Cath Lab Travel Nurse Salary in San Francisco, California
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Cardiac Catheterization Lab travel nurses heading to San Francisco.
Last updated: April 5, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (Cath Lab)
$72/hr
San Francisco, CA
Total Weekly Package
$5,504
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$4,428
After ~37.3% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: Cath Lab in San Francisco
GSA Housing (Monthly Est.)
$8,790/mo
$290/night × 30 days
Avg 1BR Rent
$3,200/mo
COL index: 197.4
Monthly Margin
+5,590/mo
Stipend covers rent
California Cath Lab Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for Cath Lab travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$2,886
Max Weekly Stipend
$2,618
Annual Potential
$150,063
Tax estimate: 13.3% state + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your Cath Lab Pay in San Francisco
Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for San Francisco's GSA rates and cost of living index of 197.4.
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
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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 — San Francisco
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for Cath Lab travel nurses working in San Francisco. Stipend amounts above these limits are taxable.
Lodging
$290/night
$2,030/week
Meals & Incidentals
$84/day
$588/week
Total Weekly Max
$2,618
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 Cath Lab Travel Nurses in California
Cath Lab Certifications Required
- BLS
- ACLS
- 2+ years cath lab experience
- RCIS or equivalent preferred
- Sterile field competency
California Licensing
Hospitals Hiring Cath Lab Travel Nurses in San Francisco
- UCSF Medical Center
- Zuckerberg San Francisco General
- St. Mary's Medical Center
- Kaiser Permanente SF
Other Specialties in San Francisco
ICU
~$64/hr
Very HighER
~$63/hr
Very HighOR
~$65/hr
HighLabor & Delivery
~$61/hr
HighMed-Surg
~$56/hr
Very HighPACU
~$62/hr
HighNICU
~$63/hr
HighPICU
~$64/hr
HighPsychiatric
~$57/hr
ModerateOther California Cities for Cath Lab Travel Nurses
Anaheim
~$65/hr Cath Lab
COL: 165.1
Fresno
~$61/hr Cath Lab
COL: 108.9
Long Beach
~$64/hr Cath Lab
COL: 156.2
Los Angeles
~$65/hr Cath Lab
COL: 173.3
Oakland
~$67/hr Cath Lab
COL: 187.4
Sacramento
~$63/hr Cath Lab
COL: 118.1
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Cath Lab travel nurses make in San Francisco?
Cardiac Catheterization Lab travel nurses in San Francisco earn approximately $72/hr in taxable wages ($2,886/week). Including GSA stipends up to $2,618/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $5,504. Annual potential is $150,063 working full-time.
What are the 2026 GSA rates for San Francisco?
The 2026 GSA per diem rates for San Francisco are: Lodging $290/night, Meals $79/day, and Incidentals $5/day. Maximum weekly tax-free stipend: $2,618. These rates set the ceiling for tax-free travel nurse stipends — amounts above these limits become taxable.
Is San Francisco affordable for travel nurses?
The cost of living index in San Francisco is 197.4 (above the national average of 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $3,200/month. The GSA lodging stipend covers ~$8,790/month, leaving a surplus of $5,590/month. Your stipend should fully cover average rent.
What certifications do Cath Lab travel nurses need for California assignments?
Cardiac Catheterization Lab travel nurses need: BLS, ACLS, 2+ years cath lab experience, RCIS or equivalent preferred, Sterile field competency. For California specifically: A separate California RN license is required. Cost: $350, processing time: 4-6 weeks.
Which hospitals in San Francisco hire Cath Lab travel nurses?
Top hospitals in San Francisco that hire Cardiac Catheterization Lab travel nurses include: UCSF Medical Center, Zuckerberg San Francisco General, St. Mary's Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente SF. Contact these hospitals directly or use an agency to find open Cath Lab positions in San Francisco.
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