California Travel CNA Jobs — CDCR Correctional Facilities
California currently has 11 active travel CNA openings across CDCR correctional facilities paying $1,177–$1,593 per week. Certified Nursing Assistants at CDCR provide direct patient care in structured medical units, infirmaries, and chronic care clinics — in one of the highest-paying correctional systems in the country. Remote facilities like High Desert State Prison ($1,593/wk) offer the largest pay premium.
CNA Work at California Prisons — What to Expect
CDCR's medical system — overseen by the federal receiver California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) — is one of the most well-resourced correctional healthcare systems in the US. CNAs work alongside RNs, LVNs, physicians, and mental health staff in designated medical units with controlled access and full security support.
Daily duties include vital signs monitoring, patient hygiene assistance, ambulation support, specimen collection, basic wound care support, and assisting with chronic care clinic visits. Medical units operate separately from the general prison population — CNAs work in a clinical environment, not on cell blocks.
Why CNAs Choose CDCR Travel
- ✓ Pay premium over hospital and SNF CNA roles — same certification, higher pay
- ✓ Predictable 12-hour shifts — 3 days/week, minimal mandatory overtime
- ✓ Tax-free stipends — housing + M&I on top of hourly rate
- ✓ Job security — government facilities with consistent staffing needs
- ✓ Long contracts — 13 weeks with frequent extension offers
- ✓ Lower cost-of-living locations — remote premiums + cheap housing = high savings rate
Active CNA Jobs by CDCR Facility
Based on live CatSol inventory — 11 active CNA openings as of April 2026
High Desert State Prison (HDSP)
Susanville, CA
Highest CNA pay in CDCR system. Two active openings. Remote location premium in Lassen County.
CSP Centinela (CEN)
Imperial, CA
Remote Imperial County — very low cost of living maximizes CNA take-home pay.
Mule Creek State Prison (MCSP)
Ione, CA
Behavioral health-focused facility. CNAs support nursing teams in med-surg and mental health units.
RJ Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD)
San Diego, CA
San Diego location with LTC/skilled nursing CNA opening. Coastal access and urban amenities.
CSP Los Angeles County (LAC)
Lancaster, CA
LA metro access. CNAs work in general medical unit supporting chronic care teams.
CCWF Chowchilla
Chowchilla, CA
Two active CNA openings at the largest women's prison in the US. Women's health focus.
California Medical Facility (CMF)
Vacaville, CA
CDCR's primary medical/psychiatric hub. CNAs support specialized care teams.
California Institution for Women (CIW)
Corona, CA
Inland Empire location near LA. Women's correctional facility with consistent CNA demand.
California Correctional CNA FAQs
How much do travel CNAs make at California correctional facilities?
Travel CNAs at CDCR facilities earn $1,177–$1,593 per week based on current CatSol contracts. Remote facilities pay the most — High Desert State Prison in Susanville tops the scale at $1,593/week. Pay includes a taxable hourly rate plus tax-free housing and M&I stipends, which significantly boost take-home over a taxable salary.
What does a CNA do at a California prison?
Correctional CNAs provide direct patient care under RN and LVN supervision. Duties include vital signs monitoring, patient hygiene and mobility assistance, basic wound care support, specimen collection, and assisting with intake health screenings. CDCR CNAs often work in medical housing units, infirmaries, and chronic care clinics. The scope is similar to long-term care but in a secure, structured environment.
Do I need special training to work as a CNA at a California prison?
A current California CNA certification is required. CDCR will conduct a background check and security clearance — you cannot have certain criminal history. Prior correctional experience is helpful but not required. CNAs with LTC, skilled nursing, or hospital backgrounds transition well. CatSol handles the CDCR credentialing process for you.
Which CDCR facility pays CNAs the most?
High Desert State Prison in Susanville currently pays the highest CNA rate ($1,593/week). Remote facilities — HDSP (Susanville), CEN (Imperial), MCSP (Ione) — generally pay more than urban facilities due to location premiums. The low cost of living in remote locations also means more of your pay goes directly into savings.
Is correctional CNA work safe?
Yes. CNAs work in designated medical units with controlled access and security staff always present. CDCR facilities use established security protocols — CNA staff do not interact with the general population unsecured. CatSol provides a full security orientation before your first shift and pairs you with experienced correctional nursing teams.
How long are CNA travel contracts at California prisons?
Standard contracts are 13 weeks. CDCR facilities frequently offer extensions to CNAs who perform well — many travel CNAs stay 26–52 weeks at a single facility. The structured CDCR environment and predictable scheduling make correctional facilities popular for CNAs who want stable, longer-term assignments.
Can a travel CNA work at both CCWF and VSP in Chowchilla?
CCWF and Valley State Prison are co-located on the same Chowchilla campus. CatSol can place CNAs at either facility depending on openings. Living in the Chowchilla/Fresno area gives you access to both facilities' job pools simultaneously.
Related California Correctional Pages
Apply for California Travel CNA Jobs
11 active CNA openings at CDCR facilities — from High Desert in Susanville to RJ Donovan in San Diego. Same CNA certification, higher correctional pay.
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