Missouri Income Tax vs. Neighboring States
Missouri's 4.95% top graduated income tax is competitive for the Midwest. A well-structured travel contract maximizing tax-free housing and meal stipends can reduce your effective Missouri tax burden to 3–4%, keeping more of your weekly gross.
| State | Income Tax | NLC Compact | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri ★ | 4.95% top | ✅ Yes | Graduated; stipend reduces bracket |
| Tennessee | 0% | ✅ Yes | No income tax — highest take-home |
| Indiana | 3.05% flat | ✅ Yes | Lower Midwest ICU market |
| Kansas | 5.2% top | ✅ Yes | KC metro crossover |
| Illinois | 4.95% flat | ✅ Yes | Same rate; Chicago ICU market |
| Minnesota | 5.35–9.85% | ✅ Yes | Highest Midwest tax |
Tax rates as of April 2026. Consult a travel nurse tax professional for your specific situation.
Why Travel ICU Nurses Choose Missouri
Missouri's dual major metro markets — St. Louis and Kansas City — create year-round demand for experienced ICU travel nurses at both elite academic centers and high-volume community hospitals.
Barnes-Jewish CVICU — Top-5 US Cardiac ICU
Barnes-Jewish Hospital (Washington University) CVICU is one of the top 5 cardiac surgery ICUs in the United States: heart transplant, bilateral lung transplant, LVAD bridge-to-transplant, ECMO (veno-arterial and veno-venous), and complex valve surgery. ECMO-certified ICU RNs earn $200–$400/week above standard CVICU rates. 2+ years CVICU experience required.
Saint Luke's Heart Institute — Premier Cardiac ICU
Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute in Kansas City is one of the top 10 cardiac programs in the US. The cardiac ICU manages post-CABG, post-TAVR, LVAD, cardiogenic shock, and post-cardiac arrest patients. CCRN and CSC (Cardiac Surgery Certified from AACN) are preferred and add $150–$250/week. This is the premier cardiac ICU travel destination in the KC metro.
Dual Level I Trauma Centers — St. Louis & KC
Missouri has dual Level I trauma centers: Barnes-Jewish (St. Louis — with a major SICU and trauma ICU program) and Truman Medical (Kansas City — safety-net Level I serving high-acuity urban trauma). Both have active travel ICU RN programs. Truman Medical's diverse urban trauma caseload is one of the most complex in the Midwest for non-academic travel ICU nurses.
NLC Compact — Start Working Fast in Missouri
Missouri is a full NLC Compact state — travel ICU nurses with compact home state licenses can work via eNLC multistate privilege without a separate Missouri RN license. Apply at nursys.com. Missouri's 4.95% graduated income tax can be mitigated with a well-structured stipend package maximizing tax-free housing and meal allowances — reducing your effective Missouri tax burden to 3–4%.
Key Missouri ICU Facilities
Missouri's ICU market spans top-ranked academic centers, cardiac specialty institutes, Level I trauma programs, and rural critical access hospitals serving the Ozarks region.
Barnes-Jewish Hospital / Washington University Medical Center — St. Louis
Top-5 US academic medical center with multiple specialized ICUs. One of the busiest heart and lung transplant programs in the Midwest.
- CVICU: Heart transplant, lung transplant, LVAD bridge-to-transplant, ECMO (VA & VV), TAVR, complex valve surgery — top-5 US cardiac ICU
- Neuroscience ICU (NSICU): Stroke, SAH, TBI, post-neurosurgery — Comprehensive Stroke Center
- SICU: Post-major abdominal, thoracic, hepatobiliary, and transplant surgery
- MICU: Sepsis, respiratory failure, complex medical cases from across the Midwest
- Oncology ICU: Cancer patients in critical care — Siteman Cancer Center integration
2+ years ICU experience required. ECMO certification adds $200–$400/week at CVICU.
Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute — Kansas City
Top-10 US cardiac program (US News). The premier cardiac ICU travel destination in the Kansas City metro.
