California’s vibrant healthcare scene offers a dynamic landscape for skilled travel nurses like you. Hospitals across the state grapple with critical staffing shortages, creating exceptional opportunities for qualified professionals seeking adventure and career advancement.
Why choose California as your next travel nursing job destination?
Thriving Healthcare Hub:
California boasts a robust healthcare sector, consistently ranking among the nation’s leaders in medical research, innovation, and patient care. The state is home to world-renowned hospitals, research institutions, and cutting-edge healthcare facilities, making it a prime destination for travel nurses. With high demand for skilled nurses, travel nurses in California consistently recieve higher wages in the country, ensuring increased compensation for their experience.
Diverse Opportunities:
From bustling metropolises like Los Angeles and San Francisco to scenic coastal towns like San Diego and Monterey, California offers a wide range of locations to explore, each with its unique healthcare needs. Whether you’re interested in working in a fast-paced urban hospital or a tranquil rural clinic, California’s diverse healthcare landscape allows travel nurses to gain valuable experience across various settings and specialties.
Unparalleled Lifestyle:
California is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and outdoor activities. Whether you’re hiking in the Sierra Nevada mountains, relaxing on a world-famous beach, or exploring iconic national parks like Yosemite, California offers countless ways to unwind and enjoy your downtime. The state’s mild climate and variety of recreational opportunities make it an ideal place for travel nurses seeking an exceptional work-life balance.
How much does a travel nurse make in California?
According to Indeed, travel nurses in California can expect to earn an average annual salary of $164,000. Travel nursing jobs with great pay and benefits near California. It’s important to note that salaries can vary depending on factors like experience, specialty, and location’s. Here’s a breakdown with concrete figures to give you a clear picture:
Understanding the Variations
It’s important to remember that $164,000 is an average, and your specific salary can vary depending on several factors:
- Experience: Nurses with more experience can command higher weekly rates. For example, a seasoned travel nurse with critical care experience might earn closer to $2,500 per week compared to a new travel nurse starting at $2,000.
- Nursing Specialty: Certain specialties are in higher demand and typically receive higher salaries. You can find specific salary information for different specialties on websites like Travel Nurse Source.
- Location: Rates can vary depending on the specific city or region within California. Hospitals in high-demand areas, like San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland, may offer more competitive compensation (Trusted Health provides a helpful breakdown by city).
- Travel Nurse Agency: Different agencies might have slightly different pay structures and benefits packages. It’s crucial to compare offerings before accepting a contract.
What are the top 10 highest-paying cities for travel nurse jobs in California?
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated annual, monthly, weekly, and hourly wages for travel nurses in the top 10 highest-paying cities in California (Source: Salary.com, ZipRecruiter):
| City | Estimated Annual Salary | Estimated Monthly Pay | Estimated Weekly Pay | Estimated Hourly Wage |
| San Francisco | $185,000 | $15,417 | $3,583 | $89.58 |
| San Jose | $182,000 | $15,167 | $3,513 | $87.83 |
| Oakland | $178,000 | $14,833 | $3,438 | $85.95 |
| Los Angeles | $175,000 | $14,583 | $3,381 | $84.53 |
| Anaheim | $172,000 | $14,333 | $3,323 | $83.08 |
| Long Beach | $170,000 | $14,167 | $3,292 | $82.31 |
| Sacramento | $168,000 | $14,000 | $3,246 | $81.15 |
| Fresno | $165,000 | $13,750 | $3,208 | $80.20 |
| San Diego | $162,000 | $13,500 | $3,154 | $78.85 |
| Bakersfield | $160,000 | $13,333 | $3,115 | $77.88 |
What are the top 5 best paying travel nurse jobs in California?
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated annual, monthly, weekly, and hourly wages for travel nurses in the top 5 highest-paying Travel Nurse specialties in California (Source: Salary.com, ZipRecruiter):
| Job Title | Estimated Annual Salary | Estimated Monthly Pay | Estimated Weekly Pay | Estimated Hourly Wage |
| NICU RN | $200,000 | $16,667 | $3,889 | $97.23 |
| OR RN | $195,000 | $16,250 | $3,792 | $94.81 |
| ICU RN | $188,000 | $15,667 | $3,646 | $91.15 |
| ER RN | $180,000 | $15,000 | $3,462 | $86.54 |
| PICU RN | $175,000 | $14,583 | $3,375 | $84.13 |
*All pay information has been compiled from multiple sources to provide an estimated overview.
Finding Your Perfect Match:
Looking to match your skills & experience to the most in-demand positions in California? Check out our current openings here!