California operates the largest state prison system in the US. CDCR facilities offer travel nurses high-paying contracts, structured schedules, and long-term assignments across the state.
Quick Answer
California correctional travel nurses earn $2,800–$3,800 per week. CatSol has 246+ active CDCR openings across the state.
Find correctional nursing jobs within driving distance of major California metros.
Individual facility pages with detailed pay, duties, and housing info
Soledad, Monterey County
Corcoran, Kings County
Ione, Amador County
Susanville, Lassen County
Stockton, San Joaquin County
Crescent City, Del Norte County
Safer staffing ratios
Correctional facilities follow structured nurse-to-patient ratios, unlike many hospital settings.
Predictable schedules
12-hour shifts, 3 days per week. Minimal mandatory overtime compared to acute care.
Premium pay packages
Correctional assignments frequently pay more than comparable hospital positions.
Long contracts
13-week contracts with frequent extension opportunities. Less frequent relocation.
Varied clinical experience
Correctional nursing covers chronic care, urgent care, psych, and intake screenings.
High job security
Government-operated facilities have consistent staffing demand regardless of economic cycles.
Our recruiters specialize in CDCR placements and handle the full credentialing process.
Correctional travel nursing involves working as a contract nurse at a jail, prison, or detention facility. Travel nurses fill temporary staffing needs at state and federal correctional facilities, typically on 13-week contracts.
Correctional travel nurses typically earn $2,600–$3,900 per week depending on state, location, and specialty. Pay packages include a taxable hourly rate plus tax-free housing and meals & incidentals stipends.
A current RN, LVN, or CNA license in the assignment state is required. Some facilities require BLS/CPR. Prior correctional experience is preferred but not always required — med-surg, psych, or long-term care backgrounds translate well.
Yes. Nurses work in secured medical units with controlled access. Security staff are present at all times. CDCR and TDCJ provide mandatory orientation to security protocols before your first shift.
Correctional nursing combines primary care, chronic disease management, urgent care, and psychiatric nursing in a secure environment. Schedules are more predictable, ratios are often better, and pay tends to be higher than comparable hospital positions.
Yes. CatSol has deep inventory in California and Texas correctional facilities, with recruiters who specialize in CDCR and TDCJ placements. We handle the full credentialing and background check process.