- Post-CABG, post-TAVR, LVAD management, cardiogenic shock, post-cardiac arrest
- CCRN and CSC (Cardiac Surgery Certified, AACN) preferred — adds $150–$250/week
- Competitive travel contracts; early applications recommended
Truman Medical Centers / University Health — Kansas City
Level I trauma center and safety-net hospital serving underserved Kansas City populations. High-acuity, diverse trauma caseload.
- Level I trauma ICU: MVA, GSW, fall injuries, penetrating trauma
- One of the most complex trauma caseloads in the Midwest for non-academic travel ICU nurses
- $2,500–$3,000/week; Level I trauma ICU experience valued
Additional Missouri ICU Facilities
- SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital: MICU, SICU, Neurology ICU. Academic teaching hospital, Comprehensive Stroke Center. Growing ICU program serving north St. Louis City and County.
- Research Medical Center (HCA) — Kansas City: MICU, SICU, CCU. Large community hospital ICU serving the KC metro east side. Consistent travel ICU demand.
- Cox Health — Springfield: MICU, CCU, Surgical ICU. Only Level II trauma center in southwest Missouri — critical access for the Ozarks region. Geographic premiums available.
- Mercy Health Springfield: MICU, CCU. Major health system in southwest MO. Growing ICU travel demand as Springfield population expands.
- Rural Ozarks Critical Access Hospitals: Rolla, Poplar Bluff, Sikeston, Kirksville — ICU RN vacancies with 10–20% geographic premiums. Step-down and ICU float positions available.
Missouri ICU Travel Nurse Pay Rates 2026
Weekly gross pay includes taxable base plus tax-free housing and meal stipends. Actual take-home varies by tax home status and contract structure. CCRN certification adds $250–$400/week at all Missouri ICU travel contracts.
| ICU Type / Facility | Weekly Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Barnes-Jewish CVICU (heart/lung Tx, ECMO) | $2,800–$3,300/wk | ECMO cert +$200–$400/wk; top-5 US |
| Saint Luke's Heart Institute Cardiac ICU | $2,700–$3,200/wk | Top-10 US cardiac; CSC preferred |
| Barnes-Jewish NSICU / SICU / MICU | $2,500–$3,000/wk | Academic Level I; 2+ yrs required |
| Truman Medical Level I Trauma ICU | $2,500–$3,000/wk | Diverse trauma; safety-net |
| Cox Health / Mercy Springfield Level II | $2,400–$2,900/wk | Ozarks regional; geographic premium |
| Rural MO Critical Access ICU | $2,500–$3,000/wk | 10–20% premium; Rolla, Poplar Bluff |
| CCRN Certification Premium | +$250–$400/wk | All MO ICU travel contracts |
Pay ranges reflect 13-week contract market rates as of April 2026. Rates vary by agency and contract terms.
Open Missouri ICU Travel Nurse Jobs
Live ICU RN contracts in Missouri — updated every 4 hours from our staffing database. Apply directly with a CatSol recruiter for same-day submissions.
No ICU openings currently posted for Missouri
Missouri ICU positions fill quickly — especially Barnes-Jewish CVICU and Saint Luke's Heart Institute. Submit your profile and we'll match you the moment a contract opens.
Get Notified of MO ICU OpeningsBarnes-Jewish CVICU — Top-5 US Cardiac ICU Deep Dive
Barnes-Jewish Hospital (Washington University School of Medicine) operates one of the most advanced cardiovascular ICUs in the United States. For experienced CVICU travel nurses, a Barnes-Jewish contract is a career-defining credential.
Clinical Capabilities at Barnes-Jewish CVICU
- Heart Transplant: One of the highest-volume heart transplant programs in the Midwest. Post-transplant CVICU management, immunosuppression monitoring, rejection surveillance.
- Bilateral Lung Transplant: Complex pulmonary transplant ICU management. Ventilator weaning, VV-ECMO bridge, early mobility protocols.
- LVAD Bridge-to-Transplant: Left ventricular assist device management — HeartMate 3, HeartWare. Post-implant ICU care and device troubleshooting.
- VA-ECMO: Veno-arterial ECMO for refractory cardiogenic shock. One of the busiest VA-ECMO programs in the Midwest. ECMO Specialist certification adds $200–$400/week.
- VV-ECMO: Veno-venous ECMO for severe ARDS. Post-lung transplant bridging. Prone positioning protocols.
