Travel Nurse Pay Calculator — California
California has a 9.3% state income tax. Enter your contract rate below to see your exact take-home after all taxes and tax-free stipends.
Your Pay Package
IRS-compliant structure
RN • California • 13 weeks
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Select a state and enter gross pay to calculate
California Tax Overview
Note: Daily OT: 1.5x >8hrs, 2x >12hrs
Example: $2,500/wk gross
≈ $2,220/wk take-home
Nursing License
California requires a separate state license. Application takes 4–12 weeks and costs $100–$300.
Learn about compact licenses →Top Nursing Cities
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco
- San Diego
- Sacramento
Jobs in California
Search travel nursing assignments in California with transparent pay
Search California JobsCalifornia Travel Nurse Pay FAQ
How much do travel nurses make in California?
Travel nurses in California pay 9.3% state income tax on taxable wages (not on tax-free stipends). A typical $2,500/week contract yields approximately $2,220 take-home after federal and state taxes, plus tax-free stipends. Enter your actual rate above for your exact take-home.
Does California have a compact nursing license?
No, California is not currently an NLC compact state. You'll need a separate California nursing license ($100–$300, 4–12 weeks processing). Many staffing agencies help with the application and some cover the cost.
What are the GSA per diem rates in California?
GSA per diem rates in California vary by city and county. The standard CONUS rate is $110/night lodging and $68/day M&IE. Major metro areas like Los Angeles typically have higher rates. Enter a ZIP code in the calculator above to see exact GSA rates for your assignment location.