PACU Travel Nurse Salary in California
Calculate your take-home pay as a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurse in California. PACU travel nurses care for patients recovering from anesthesia and surgery, monitoring vital signs and managing post-operative care.
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Average Hourly Rate
$59/hr
PACU in CA
Weekly Gross Pay
$2,354
Before taxes
Annual Potential
$122,408
Working full-time
California PACU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for PACU travel nurse compensation
California offers moderate PACU travel nurse compensation at $59/hr (ranked #6 of 50 states). Demand is steady for this specialty.
Est. Weekly Gross
$3,922
(Taxable + Stipends)
Est. Weekly Net
$3,044
(After 37.3% est. tax)
Stipend vs Housing
+$1,083/wk
(Surplus or deficit)
Hawaii leads at $62/hr — $3/hr more than California. Compare →
Calculate Your PACU Pay in California
Use our calculator to estimate your take-home pay as a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurse in California. Enter your contract details to see your true discretionary income after cost of living adjustments.
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
Estimate your take-home pay, taxes, and blended rate in seconds.
Same state assignment. You'll pay 13.3% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$98.56
Based on 36 hours in CA.
Gross Weekly Pay
$3,548
Taxable Weekly Income
$1,980
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$739
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,809
Looking for a contract? Get matched with top-paying recruiters.
Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$36,523
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$73,046
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$146,092
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,809
per week
Taxes
$739
per week
Total Gross: $3,548 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$1,050
≈ $4,547/month
Est. 1BR Rent in California
$2,100
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$2,447
Your stipend covers rent with $2,447 left over each month.
Find apartments under $2,100/month in San Francisco:
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Cost of Living Analysis in California
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. California's cost of living is higher than the national average by 51.7 points.
💡 High cost of living area. Ensure your pay compensates for the increased expenses.
Housing Cost: Very High
Utilities: High
Rent data based on 2025 market averages. Actual rent may vary by neighborhood and housing type.
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GSA Rates & Tax-Free Stipends in California
PACU travel nurses in California receive the same tax-free stipend rates as other specialties. The specialty premium is reflected in your higher taxable hourly rate.
Lodging
$150/night
Meals & Incidentals
$79/day
Weekly Stipend Max
$1,603
Requirements for PACU Travel Nurses in California
PACU Certifications
- BLS
- ACLS
- 2+ years PACU experience
California Licensing
Tax & Cost of Living in California
Tax Information
Cost of Living
Top Hospitals Hiring PACU Nurses in California
- UCSF Medical Center
- Cedars-Sinai
- Stanford Health Care
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do PACU travel nurses make in California?
Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurses in California typically earn between $54 and $71 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $59/hr. This translates to approximately $2,354 per week or $122,408 annually. PACU nurses often earn a premium due to specialized skills required.
What are the requirements to work as a PACU travel nurse in California?
To work as a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurse in California, you typically need: BLS, ACLS, 2+ years PACU experience. California is NOT part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, so you'll need a separate California nursing license ($350, takes 4-6 weeks).
What GSA rates apply for PACU travel nurses in California?
The GSA per diem rates for California are: Lodging: $150/night, Meals: $74/day, and Incidentals: $5/day. These rates determine the maximum tax-free stipend amounts. PACU travel nurses receive the same stipend rates as other specialties—the specialty premium is reflected in the higher taxable hourly rate.
Is California a good state for PACU travel nurses?
California has higher taxes but often offers competitive rates for travel nurses. PACU nursing has high demand in this state. The cost of living index is 151.7 (above national average).
Which cities in California have the best PACU travel nurse jobs?
Popular cities for Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurse assignments in California include: San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego. Major hospitals like UCSF Medical Center and Cedars-Sinai frequently hire PACU travel nurses. Use our calculator to compare pay and cost of living across these cities.