- TAVR & Complex Valve Surgery: Post-TAVR hemodynamic management, post-mitral valve repair/replacement, aortic arch surgery.
Experience Requirements & Pay
- • Minimum 2 years CVICU experience required — non-negotiable for all travel contracts
- • ECMO Specialist certification required for ECMO rotations (+$200–$400/week above base CVICU rate)
- • CCRN preferred; CSC (Cardiac Surgery Certified, AACN) a significant plus
- • Standard CVICU travel rate: $2,800–$3,100/week; ECMO-certified: $3,000–$3,300/week
- • 13-week contracts; some 8-week urgent-fill contracts available at premium rates
Barnes-Jewish CVICU is not an entry-level travel assignment. The acuity, complexity, and pace match or exceed any cardiac ICU in the United States. For experienced CVICU travel nurses, this is one of the most competitive — and rewarding — contracts in the Midwest.
Saint Luke's Heart Institute — Premier KC Metro Cardiac ICU
Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute in Kansas City is consistently ranked among the top 10 cardiac programs in the United States by US News & World Report. For travel ICU nurses seeking elite cardiac experience in the Kansas City metro, Saint Luke's is the premier destination.
Cardiac ICU Clinical Scope
- Post-CABG: Coronary artery bypass grafting — sternotomy care, chest tube management, hemodynamic optimization
- Post-TAVR: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement — access site monitoring, pacemaker management, hemodynamic stability
- LVAD Management: HeartMate 3 and HeartWare device management in outpatient-to-ICU transitions
- Cardiogenic Shock: Impella device management, IABP, advanced vasopressor protocols
- Post-Cardiac Arrest: Targeted temperature management / therapeutic hypothermia, neurological monitoring
- Complex Arrhythmia: Post-ablation care, antiarrhythmic titration, ICD/CRT management
Certifications & Pay at Saint Luke's
- • CCRN (Adult Critical Care, AACN): Preferred — adds $250–$400/week to base contract rate
- • CSC (Cardiac Surgery Certified, AACN): Highly preferred — adds $150–$250/week; differentiates candidates in competitive applicant pool
- • CMC (Cardiac Medicine Certified): Opens step-down and telemetry float roles adjacent to the cardiac ICU
- • Weekly pay range: $2,700–$3,200/week with certifications; $2,500–$2,800/week base without
- • Contracts fill fast — apply 8–10 weeks before desired start date for best placement odds
CCRN Certification — The Missouri ICU Travel Nurse Pay Multiplier
CCRN certification (Adult Critical Care Registered Nurse, AACN) adds $250–$400/week across all Missouri ICU travel contracts. At $300/week average, that is $3,900 per 13-week contract — enough to pay for CCRN exam prep and testing fees many times over.
Certifications That Pay in Missouri ICU
- CCRN (AACN): +$250–$400/wk. All MO ICU travel contracts. Most impactful single certification.
- CSC (AACN): +$150–$250/wk. Barnes-Jewish CVICU & Saint Luke's. Cardiac surgery focus.
- ECMO Specialist: +$200–$400/wk. Barnes-Jewish CVICU ECMO rotations. Required — not just preferred.
- CMC (AACN): Cardiac step-down & telemetry float. Complements CCRN for ICU float roles.
- ACLS & BLS: Mandatory for all Missouri ICU travel contracts — keep current before applying.
CCRN Exam Prep Tips for Travel Nurses
- Laura Gasparis Vonfrolio PassCCRN course is the gold standard for bedside ICU nurses — high pass rate, case-based.
- AACN Blueprint: cardiovascular (17%), pulmonary (17%), neurology (12%), multi-system (20%) dominate the exam.
- Eligibility: 1,750 hours in acute/critical care within the past 2 years, with 875 in the most recent year.
- Schedule your exam between contracts — Pearson VUE testing centers available in St. Louis & Kansas City.
- CCRN certification is valid for 3 years — renew via 100 CERPs or re-exam before starting Missouri contracts.
