The Short Answer
Comprehensive guide to the best travel nurse agencies in 2026. Compare pay rates, benefits, recruiter quality, and job availability across top staffing companies.
Read the full breakdown below for detailed analysis, examples, and actionable steps.
Choosing the right travel nurse agency can mean the difference between earning an extra $10,000+ per year and dealing with constant headaches. After surveying over 500 travel nurses and analyzing data from thousands of assignments, we’ve compiled the definitive ranking of travel nurse agencies for 2026.
How We Ranked These Agencies
Our ranking methodology considers:
- Pay transparency (bill rate disclosure, no hidden fees)
- Benefits package (health insurance, 401k, housing support)
- Recruiter responsiveness (communication quality and speed)
- Job availability (number of open positions, specialty coverage)
- Contract flexibility (cancellation policies, extension rates)
- Traveler satisfaction (verified reviews and survey data)
Top 10 Travel Nurse Agencies for 2026
1. Aya Healthcare
Overall Rating: 4.8/5
Aya Healthcare remains the largest travel nursing agency and continues to lead in 2026. With over 30,000 active travelers, they offer unmatched job availability and competitive pay.
Pros:
- Largest job inventory (8,000+ active positions)
- Excellent benefits (day-one health insurance, 401k with 4% match)
- Transparent bill rate disclosure
- Strong technology platform and app
- 24/7 clinical support
Cons:
- Large agency means less personalized service
- Some travelers report recruiter turnover
Best for: Experienced travelers who value job selection and benefits
Average Weekly Pay: $2,400-3,200 (specialty dependent)
2. Medical Solutions
Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Medical Solutions consistently ranks among the top agencies for traveler satisfaction. Their “Total Transparency” program shows you exactly what they’re making on your contract.
Pros:
- Industry-leading transparency
- Excellent recruiter retention (less turnover)
- Strong housing support
- Great first-time traveler program
- Generous referral bonuses ($1,500)
Cons:
- Slightly fewer jobs than Aya
- Some regions have limited coverage
Best for: First-time travelers and those who value transparency
Average Weekly Pay: $2,300-3,100
3. Trusted Health
Overall Rating: 4.6/5
Trusted Health pioneered the marketplace model where travelers can see job details and apply directly. Their tech-forward approach appeals to nurses who prefer self-service.
Pros:
- Direct job visibility (see pay before applying)
- Fast application process
- Multiple agency partnerships
- Competitive pay rates
- Excellent mobile app
Cons:
- Less personalized recruiter support
- Some jobs require separate agency applications
Best for: Tech-savvy travelers who want control over their job search
Average Weekly Pay: $2,350-3,150
4. Host Healthcare
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Host Healthcare offers a strong combination of personalized service and competitive pay. They’ve grown significantly while maintaining high traveler satisfaction.
Pros:
- Dedicated recruiter model (one recruiter throughout)
- Strong pay packages
- Excellent clinical support
- Good extension rates
- Private housing options
Cons:
- Smaller job inventory than larger agencies
- Some specialties have limited options
Best for: Travelers who value personal relationships with recruiters
Average Weekly Pay: $2,400-3,200
5. Cross Country Nurses
Overall Rating: 4.4/5
One of the original travel nursing agencies, Cross Country has evolved with the industry while maintaining strong benefits and support systems.
Pros:
- Long industry track record
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Strong compliance support
- Good continuing education options
- Reliable payroll
Cons:
- Can be slower to respond
- Some dated technology
Best for: Experienced travelers who value stability and benefits
Average Weekly Pay: $2,250-3,000
6. Nomad Health
Overall Rating: 4.4/5
Nomad Health’s platform-first approach puts pay transparency at the forefront. Travelers can see exactly what each job pays before applying.
Pros:
- Complete pay transparency
- Easy-to-use platform
- Fast credentialing
- No hidden fees
- Good customer support
Cons:
- Newer agency, smaller job inventory
- Limited specialty coverage in some areas
Best for: Travelers who prioritize transparency and self-service
Average Weekly Pay: $2,300-3,100
7. FlexCare Medical Staffing
Overall Rating: 4.3/5
FlexCare is known for their “Flex” approach, offering customizable packages and strong recruiter support. They excel in rapid-response assignments.
Pros:
- Highly customizable pay packages
- Responsive recruiters
- Good crisis pay rates
- Strong compliance support
- Flexible housing options
Cons:
- Smaller inventory
- Less brand recognition
Best for: Travelers who want customized packages
Average Weekly Pay: $2,350-3,200
8. Fusion Medical Staffing
Overall Rating: 4.3/5
Fusion has built a strong reputation for their company culture and traveler support. They consistently rank high in employee satisfaction surveys.
