Hey there, Golden State dreamers! It's your fuzzy travel buddy Uni-Ted here with some sunshine-worthy news. California isn't just about beaches and mountains—it's home to the HIGHEST-paying travel nursing jobs in America. Whether you're an RN dreaming of coastal assignments, a specialty nurse ready for premium pay, or a therapy professional seeking California adventure, this guide reveals everything you need to know about landing top-dollar assignments in the Golden State. Grab your sunglasses (and honey latte!), and let's explore how California can transform your 2026!
Your California Travel Nursing Career Path Starts Here
Ready to explore California's premium opportunities? Browse these high-paying positions:
Why California Is THE Ultimate Travel Nursing Destination for 2026
California represents the pinnacle of travel nursing compensation and lifestyle. With mandatory nurse-to-patient ratios, strong union presence protecting working conditions, and the highest healthcare wages in America, the Golden State offers unmatched opportunities for travel nurses.
Here's what makes California exceptional:
- Weekly pay packages ranging from $2,500 to $4,500 across specialties
- Mandatory safe staffing ratios protecting both nurses and patients (1:2 ICU, 1:4 Med-Surg)
- No state income tax on stipends maximizing your take-home pay
- Diverse practice settings from world-renowned teaching hospitals to community facilities
- Year-round perfect weather enabling outdoor adventures every weekend
- Professional development opportunities at leading healthcare institutions
Whether you're exploring United Healthcare careers in California, partnering with the best healthcare recruiter for West Coast assignments, or searching for United Healthcare jobs that combine premium pay with incredible lifestyle, California delivers everything travel nurses dream about.
The 6 Highest-Paying Travel Nursing Jobs in California for 2026
California offers diverse high-paying specialties for travel nurses.
ICU Travel Nurse – Critical Care Excellence
Weekly Pay Range: $3,200 – $4,500
California ICU travel nurses command the highest compensation in America. With mandatory 1:2 nurse-to-patient ratios and sophisticated patient populations requiring advanced critical thinking, ICU assignments offer both clinical challenge and premium pay. Bay Area facilities regularly exceed $4,000 weekly, while Southern California hospitals offer $3,500-$4,200 packages. You'll work with cutting-edge technology, complex cardiac cases, trauma patients, and post-surgical critical care requiring expert-level competency.
Requirements: Active California RN license, 2+ years ICU experience, BLS, ACLS, NIH Stroke Scale certification preferred. CCRN certification significantly increases earning potential.
Emergency Room Travel Nurse – Fast-Paced ER Heroes
Weekly Pay Range: $3,000 – $4,300
California ER travel nurses thrive in high-volume, diverse emergency departments serving multicultural communities. From Level I trauma centers to community ERs, California facilities need experienced ER nurses who handle everything from minor injuries to life-threatening emergencies. Los Angeles trauma centers offer the highest compensation, while Bay Area facilities provide premium rates with excellent benefits.
Requirements: California RN license, 2+ years ER experience, BLS, ACLS, PALS (preferred), TNCC certification increases marketability. Spanish language skills highly valued and often command premium pay differentials.
Labor & Delivery Travel Nurse – Bringing New Life
Weekly Pay Range: $3,000 – $4,200
California L&D travel nurses work in some of America's busiest maternity units. With diverse patient populations, high-risk pregnancies, and advanced neonatal care capabilities, California L&D assignments provide comprehensive experience. Southern California facilities consistently offer $3,500-$4,000 weekly packages, while Northern California hospitals provide premium compensation with lower competition.
Requirements: California RN license, 2+ years L&D experience, BLS, NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program), ACLS, Electronic Fetal Monitoring certification. AWHONN certification preferred.
Med-Surg Travel Nurse – Versatile Clinical Foundation
Weekly Pay Range: $2,800 – $3,800
Med-Surg travel nurses find abundant opportunities throughout California with the benefit of 1:4 or 1:5 maximum patient ratios—significantly better than most states. From telemetry floors to general medical units, California Med-Surg positions offer excellent compensation with manageable workloads. Bay Area facilities lead in compensation, while Central Valley and Inland Empire offer high pay with dramatically lower living costs.
Requirements: California RN license, 1-2 years Med-Surg experience, BLS, ACLS preferred. Telemetry experience and cardiac monitoring skills increase assignment options.
Home Health Travel Nurse – California Autonomy
Weekly Pay Range: $2,800 – $3,800
California home health travel nurses enjoy professional independence while earning premium compensation. With the nation's largest aging population and strong preference for home-based care, California home health offers consistent demand. Mileage reimbursement, flexible scheduling, and one-on-one patient relationships make home health uniquely rewarding.
Requirements: California RN license, 1+ year home health or acute care experience, reliable transportation, smartphone for documentation, BLS. Wound care certification and OASIS documentation experience highly valued.
SNF/LTC Travel Nurse – Long-Term Care Leadership
Weekly Pay Range: $2,500 – $3,500
California skilled nursing facilities need experienced RNs and LVNs for supervisory roles, medication management, wound care, and resident advocacy. With strong regulatory oversight and excellent nurse-to-patient ratios compared to other states, California SNF positions offer stability and respect. Central Valley facilities often provide housing stipends and completion bonuses.
Requirements: California RN or LVN license, 1+ year long-term care experience, BLS. Supervisory experience and IV certification command premium rates.
Best Travel Nursing Agencies for California Assignments
United Healthcare Staffing (UHCS) leads for California specialists.
United Healthcare Staffing (UHCS) – California Specialists
Why UHCS Leads for California:
- Exclusive California Partnerships with top-rated facilities statewide
- Transparent Pay Packages – No hidden deductions or surprise fees
- $100 Referral Bonus when your referral works their first day
- $1 Per Hour Referral Earnings – Unlimited passive income potential
- California License Reimbursement – We cover your licensing costs
- Dedicated California Recruiters who understand regional differences
- Weekly Pay via direct deposit
- Comprehensive Benefits – Health, dental, vision, 401(k)
Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
ICU and ER travel nurses regularly earn $3,500-$4,500 weekly ($182,000-$234,000 annually). Med-Surg and SNF positions range $2,800-$3,800 weekly ($145,000-$197,000 annually). These figures include base pay, housing stipends, and meal allowances.
Absolutely. California's premium pay rates ($500-1,500 weekly higher than most states) recover licensing costs in 2-3 weeks. UHCS often reimburses licensing fees.
California's mandatory ratios mean safer assignments and better work-life balance. You'll have manageable workloads compared to other states, reducing burnout risk.
Yes—housing stipends are adjusted for California's costs. Many travelers choose Inland Empire, Central Valley, or Sacramento for lower living expenses while earning Bay Area-level compensation.
No—strong experience in your specialty from any state qualifies you. However, previous California assignments help secure premium facilities.
With license in hand, motivated nurses can start within 2-3 weeks for standard assignments, or 3-7 days for crisis response positions.
