Travel Nurse Pay in California
Discover average travel nurse pay rates, stipends, and take-home calculations for California. Use our free calculator below to estimate your earnings.
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
Estimate your take-home pay, taxes, and blended rate in seconds.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$58.89
Based on 36 hours in CA.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,120
Taxable Weekly Income
$720
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$173
True Net Weekly Pay
$1,947
Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$25,314
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$50,627
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$101,254
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Average Travel Nurse Pay in California
Hourly Rate
$55/hr
Weekly Gross
$2,200
Annual
$114,400
GSA Per Diem Rates for California
Lodging
$150/night
Meals
$74/day
Incidentals
$5/day
These rates determine the maximum tax-free stipend amounts for travel nurses in California.
Tax Information for California
Cost of Living in California
Cost of Living Index
151.7
Above national average
Housing
Very High
Utilities
High
Popular Cities for Travel Nurses in California
San Francisco
Avg Pay: $65/hr
Los Angeles
Avg Pay: $58/hr
San Diego
Avg Pay: $56/hr
Top Hospitals in California
- UCSF Medical Center
- Cedars-Sinai
- Stanford Health Care
Nursing License Requirements for California
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do travel nurses make in California?
Travel nurses in California typically earn between $50 and $65 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $55/hr. When including tax-free stipends, the blended hourly rate ranges from $61-76 per hour.
What are the GSA rates for California?
The GSA per diem rates for California are: Lodging: $150/night, Meals: $74/day, and Incidentals: $5/day. These rates determine the maximum tax-free stipend amounts travel nurses can receive.
Is California tax-friendly for travel nurses?
California has a state income tax rate of 13.3%, making it less tax-friendly for travel nurses. However, you'll still pay federal taxes on your taxable wages.
What is the cost of living in California?
The cost of living index in California is 151.7, which is above the national average. Housing costs are very high, and utilities are high.
Do I need a separate license to work in California?
California is NOT part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, so you will need to obtain a separate ${stateData.name} nursing license. The license costs $350 and typically takes 4-6 weeks to process.