Registered Nurse Jobs at
California State Prisons
Travel RNs at CDCR facilities earn $2,800–$3,500/week — averaging $3,147/week across current openings. Pelican Bay pays the most at $3,486/week. 13-week contracts with full stipends.
Active RN Openings by Facility
Live data — updated every 4 hours from CatSol job database
Pelican Bay State Prison
Crescent City, California
RN — Corrections (Days)
Kern Valley State Prison
Delano, California
RN — Corrections (Eves)
California State Prison, Sacramento
Folsom, California
RN — Corrections (Eves)
California Health Care Facility
Stockton, California
RN — Multiple units (ICU, Tele, Med-Surg)
Salinas Valley State Prison
Soledad, California
RN — Psychiatric and Medical
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Why RNs Choose CDCR Travel Nursing
California prison nursing isn't for everyone — but for the right RN, it's one of the best deals in travel nursing.
Premium Pay Packages
CDCR positions consistently pay 15–25% above equivalent hospital travel contracts in the same metro. Remote facilities like PBSP and HDSP add a location premium on top.
Predictable Schedules
No chaotic ER or holiday surge staffing. Most CDCR RN positions are 12-hour day or evening shifts with low mandatory overtime. Weekend rotation is structured and predictable.
Clinical Depth
CHCF Stockton operates ICU, telemetry, dialysis, and psychiatric units — real acute care in a corrections setting. Med-surg skills stay sharp across all facilities.
Location Variety
From Crescent City in the redwoods to Stockton in the Central Valley to Delano near Bakersfield — CDCR covers all of California. Remote locations pair with lower housing costs.
RN Requirements for California State Prisons
✓ Required
- ✓Active California RN license (CA is not NLC compact)
- ✓Minimum 1 year RN experience (med-surg, ER, or correctional)
- ✓Current BLS/CPR certification (AHA preferred)
- ✓Clean background check (required for all CDCR staff)
- ✓U.S. work authorization
+ Preferred (not required)
- +ICU, telemetry, or ER background (especially for CHCF)
- +Psychiatric nursing experience (for behavioral health units)
- +Prior correctional nursing (can fast-track approval)
- +ACLS or PALS certification
- +Bilingual (Spanish/English) for SoCal facilities
CA License Note: California is NOT part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). You must hold a CA-issued RN license or apply for endorsement. CatSol guides you through the process — typical timeline is 4–8 weeks.
CDCR RN Pay by Facility (2026)
Weekly all-in pay estimates including tax-free housing and meal stipends for a CA-licensed travel RN.
| Facility | Location | Weekly Pay | Why Higher/Lower |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pelican Bay SP (PBSP) | Crescent City | $3,426–$3,486 | Remote + max security premium |
| Salinas Valley SP (SVSP) | Soledad | $2,900–$3,200 | Psych + medical hybrid demand |
| California Health Care Facility (CHCF) | Stockton | $2,800–$3,200 | Hospital-level acuity (ICU/Tele) |
| Kern Valley SP (KVSP) | Delano | $2,882 | Evening shift differential |
| CSP-Sacramento (SAC) | Folsom | $2,792 | Near Sacramento — lower remoteness premium |
| Mule Creek SP (MCSP) | Ione | $2,700–$3,000 | Medium-security, near Sacramento |
| High Desert SP (HDSP) | Susanville | $2,900–$3,600 | Remote NorCal — strong location premium |
Pay ranges based on live job postings as of April 2026. Actual packages vary by shift, specialty, and contract terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do travel RNs earn at California state prisons?
Travel RNs at CDCR facilities currently earn $2,800–$3,500 per week all-in. The average across active openings is approximately $3,147/week. Pelican Bay State Prison (Crescent City) pays the highest at $3,486/week due to its remote location premium.
What experience do I need to work as an RN in a California prison?
Most CDCR positions require at least 1 year of med-surg, emergency, or correctional nursing experience. ICU or telemetry backgrounds are highly valued at CHCF Stockton. A current California RN license is required — travel nurses can apply for CA endorsement through CatSol.
Which California prison pays RNs the most?
Pelican Bay State Prison in Crescent City (Del Norte County) consistently pays the highest RN rates — currently $3,426–$3,486/week. Its remote location in far northern California commands a location premium. High Desert State Prison (Susanville) and CHCF Stockton also pay above the CDCR average.
Is correctional RN nursing dangerous?
CDCR facilities have strict security protocols and trained correctional officers present at all times. Most patient interactions are in a clinical setting. Travel nurses report that CDCR nursing feels safer than many urban hospital ERs because of the structured environment and security presence.
Do I need a California RN license to work at CDCR?
Yes. All RN positions at California state prisons require an active California RN license. California is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact. CatSol can help with the endorsement paperwork — typical processing time is 4–8 weeks from a compact state.
How long are CDCR travel nursing contracts?
Standard contracts are 13 weeks. Many nurses extend for additional 13-week blocks. CDCR facilities often prefer nurses who can commit to at least one extension due to the security clearance and onboarding overhead.
Ready to Start Your CDCR RN Contract?
CatSol specializes in California correctional placements. We handle CA license endorsement, CDCR credentialing, housing setup, and direct recruiter support.
Questions? Email jobs@catsol.com