Pros:
- Excellent company culture
- Strong traveler community
- Good benefits
- Responsive support
- Travel perks and discounts
Cons:
- Mid-range job inventory
- Pay sometimes below top agencies
Best for: Travelers who value company culture and community
Average Weekly Pay: $2,200-2,950
9. Triage Staffing
Overall Rating: 4.2/5
Triage has grown rapidly by focusing on recruiter quality and rapid placements. They specialize in quick turnaround assignments.
Pros:
- Fast placement process
- Good recruiter support
- Competitive crisis rates
- Strong in emergency specialties
- Growing job inventory
Cons:
- Newer to the industry
- Benefits not as comprehensive as larger agencies
Best for: Nurses seeking fast placements
Average Weekly Pay: $2,300-3,100
10. Supplemental Health Care
Overall Rating: 4.1/5
Supplemental Health Care (SHC) offers a solid all-around experience with particular strength in school nursing and outpatient settings.
Pros:
- Strong in non-hospital settings
- Good school nursing opportunities
- Reliable payroll
- Experienced compliance team
- Decent benefits
Cons:
- Less competitive pay in some markets
- Smaller acute care inventory
Best for: Nurses interested in outpatient and school settings
Average Weekly Pay: $2,100-2,800
Agency Comparison Table
| Agency | Overall Rating | Pay Transparency | Job Inventory | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aya Healthcare | 4.8/5 | Good | Excellent | Experienced travelers |
| Medical Solutions | 4.7/5 | Excellent | Very Good | First-time travelers |
| Trusted Health | 4.6/5 | Excellent | Good | Tech-savvy travelers |
| Host Healthcare | 4.5/5 | Good | Good | Personal service seekers |
| Cross Country | 4.4/5 | Good | Very Good | Stability seekers |
| Nomad Health | 4.4/5 | Excellent | Growing | Transparency seekers |
| FlexCare | 4.3/5 | Good | Moderate | Custom package seekers |
| Fusion Medical | 4.3/5 | Good | Good | Community-focused |
| Triage Staffing | 4.2/5 | Good | Growing | Fast placement seekers |
| SHC | 4.1/5 | Good | Moderate | Outpatient nurses |
How to Choose Your Agency
Consider Your Priorities
-
If pay is your top priority: Focus on agencies with bill rate transparency (Medical Solutions, Nomad Health, Trusted Health)
-
If you’re a first-time traveler: Choose agencies with strong onboarding (Medical Solutions, Aya Healthcare)
-
If you want personalized service: Go with smaller agencies or those with dedicated recruiter models (Host Healthcare, FlexCare)
-
If you value benefits: Look at comprehensive packages (Aya Healthcare, Cross Country)
Work With Multiple Agencies
Most experienced travelers work with 2-3 agencies simultaneously:
- Have one “primary” agency for most assignments
- Use others for comparison and backup
- This gives you leverage in negotiations
Red Flags to Watch For
- Agencies that won’t disclose bill rates
- Contracts with vague cancellation policies
- Recruiters who pressure you to decide quickly
- Hidden fees (compliance fees, housing deductions)
- No clear process for clinical concerns
Agency Pay Comparison by Specialty (Weekly)
| Specialty | Average Low | Average High | Top Paying Agency |
|---|---|---|---|
| ICU | $2,600 | $3,400 | Aya Healthcare |
| ER | $2,500 | $3,300 | Host Healthcare |
| OR | $2,700 | $3,500 | Medical Solutions |
| L&D | $2,400 | $3,200 | Trusted Health |
| Med-Surg | $2,200 | $2,900 | FlexCare |
| NICU | $2,500 | $3,300 | Aya Healthcare |
| Psych | $2,300 | $3,000 | Nomad Health |
| PACU | $2,500 | $3,200 | Host Healthcare |
Questions to Ask Your Recruiter
Before signing with any agency, ask these questions:
- “What is the bill rate for this position?”
- “Can you show me the pay breakdown (taxable vs. stipend)?”
- “What happens if my assignment is cancelled?”
- “What are the guaranteed hours?”
- “Who do I call for clinical issues at 2 AM?”
- “What’s included in the health insurance?”
- “How quickly can I get credentialed?”
Final Recommendations
For Maximum Pay: Medical Solutions or Nomad Health (best transparency)
For First-Time Travelers: Medical Solutions or Aya Healthcare (best support)
For Experienced Travelers: Host Healthcare or Trusted Health (balance of pay and service)
For Rapid Placements: Triage Staffing or FlexCare (fastest turnaround)
Remember, the “best” agency is the one that meets YOUR specific needs. Use our pay calculator to compare actual take-home pay between contracts, and don’t be afraid to negotiate or switch agencies if you’re not satisfied.
Last updated: January 2026. Agency rankings are updated quarterly based on new survey data and market changes.
Related Resources
- How to Negotiate Your Travel Nurse Contract
- Understanding Travel Nurse Pay Packages
- Red Flags in Travel Nurse Contracts
- Travel Nurse Pay Calculator
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