Missouri ICU Contracts That Require CCRN
Barnes-Jewish CVICU, Saint Luke's Heart Institute cardiac ICU, and Truman Medical trauma ICU all list CCRN as preferred or required. For Barnes-Jewish CVICU, CSC is additionally preferred. ECMO certification is separately required for ECMO rotation eligibility at Barnes-Jewish — CCRN alone does not qualify you for ECMO assignments.
Missouri Stroke Belt & Neuro ICU Demand
Missouri has above-average stroke rates, particularly in Mississippi River Delta counties and rural central Missouri — part of the broader US Stroke Belt. This drives sustained Neuro ICU demand at:
- • Barnes-Jewish NSICU (St. Louis) — Comprehensive Stroke Center; SAH, TBI, ischemic stroke, post-neurosurgery
- • SSM Health SLU Hospital NICU (St. Louis) — Second Comprehensive Stroke Center in St. Louis metro
- • Rural MO hospital stroke alert transfers drive ICU surge demand at both metro systems
- • Neuro ICU travel nurses with stroke protocol experience and NIH Stroke Scale certification are preferred
Frequently Asked Questions — Missouri ICU Travel Nursing
How much do travel ICU nurses make in Missouri?
Travel ICU nurses in Missouri earn $2,400–$3,300/week. Barnes-Jewish CVICU (heart/lung transplant, ECMO): $2,800–$3,300/week, with ECMO certification adding $200–$400/week. Saint Luke's Heart Institute cardiac ICU: $2,700–$3,200/week. Barnes-Jewish NSICU/SICU: $2,500–$3,000/week. Truman Medical Level I trauma ICU: $2,500–$3,000/week. Cox Health Springfield Level II: $2,400–$2,900/week. CCRN certification adds $250–$400/week across all Missouri ICU travel contracts.
Is Missouri an NLC Compact state?
Yes — Missouri is a full NLC Compact member. Travel ICU RNs with compact home state licenses can practice in Missouri via eNLC multistate privilege without a separate Missouri RN license (apply at nursys.com). Nurses whose home state is not compact must obtain full Missouri RN endorsement through the Missouri Board of Nursing, which typically takes 6–10 weeks.
What makes Barnes-Jewish CVICU special?
Barnes-Jewish Hospital CVICU (Washington University School of Medicine) is ranked among the top 5 cardiac surgery ICUs in the US. Capabilities include: heart transplant (one of the busiest programs in the Midwest), bilateral lung transplant, LVAD bridge-to-transplant, VA-ECMO for cardiogenic shock, VV-ECMO for severe ARDS, TAVR and complex valve repair. ECMO-certified ICU nurses earn $200–$400/week above standard CVICU rates. 2+ years CVICU experience is required — this is not an entry-level travel assignment.
What CCRN certifications help in Missouri?
CCRN (Adult Critical Care RN, AACN) adds $250–$400/week at Barnes-Jewish, Saint Luke's, and Truman Medical contracts. CSC (Cardiac Surgery Certified, AACN) is preferred at Barnes-Jewish CVICU and Saint Luke's Heart Institute — adds $150–$250/week. CMC (Cardiac Medicine Certified) opens cardiac step-down and telemetry contracts. ECMO Specialist certification is required for Barnes-Jewish CVICU ECMO rotations (+$200–$400/week). BLS and ACLS are mandatory for all Missouri ICU travel.
What is the Saint Luke's Heart Institute ICU?
Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute in Kansas City is consistently ranked among the top 10 cardiac programs in the US (US News). The cardiac ICU manages: post-CABG (coronary artery bypass grafting), post-TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement), LVAD (left ventricular assist device) management, cardiogenic shock, post-cardiac arrest therapeutic hypothermia, and complex arrhythmia management. CSC (Cardiac Surgery Certified) and CCRN are preferred. This is the premier cardiac ICU travel destination in the Kansas City metro — the position is competitive.
Missouri ICU Travel Contract Logistics — What to Expect
From license verification to first shift orientation, Missouri ICU travel contracts have specific logistics every experienced travel nurse should know before accepting an assignment.
Licensing & Compact Privileges
- NLC Compact travelers: Verify your compact privilege is active at nursys.com before submitting. Missouri facilities require proof of eNLC privilege — not just your home state license card.
