Travel nursing contracts in California advertise a median of $2,693 a week, with the middle half between $2,429 and $2,955, across 776 open nursing contracts on CircleRN. These are advertised weekly totals before tax, usually including tax-free stipends; for almost all postings the figure is the top of an advertised range. Not take-home pay. Every open contract is on the California job board.
Travel nurses in California have access to 1,076 furnished rental listings, 74 reviewed hospitals, and an average weekly pay of $2,771 based on 3 pay reports on CircleRN. All data is submitted by working travel nurses.
1,819 openings across 124 cities from $1,184–$4,387/week.
All 1,819 openings in California
155 hospitals in California are hiring travel nurses, 1,600 openings in all. Each page lists the openings by specialty with advertised weekly pay, cost of living and housing nearby.
1,076 furnished rentals with a median rent of $1,800/month.
For the same specialties, California pays about 11% above the national median, across 759 open listings. Each opening is compared with the national median for its own specialty. Once California prices are counted, that is worth about 0%.
Statewide, prices run 11% higher overall. Individual metros vary, so check the city page for where you are going.
| Category | Index | vs national |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 110.7 | 11% higher |
| Housing | 154.3 | 54% higher |
| Utilities | 158.9 | 59% higher |
| Groceries and goods | 106.1 | 6% higher |
| Services | 102.6 | 3% higher |
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024, where 100 is the national average.
A two-bedroom runs about $2,640/month, the median across 428 California cities (HUD Fair Market Rent, 2025, utilities included).
The federal ceiling on tax-free lodging reimbursement across California runs $113–$325 per night depending on the area, plus up to $92 a day for meals (GSA, FY2027). That is a maximum, not what agencies pay. Look up the exact rate for any ZIP code.
California is not a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so you need a California license to work here even if you hold a multistate license. Check your license with the compact checker.
Hospitals in California reviewed by travel nurses
Travel nurses in California earn an average of $2,771 per week based on 3 pay reports.
Of the 19 nursing specialties with open contracts in California, Cath Lab pays the most at $3,285 per week and Mother-Baby the least at $2,223.
| Specialty | Open contracts | Median weekly |
|---|---|---|
| ICU | 137 | $2,711 |
| ER | 126 | $2,638 |
| L&D | 78 | $3,193 |
| Med-Surg | 75 | $2,342 |
| Telemetry | 70 | $2,421 |
| OR | 56 | $3,040 |
| NICU | 44 | $2,740 |
| Case Management | 34 | $3,206 |
| PCU | 29 | $2,520 |
| PACU | 28 | $2,739 |
| Oncology | 24 | $2,604 |
| Cath Lab | 18 | $3,285 |
| CVICU | 13 | $2,850 |
| PICU | 9 | $3,167 |
| Mother-Baby | 5 | $2,223 |
| Rehab | 5 | $2,513 |
| Endoscopy | 4 | $2,739 |
| Pediatrics | 4 | $2,768 |
| Wound Care | 3 | $2,728 |