CDCR · Calipatria, CA
Calipatria State Prison (CAL) is a Level IV maximum-security CDCR facility located in Imperial County — the southernmost tip of California's Central Valley near the Salton Sea. It is one of the most remote correctional assignments in the state and one of only a few in California below sea level. The facility houses approximately 2,800 inmates and has active behavioral health needs.
Quick Answer
Travel nurses at Calipatria State Prison earn $2,800–$3,400 per week. RN, LVN, Behavioral Health positions available. Located in Calipatria, CA — from .
Location
Calipatria, CA
Imperial County
Security Level
Level IV (Maximum)
System
CDCR
Capacity
2,800 beds
Opened
1992
Nearest Major City
Maximum-security nursing at CAL covers psychiatric and behavioral health, chronic disease management, urgent care, intake screenings, and medication administration. Behavioral health is the primary specialty in demand based on live job data. The desert heat (summer highs 115°F+) creates specific occupational health considerations.
12-hour shifts. Remote location means many travel nurses live on or near campus during assignment weeks. Housing stipend offsets costs effectively.
Calipatria is one of California's most remote correctional locations. El Centro (30 min) is the nearest city with full services. Yuma, AZ (45 min) is a popular base for some nurses. Housing is very affordable — $700–$1,100/month. The low cost dramatically boosts net take-home.
Very remote. Calipatria is in the Imperial Valley near the Salton Sea — one of the most isolated CDCR assignments. El Centro is 30 minutes away. The extreme remoteness comes with premium pay and very low cost of living.
Behavioral health is the primary demand area (confirmed by live job data). RN and LVN general correctional roles also fill regularly. Experience in psych, behavioral health, or corrections is preferred.
Travel nurses at CAL earn $2,800–$3,400 per week. The extreme remoteness and maximum-security designation typically add a premium over lower-security rural facilities.
Range: $2,800–$3,400/week depending on role and shift
Roles Available
RN, LVN, Behavioral Health
Contract Length
13 weeks
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