- Non-compact travelers: Apply to Missouri Board of Nursing (nurses.mo.gov) for RN endorsement. Processing: 6–10 weeks. Expedited review not typically available — plan ahead.
- NCLEX score verification: Required for endorsement. Request Pearson VUE score verification early — can take 2–3 weeks.
- Background check: Missouri facilities run fingerprint-based background checks. FBI/MO CJIS clearance required for academic medical centers including Barnes-Jewish and Truman Medical.
Housing & Cost of Living
- St. Louis housing: 1BR furnished apartments near Barnes-Jewish (Central West End, Clayton, Brentwood) run $1,400–$2,000/month. Travel housing stipend typically covers 70–90% of this cost.
- Kansas City housing: Near Saint Luke's and Truman Medical (Country Club Plaza, Midtown, Brookside) — $1,200–$1,800/month for furnished 1BR. More affordable than St. Louis.
- Rural Ozarks assignments: Rolla, Poplar Bluff, Sikeston — housing costs $800–$1,200/month. Geographic premium in pay partially offsets rural inconvenience.
- Tax home maintenance: Missouri's 4.95% graduated tax means maximizing tax-free stipends is critical. Consult a travel nurse CPA before your first Missouri contract.
Orientation & Float Pool Rules at Missouri Facilities
Barnes-Jewish (BJC)
Typically 2–3 day ICU-specific orientation. Travel nurses are assigned to one primary ICU unit (CVICU, MICU, NSICU, or SICU) — cross-float within system possible but not guaranteed. Epic EMR.
Saint Luke's Health System
1–2 day general orientation plus unit-specific cardiac ICU orientation. MEDITECH EMR (transitioning to Epic). Preceptor-led onboarding for first 2–3 shifts at the cardiac ICU.
Truman Medical / University Health
2-day general orientation. Trauma ICU orientation 1–2 days. Cerner EMR. High-acuity Level I trauma — expect rapid acclimatization. Safety-net patient population requires cultural competency awareness.
Missouri ICU Shift Patterns & Scheduling
Understanding shift patterns at Missouri ICU facilities helps travel nurses plan contracts that match their lifestyle and maximize earnings — especially important when weighing Kansas City vs. St. Louis placements.
| Facility | Common Shifts | Overtime / Bonus | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barnes-Jewish CVICU | 12-hr nights & days; 3x/week | OT available; per-diem bonuses post-contract | 1:1–1:2 (ECMO/transplant: 1:1) |
| Saint Luke's Heart Institute | 12-hr nights & days; rotating | Charge nurse bonus available for experienced travelers | 1:2 standard; 1:1 post-surgery |
| Truman Medical Trauma ICU | 12-hr nights preferred; days available | High OT availability; trauma surge bonuses | 1:2 standard |
| Cox Health Springfield | 12-hr nights & days; some 8-hr | Weekend bonuses; OT at 1.5x for Ozarks shortage fills | 1:2 standard |
| Rural MO Critical Access | 12-hr & 8-hr mixed; occasional 16-hr | High OT; geographic isolation premium | 1:2–1:3 (step-down heavy) |
Ratios and shift structures subject to change based on census and facility policy. Confirm with your CatSol recruiter before accepting a contract.
Kansas City ICU vs. St. Louis ICU — Which Missouri Market Is Right for You?
Missouri's two major metro markets each offer distinct ICU travel opportunities. Your specialty focus, experience level, and lifestyle preferences should drive the choice.
