Houston is the closest major city to the Huntsville TDCJ hub — less than 70 miles north. Travel nurses based in Houston have the shortest commute to the largest concentration of Texas prison jobs.
Quick Answer
Travel nurses near Houston can work at 2 correctional facility clusters within 85 miles. Pay ranges from $2,800 to $2,900 per week.
| Facility | City | Drive | Avg Pay | Roles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
TDCJ Huntsville Units (multiple) | Huntsville | 1 hr | $2,900/wk | RN, LVN, CNA |
TDCJ Stiles Unit / Southeast Texas Regional units | Beaumont | 1 hr 30 min | $2,800/wk | RN, LVN |
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.
CatSol recruiters specialize in TDCJ placements. We handle the background check, credentialing, and onboarding.
Huntsville is approximately 70 miles north of Houston — about a 1 hour drive. The Huntsville area has the highest concentration of TDCJ units in Texas, making it the best correctional market for Houston-based nurses.
Travel nurses at Huntsville-area TDCJ facilities typically earn $2,600–$3,200 per week with full stipend packages. RNs command the highest rates.
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