Travel Psychiatric RN Jobs
Psych RN travel contracts at hospital inpatient units, crisis stabilization centers, and California CDCR correctional facilities. The highest-paying setting pays $2,800–$3,500/week.
Quick Answer
Travel psychiatric nurses earn $2,500–$3,500/week in 2026. California CDCR correctional psych RNs earn the most at $2,800–$3,500/week with day shifts only — no nights, no holidays, no call. Hospital inpatient psych runs $2,500–$3,200/week nationally. A compact RN license covers 41 states; California requires a separate BRN license (6–12 weeks) but unlocks the highest-paying market.
| Setting | Weekly Pay | Schedule | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA CDCR Correctional Psych | $2,800–$3,500/wk | Days only, no nights/holidays | Highest-paying psych market in the US |
| Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) | $2,600–$3,100/wk | 12-hr shifts | High acuity, strong demand |
| Inpatient Psychiatric Hospital | $2,500–$3,200/wk | Rotating shifts | Broadest availability nationwide |
| Residential Treatment / Detox | $2,200–$2,700/wk | Evenings/days | Lower acuity, longer contracts |
| Community Mental Health | $2,200–$2,800/wk | M–F typical | Outpatient, low clinical intensity |
Updated every 4 hours from CatSol's live inventory.
Travel Psych RN — Lewiston, Maine
St Mary's Regional Medical Center · 13 weeks · Days
$2,254/wk
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Travel Psych RN — Lewiston, Maine
St Mary's Regional Medical Center · 13 weeks · Days
$2,200/wk
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Travel Psych RN — Lewiston, Maine
St Mary's Regional Medical Center · 13 weeks · Days
$2,200/wk
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Travel Psych RN — Soledad, California
Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) & (SVSP/PP) · 13 weeks · Days
$2,134.52/wk
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Travel Psych RN — Soledad, California
Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) & (SVSP/PP) · 13 weeks · Days
$2,134.52/wk
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Travel Psych RN — Soledad, California
Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) & (SVSP/PP) · 13 weeks · Days
$2,132.09/wk
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Travel Psych RN — Soledad, California
Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) & (SVSP/PP) · 13 weeks · Days
$2,127.09/wk
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Travel Psych RN — Ione, California
Mule Creek State Prison (MCSP) · 13 weeks · Days
$2,022/wk
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Travel Psych RN — San Diego, California
Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD) · 13 weeks · Days
$2,009.12/wk
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Travel Psych RN — San Diego, California
Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD) · 13 weeks · Days
$2,009.12/wk
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Travel Psych RN — San Diego, California
Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD) · 13 weeks · Days
$2,009.12/wk
Quick Apply →
Travel Psych RN — San Diego, California
Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD) · 13 weeks · Days
$2,009.12/wk
Quick Apply →
California
15
open positions
Maine
3
open positions
Missouri
1
open positions
Active RN License
Compact or state endorsement. Compact covers 41 states; CA, NY, MA, IL require separate license.
1–2 Years Psych Experience
Inpatient psychiatric nursing required. Most hospital contracts: 1 yr minimum. Correctional psych: 2 yrs preferred.
BLS / ACLS
Both required by most facilities. AHA certification preferred. CatSol will confirm facility-specific requirement.
CPI / De-escalation Training
Crisis Prevention Intervention or NVCI training. Many facilities require or strongly prefer this.
PMH-BC Certification (Optional)
ANCC Psychiatric-Mental Health RN Board Certification. Adds $1–$4/hr and strengthens your profile in competitive markets.
CCHP-RN (Corrections Optional)
Correctional health certification. Adds $2–$5/hr on CDCR and TDCJ contracts. Apply after 2 yrs corrections experience.
CDCR operates under a federal Coleman consent decree requiring mandated psychiatric staffing levels. Travel psych RNs earn $2,800–$3,500/week at CMF Vacaville, CSP Sacramento PSU, and Salinas Valley PSU — with structured day shifts, no nights, and no holiday requirements.
CatSol's corrections-specialist recruiters place travel psychiatric nurses at CDCR, TDCJ, and hospital behavioral health units. Transparent pay. Fast credentialing. Real recruiter support.
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