CDCR · Susanville, CA
High Desert State Prison (HDSP) is located in Susanville, Lassen County — in the northeastern Sierra Nevada. Its remote location commands premium pay, and the area offers access to exceptional outdoor recreation including Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Quick Answer
Travel nurses at High Desert State Prison earn $3,000–$3,900 per week. RN, LVN positions available. Located in Susanville, CA — 2.5 hours from Sacramento.
Location
Susanville, CA
Lassen County
Security Level
Level III / Level IV
System
CDCR
Capacity
2,400 beds
Opened
1995
Nearest Major City
Sacramento
2.5 hours
Full-spectrum correctional nursing including intake screenings, chronic care clinics, urgent and emergency care, mental health nursing support.
12-hour shifts. Remote location means less commuter competition — many nurses find housing in Susanville itself.
Susanville has extremely low housing costs ($700–$1,100/month). Combined with premium remote pay, net take-home is among the highest in the CDCR system.
Remote locations like Susanville pay a premium to attract qualified nurses. The trade-off is limited urban amenities — compensated by the outstanding natural environment and lower cost of living.
Susanville is approximately 155 miles northeast of Sacramento — about a 2.5 hour drive.
Range: $3,000–$3,900/week depending on role and shift
Roles Available
RN, LVN
Contract Length
13 weeks
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