If you've ever thought about taking your nursing career on the road, California should be at the top of your list. The pay is excellent, the hospitals are world-class, and—let's be honest—the lifestyle doesn't hurt either.
But before you pack your bags and head west, there are some practical things you need to know. Like how much you'll actually make after taxes, what it takes to get licensed in California (spoiler: it's not quick), and whether the high cost of living will eat into your paycheck.
Let's break down what travel nursing in California really looks like—the good, the challenging, and everything in between.
Why Travel Nurses Love California
Travel nursing means taking short-term contracts, usually 8 to 13 weeks, at different hospitals and clinics. You're not tied down to one place, but you're not exactly freelancing either. You work through staffing agencies that match you with facilities that need temporary help.
So why California specifically?
For starters, the money is hard to beat. California consistently ranks among the highest-paying states for nurses, and travel contracts often pay even more than staff positions. Then there's the sheer variety, you can work in a Level I trauma center in Los Angeles one quarter and a coastal community hospital in Santa Barbara the next.
California also has mandatory nurse-to-patient ratio laws, which means facilities can't overload you the way they might in other states. That's a big deal when you're jumping into a new environment every few months.
And yes, the beaches and mountains don't hurt. Being able to surf on your day off or take a weekend trip to Yosemite? That's a perk you won't find in most states.
💰 Real Talk on Pay: The average travel nurse salary in California is around $99,808 a year, which is roughly $48 an hour. But depending on your specialty and where you work, you could make anywhere from $72,500 to over $130,000.
What You'll Actually Make
Let's talk numbers, because salary ranges can be misleading if you don't understand what affects them.
ZipRecruiter reports that the average travel nurse in California makes about $99,808 a year, or $48 an hour. But that's just the middle of the pack. Here's how it breaks down:
- Starting out or working in lower-demand areas? You're looking at around $72,500 annually.
- Got experience and working in a busy specialty? You'll likely land closer to $120,900.
- Top earners in high-demand roles (think ICU or ER in San Francisco)? Over $130,000 isn't unusual.
What makes the difference? A few things:
Your specialty matters. Critical care, emergency, OR, and labor & delivery almost always pay more because they're harder to staff. If you're willing to work nights or weekends, add even more to that number.
Location matters—a lot. A contract in San Francisco or LA will pay significantly more than one in Fresno or Bakersfield. Of course, your rent will also be higher in those cities, so it's not always the goldmine it seems.
Experience counts. Most agencies want you to have at least a year or two of solid experience in your specialty before they'll send you out on assignment. The more you have, the more you can command.
Getting Licensed (And Why It Takes Forever)
Here's the part that trips people up: California is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact. That means your multistate license from another state won't work here. You need to apply for a California-specific license, and it's going to take time.
For RNs: You'll apply through the California Board of Registered Nursing.
For LVNs: You'll go through the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians.
The process typically takes anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks—sometimes longer if there are delays with your fingerprints or transcripts. Don't wait until the last minute. If you're serious about a California assignment, start your application at least two to three months before you want to begin working.
Beyond the license, you'll also need:
- Clinical experience – Most agencies want 1-2 years minimum in your specialty
- BLS certification – That's a given for any nursing job
- Specialty certs – ACLS for critical care, PALS for pediatrics, NRP for labor & delivery
- The usual paperwork – Background check, drug screen, immunization records, physical exam
⏱️ Pro Tip: Start your California license application as soon as you're considering travel nursing here. Even if you don't take a contract right away, having the license ready opens up more opportunities.
Ready to start building your nursing career?
National Career College’s Vocational Nursing (LVN) program gives you the training you need to earn licensure and prepare for opportunities like travel nursing. With flexible schedules, supportive instructors, and career services, NCC helps you move from the classroom into the workforce with confidence.
Get More Info | Schedule Your Visit | Apply Today
What Makes It Worth It
Beyond the paycheck (which, let's face it, is a big part of the appeal), there are some real benefits to travel nursing in California.
The money is just the start. Most agencies throw in housing stipends or set you up with furnished apartments. They'll cover your travel costs between assignments. You'll get health insurance, and some even offer completion bonuses if you finish your contract.
You'll become a better nurse. Working in different hospitals forces you to adapt quickly. You'll see how different facilities handle the same situations, pick up new techniques, and become way more versatile than if you'd stayed in one place.
