Academic Medical Center Magnet Hospital Level I Trauma

UCLA Medical Center

Los Angeles, California

The flagship hospital of UCLA Health, consistently ranked among the best in the Western United States.

Estimated Weekly Pay

$3,300

our editorial estimate, not reported pay

$3,300

Avg Weekly Pay

520

Beds

Yes

Magnet Designated

13 weeks

Contract Length

How to read these numbers

Pay figures for UCLA Medical Center are our own editorial estimates, last reviewed July 31, 2026. They are not survey results, agency-reported rates, or government wage data, and they should not be cited as a data source. Use them to orient yourself, then check any specific offer against the actual contract. Our methodology page explains exactly how each figure is produced and which ones come from a published source.

Pay Information

Average Hourly Rate

$60/hr

Taxable wages only

Average Weekly Pay

$3,300

Including stipends

California info: State income tax applies. GSA housing rate: $325/night. View California pay guide →

Pros & Cons for Travel Nurses

Pros

  • ✓ Top-ranked hospital
  • ✓ Beautiful Westwood location
  • ✓ Strong academics
  • ✓ Good ratios
  • ✓ Research opportunities

Cons

  • ✗ LA traffic
  • ✗ High cost of living
  • ✗ Parking difficult
  • ✗ Competitive to get contracts

Staffing & Work Environment

Nurse-to-Patient Ratio

1:4 ICU, 1:5 Med-Surg

Shift Options

Days, Nights

Parking

Parking structures, expensive

Contract Length

13 weeks

In-Demand Units

These units frequently have travel nurse openings at UCLA Medical Center:

Click on a unit to see specialty-specific salary data for California.

Hospital Specialties

UCLA Medical Center is known for excellence in:

Neurology Cardiac Cancer Orthopedics Ophthalmology

Tips for Travelers

  • 💡 Westwood is expensive - consider Culver City or West LA
  • 💡 Metro now accessible
  • 💡 Great weather year-round

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do travel nurses make at UCLA Medical Center?

Travel nurses at UCLA Medical Center typically earn $60/hour in taxable wages, with total weekly pay averaging around $3,300. Actual pay varies by specialty, shift, and current demand. Use our pay calculator to estimate your specific take-home pay.

What is the nurse-to-patient ratio at UCLA Medical Center?

UCLA Medical Center maintains nurse-to-patient ratios of 1:4 ICU, 1:5 Med-Surg. As a Magnet-designated hospital, they prioritize safe staffing levels.

What units are in demand at UCLA Medical Center?

The highest-demand units at UCLA Medical Center include ICU, ER, OR, Neuro, Cardiac. These units frequently have travel nurse openings and may offer premium rates during high-demand periods.

Is UCLA Medical Center a good hospital for travel nurses?

UCLA Medical Center is a Magnet-designated hospital with a Level I trauma designation. Points travelers often weigh in its favor: top-ranked hospital, beautiful westwood location. Points to check before signing: la traffic, high cost of living. These notes are our own editorial summary, not survey results or reviews from travelers, so confirm unit-level details with the recruiter and the hospital before accepting.

What specialties does UCLA Medical Center offer for travel nurses?

UCLA Medical Center is known for Neurology, Cardiac, Cancer, and other specialties. They frequently hire travel nurses for ICU, ER, OR units.

Hospital Details

Location Los Angeles, CA
Type Academic Medical Center
Beds 520
Magnet Status Yes
Trauma Level Level I