PICU Travel Nurse Salary in California
Calculate your take-home pay as a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurse in California. PICU travel nurses care for critically ill children, requiring specialized pediatric critical care skills.
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Average Hourly Rate
$61/hr
PICU in CA
Weekly Gross Pay
$2,420
Before taxes
Annual Potential
$125,840
Working full-time
California PICU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for PICU travel nurse compensation
California offers moderate PICU travel nurse compensation at $61/hr (ranked #6 of 50 states). Demand is steady for this specialty.
Est. Weekly Gross
$3,988
(Taxable + Stipends)
Est. Weekly Net
$3,085
(After 37.3% est. tax)
Stipend vs Housing
+$1,083/wk
(Surplus or deficit)
Hawaii leads at $64/hr — $3/hr more than California. Compare →
Calculate Your PICU Pay in California
Use our calculator to estimate your take-home pay as a Pediatric Intensive 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:
Affiliate link
We may earn a commission if you book through our link.
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.
Resources for Your Assignment
These are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
GSA Rates & Tax-Free Stipends in California
PICU 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 PICU Travel Nurses in California
PICU Certifications
- BLS
- PALS
- 2+ years PICU experience
California Licensing
Tax & Cost of Living in California
Tax Information
Cost of Living
Top Hospitals Hiring PICU Nurses in California
- UCSF Medical Center
- Cedars-Sinai
- Stanford Health Care
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do PICU travel nurses make in California?
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurses in California typically earn between $56 and $73 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $61/hr. This translates to approximately $2,420 per week or $125,840 annually. PICU nurses often earn a premium due to specialized skills required.
What are the requirements to work as a PICU travel nurse in California?
To work as a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit travel nurse in California, you typically need: BLS, PALS, 2+ years PICU 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 PICU 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. PICU 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 PICU travel nurses?
California has higher taxes but often offers competitive rates for travel nurses. PICU 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 PICU travel nurse jobs?
Popular cities for Pediatric Intensive 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 PICU travel nurses. Use our calculator to compare pay and cost of living across these cities.