The lifestyle is unmatched. One contract you're in San Diego, the next you could be in Sacramento. Between assignments, you can take time off to explore. Hike in the Sierras. Road trip down Highway 1. Spend a weekend in wine country. It's not just a job—it's a way to actually live in California for a while without committing to buying a $1.2 million fixer-upper.
The Challenges (Because There Always Are Some)
It's not all sunshine and surf breaks. Travel nursing comes with trade-offs.
California is expensive. Even with a housing stipend, you might be shocked by how much things cost in places like San Francisco or Santa Monica. A burrito that costs $8 in Texas might run you $18 here. Gas is pricier. Parking is a nightmare in some cities. Budget accordingly.
Licensing is slow. We covered this, but it bears repeating because it's the #1 frustration new California travel nurses mention. The state doesn't rush for anyone.
You're the new person—constantly. Every 8-13 weeks, you're starting over. New hospital, new team, new charting system, new protocols. Some people thrive on that. Others find it exhausting. Know yourself.
Contracts aren't guaranteed. While rare, cancellations happen. Facilities might extend your contract if they love you, or they might end it early if the census drops. Work with a good agency that has your back.
🤔 Is It Worth It? For most travel nurses, yes, especially if you value flexibility, adventure, and higher pay. Just go in with realistic expectations about the challenges.
How to Actually Succeed at This
If you're going to make travel nursing work, here's what experienced travelers will tell you:
Pick the right agency. Not all staffing companies are created equal. You want one with clear contracts, recruiters who actually answer their phone, and good reviews from other nurses. Ask around in Facebook groups—travel nurses love (or love to hate) talking about their agencies.
Be flexible about shifts and locations. If you're only willing to work days in San Francisco, you're going to have limited options. Night shift differential pays more anyway, and some of the best assignments are in places you've never heard of.
Budget like you're not making six figures. Yes, the pay is good, but California has a way of draining your bank account if you're not careful. Track your spending, especially in those first few months.
Connect with other travelers. Online forums, Facebook groups, even just meeting other travelers at your facility—these connections are invaluable. They'll give you the real scoop on agencies, facilities, and which cities are worth living in.
Keep everything organized. Licenses, certifications, immunization records, contracts, tax documents—you'll need all of it, and you'll need it fast when applying for new assignments. Use a folder system or a cloud service. Future you will be grateful.
Getting Started
Already a licensed nurse? Here's your roadmap:
- Apply for your California license (do this first—seriously)
- Update your certifications if anything's about to expire
- Apply to 2-3 travel nursing agencies
- Talk to recruiters about what you're looking for
- Review contracts carefully before signing
Not licensed yet? You're going to need to complete nursing school first. A lot of travel nurses start as LVNs and build from there.
National Career College offers a Vocational Nursing program that prepares you for the NCLEX-PN and provides you with hands-on clinical experience. Once you've worked as an LVN for a year or two, you'll be in a great position to transition into travel nursing.
Want more details on the LVN path? Check out this guide: How to Become an LVN in California
Common Questions
How much do travel nurses really make in California?
On average, around $99,808 a year, but it ranges from about $72,500 to over $130,000 depending on your specialty, experience, and where you're working.
Do I need a different license for California?
Yes. California doesn't participate in the multistate nursing compact, so you'll need a California-specific RN or LVN license.
What specialties pay the best?
ICU, ER, OR, labor & delivery, and telemetry tend to be the highest-paying because they're harder to staff.
How long do contracts usually last?
Most are 8-13 weeks, though you can often extend if both you and the hospital want to continue.
Can LVNs do travel nursing?
Absolutely. There are fewer LVN travel positions than RN positions, but they exist—especially in long-term care, skilled nursing facilities, and clinics.
Will the agency find me a place to live?
Most agencies either provide housing or give you a stipend to find your own place. Given how expensive California housing is, this benefit is huge.
Ready to Take the Leap?
Travel nursing in California isn't for everyone, but for nurses who want flexibility, adventure, and solid pay, it's hard to beat. You'll work in some of the best hospitals in the country, explore one of the most beautiful states, and build a resume that opens doors anywhere.
The first step? Getting licensed. If you're not there yet, NCC's Vocational Nursing program can get you started. From there, it's just a matter of gaining experience and taking that first contract.
The California coast is waiting. Are you ready?