St. Louis — Barnes-Jewish & BJC System
- Top-5 US CVICU — heart/lung transplant, ECMO, LVAD: highest-paying ICU contracts in Missouri
- Comprehensive Stroke Center (NSICU) — ideal for neuro ICU experienced travelers
- Siteman Cancer Center oncology ICU — niche for oncology-experienced ICU nurses
- More competitive applicant pool — apply 10–12 weeks early; 2+ years ICU required
- Housing in Central West End, Clayton, or Brentwood — walkable neighborhoods near campus
- Top pay: $2,800–$3,300/week CVICU; $2,500–$3,000/week MICU/NSICU/SICU
Kansas City — Saint Luke's & Truman Medical
- Top-10 US cardiac ICU (Saint Luke's Heart Institute) — post-CABG, TAVR, LVAD, cardiogenic shock
- Level I trauma ICU (Truman Medical) — diverse, high-acuity urban trauma; safety-net mission
- More affordable housing (Country Club Plaza, Midtown, Brookside)
- Research Medical Center (HCA) — consistent MICU/CCU demand; less competitive entry bar
- Kansas-Missouri border: Kansas compact privilege also usable from home state for dual-state flexibility
- Top pay: $2,700–$3,200/week cardiac ICU; $2,500–$3,000/week trauma ICU
Rural Missouri ICU Nursing — Ozarks Critical Access Hospitals
Beyond St. Louis and Kansas City, rural Missouri's critical access hospitals and regional centers face persistent ICU RN shortages — and pay geographic premiums of 10–20% above metro rates to attract experienced travel nurses to underserved communities.
Key Rural Missouri ICU Markets
- Rolla (Phelps Health): MICU and step-down. Serves rural central Missouri. 1.5-hour from St. Louis; consistent ICU float demand.
- Poplar Bluff (Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center): CCU and MICU. Southeast MO gateway — Bootheel region. Stroke alert transfer program drives ICU census variability.
- Sikeston (Missouri Delta Medical Center): MICU, CCU. Mississippi Delta access point — high cardiovascular disease burden in the Bootheel. Geographic premium up to 18%.
- Kirksville (Northeast Regional Medical Center): MICU. Northeast MO. 2.5-hour from KC or STL. ATSU-KCOM medical school affiliation; teaching exposure for interested travelers.
Why Rural MO ICU Contracts Work for Some Travelers
- Geographic premiums add $250–$600/week above standard rural rates — partially closing the gap with metro academic centers
- Housing costs $800–$1,200/month — significantly lower than St. Louis or Kansas City, improving net take-home
- Lower competition for contracts — nurses who prefer a smaller team environment and broader ICU scope of practice (ICU/step-down float) find these assignments rewarding
- Consistent re-extension offers — rural MO facilities often extend successful travel contracts 2–3 times due to ongoing shortage
Explore More ICU & Missouri Travel Nursing
How to Apply for Missouri ICU Travel Nursing Contracts
CatSol recruiters submit directly to Barnes-Jewish, Saint Luke's, Truman Medical, and other Missouri facilities. Here is what you need ready before reaching out.
Prepare Your Documents
- • Current RN license (compact or MO endorsement)
- • CCRN, CSC, or ECMO certification cards
- • BLS & ACLS — must be current (AHA preferred)
- • ICU-specific resume (unit type, census, ratios)
- • 2 professional ICU references (charge RN or NM)
- • Skills checklist (CVICU / MICU / Trauma ICU)
Connect With Your Recruiter
- • Email jobs@catsol.com with your ICU specialty & desired start date
- • Specify: Barnes-Jewish vs. Saint Luke's vs. Truman Medical preference
- • Share your CCRN/ECMO/CSC status — this determines which facilities we submit you to
- • Indicate whether you need agency housing or stipend-only
- • Compact state or needing MO endorsement?
Get Submitted & Start
- • CatSol submits your profile within 24 hours of receiving complete documents
- • Barnes-Jewish & Saint Luke's typically respond in 3–7 business days
- • Accept offer & complete facility credentialing (2–3 weeks)
- • Background check, drug screen, health screening
- • First day orientation — then into the ICU
Barnes-Jewish CVICU and Saint Luke's Heart Institute ICU contracts are among the most competitive in the Midwest. Apply 8–12 weeks before your desired start date for the best chance of placement.
Ready for Your Missouri ICU Contract?
Barnes-Jewish CVICU. Saint Luke's Heart Institute. Truman Medical Level I. Missouri's elite ICU programs fill fast — CatSol recruiters submit within 24 hours.
NLC Compact state • $2,400–$3,300/week • ECMO-certified RNs earn up to $3,300/wk • CCRN adds $250–$400/wk
CatSol Healthcare Staffing • Placing travel ICU nurses nationwide • Same-day submissions to Barnes-Jewish, Saint Luke's & Truman Medical