PACU Travel Nurse Salary in Long Beach, California
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurses heading to Long Beach.
Last updated: March 11, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (PACU)
$55/hr
Long Beach, CA
Total Weekly Package
$4,374
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$3,555
After ~37.3% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: PACU in Long Beach
GSA Housing (Monthly Est.)
$7,032/mo
$232/night × 30 days
Avg 1BR Rent
$1,900/mo
COL index: 156.2
Monthly Margin
+5,132/mo
Stipend covers rent
California PACU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for PACU travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$2,197
Max Weekly Stipend
$2,177
Annual Potential
$114,249
Tax estimate: 13.3% state + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your PACU Pay in Long Beach
Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for Long Beach's GSA rates and cost of living index of 156.2.
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
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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
$2,300
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$2,247
Your stipend covers rent with $2,247 left over each month.
Find apartments under $2,300/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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2026 GSA Per Diem Rates — Long Beach
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for PACU travel nurses working in Long Beach. Stipend amounts above these limits are taxable.
Lodging
$232/night
$1,624/week
Meals & Incidentals
$79/day
$553/week
Total Weekly Max
$2,177
Tax-free stipend ceiling
Source: U.S. General Services Administration (GSA.gov) 2026 per diem rates. City-specific rates apply when the work location is more than 50 miles from your tax home.
Requirements for PACU Travel Nurses in California
PACU Certifications Required
- BLS
- ACLS
- 2+ years PACU experience
California Licensing
Hospitals Hiring PACU Travel Nurses in Long Beach
- MemorialCare Long Beach
- St. Mary Medical Center
- Los Alamitos Medical Center
Other Specialties in Long Beach
ICU
~$57/hr
Very HighER
~$56/hr
Very HighOR
~$58/hr
HighLabor & Delivery
~$54/hr
HighMed-Surg
~$50/hr
Very HighNICU
~$56/hr
HighPICU
~$57/hr
HighPsychiatric
~$51/hr
ModerateOncology
~$53/hr
HighOther California Cities for PACU Travel Nurses
Anaheim
~$56/hr PACU
COL: 165.1
Fresno
~$52/hr PACU
COL: 108.9
Los Angeles
~$56/hr PACU
COL: 173.3
Oakland
~$57/hr PACU
COL: 187.4
Sacramento
~$54/hr PACU
COL: 118.1
San Diego
~$55/hr PACU
COL: 160.1
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do PACU travel nurses make in Long Beach?
Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurses in Long Beach earn approximately $55/hr in taxable wages ($2,197/week). Including GSA stipends up to $2,177/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $4,374. Annual potential is $114,249 working full-time.
What are the 2026 GSA rates for Long Beach?
The 2026 GSA per diem rates for Long Beach are: Lodging $232/night, Meals $74/day, and Incidentals $5/day. Maximum weekly tax-free stipend: $2,177. These rates set the ceiling for tax-free travel nurse stipends — amounts above these limits become taxable.
Is Long Beach affordable for travel nurses?
The cost of living index in Long Beach is 156.2 (above the national average of 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,900/month. The GSA lodging stipend covers ~$7,032/month, leaving a surplus of $5,132/month. Your stipend should fully cover average rent.
What certifications do PACU travel nurses need for California assignments?
Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurses need: BLS, ACLS, 2+ years PACU experience. For California specifically: A separate California RN license is required. Cost: $350, processing time: 4-6 weeks.
Which hospitals in Long Beach hire PACU travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Long Beach that hire Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurses include: MemorialCare Long Beach, St. Mary Medical Center, Los Alamitos Medical Center. Contact these hospitals directly or use an agency to find open PACU positions in Long Beach.
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