/week before taxes.
The tax-free stipends are the key to travel nursing's earning power. Because housing and M&IE stipends are not subject to federal income tax or FICA (when IRS and GSA rules are met), your effective take-home pay is significantly higher than a staff nurse earning a similar gross salary. The calculator above shows your exact after-tax take-home based on your specific contract details.
Hot markets
The highest-paying pediatric travel nurses contracts are currently concentrated in: California, Texas, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Tennessee. Pay varies significantly by state — California contracts are often 20–40% higher than the national average due to mandatory nurse-to-patient ratios and high cost of living.
Strategy tip
Pediatric travelers are best positioned when they can float between general peds and PICU. PICU experience always commands higher rates. If you're coming from an adult background, note that many children's hospitals require 1 year of pediatric-specific experience — adult ICU experience doesn't automatically transfer.
Tax-free stipend eligibility
To receive housing and M&IE stipends tax-free, you must maintain a bona fide tax home — a permanent residence you return to and have ongoing costs for (rent, mortgage, utilities). The IRS considers whether you are duplicating living expenses away from home. Working in your home metro for more than 12 months may disqualify your stipends. The calculator's GSA compliance and tax-home risk sections flag these scenarios automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do pediatric travel nurses make?
General pediatric travel nurses earn $1,900–$2,400/week; PICU travelers earn $2,200–$2,800/week in total compensation. The gap reflects acuity and credential requirements. Children's hospitals tend to offer very competitive packages to attract specialized pediatric travelers.
Can adult ICU nurses travel in a PICU?
Generally no — most PICU contracts require recent pediatric ICU experience specifically. Adult critical care skills are valuable but don't automatically qualify you. Some facilities may consider adult ICU nurses for a PICU-to-adult bridge role, but core PICU contracts require pediatric experience.
Are pediatric travel contracts available year-round?
Mostly yes, with some surge in fall and winter (respiratory illness season when RSV and flu drive higher census on peds units). Summer can be slightly slower at some children's hospitals as elective procedures wind down, but PICU demand remains consistent year-round.
Other travel nurse specialties
Free newsletter
Weekly insights for travel nurses
IRS updates, strategy breakdowns, and new tools — straight to your inbox. Free, no spam.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ~1 email/week.