Agency Comparison
Host Healthcare vs. Nomad Health: Travel Nurse Agency Showdown 2025
Host Healthcare and Nomad Health represent two different approaches to travel nursing: a traditional agency model vs. a marketplace platform. Host Healthcare provides full recruiter support and comprehensive benefits, while Nomad Health offers higher pay through a self-service marketplace. This comprehensive comparison helps you choose the right model for your needs.
Quick Comparison: Host Healthcare vs. Nomad Health
| Factor | Host Healthcare | Nomad Health |
|---|---|---|
| Average Weekly Pay | $2,200-3,000/week | $2,300-3,200/week |
| Blended Hourly Rate | $55-75/hour | $58-80/hour |
| Business Model | Traditional Agency | Marketplace Platform |
| Benefits Package | Comprehensive | Limited |
| Recruiter Support | Full recruiter support | Self-service (minimal support) |
| Contract Volume | Very High | High |
| Application Process | Through recruiter | Direct application to jobs |
| Best For | Nurses wanting support | Self-sufficient nurses |
Business Model Comparison
Host Healthcare: Traditional Agency Model
Full-Service Agency
- Recruiter Support: Dedicated recruiter assigned to you
- Application Process: Recruiter submits applications on your behalf
- Contract Negotiation: Recruiter handles negotiations
- On-Assignment Support: 24/7 support during assignments
- Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package included
- Pay Structure: Standard agency margins (20-25%)
- Relationship: Personal relationship with recruiter
Nomad Health: Marketplace Platform Model
Self-Service Marketplace
- Recruiter Support: Minimal - you manage your own applications
- Application Process: You apply directly to jobs through platform
- Contract Negotiation: You negotiate directly with facilities
- On-Assignment Support: Limited support during assignments
- Benefits: Limited benefits (may need to purchase separately)
- Pay Structure: Lower margins (10-15%) = higher pay for you
- Relationship: Self-service, minimal personal contact
Key Difference: Host Healthcare takes a traditional agency approach with recruiters and full support, while Nomad Health operates like a job board where you apply directly. Nomad Health's lower margins mean higher pay for you, but you do more of the work yourself.
Detailed Pay Comparison
Host Healthcare Pay Structure
Standard Agency Pay Rates
- Average Weekly Pay: $2,200-3,000 (varies by specialty and location)
- Blended Hourly Rate: $55-75/hour (includes taxable wages + tax-free stipends)
- Specialty Premiums: Standard premiums across specialties
- Overtime: Available, varies by contract
- Agency Margin: Typical 20-25% (standard for traditional agencies)
Example Host Healthcare Contract:
- Taxable Hourly Rate: $50/hr × 36 hours = $1,800/week
- Housing Stipend: $1,200/week (tax-free)
- Meal Stipend: $400/week (tax-free)
- Total Weekly Pay: $3,400
- Blended Rate: $94.44/hour
Nomad Health Pay Structure
Higher Pay Through Lower Margins
- Average Weekly Pay: $2,300-3,200 (varies by specialty and location)
- Blended Hourly Rate: $58-80/hour (includes taxable wages + tax-free stipends)
- Specialty Premiums: Competitive premiums across specialties
- Overtime: Available, varies by contract
- Platform Margin: Lower 10-15% = more pay for you
Example Nomad Health Contract:
- Taxable Hourly Rate: $55/hr × 36 hours = $1,980/week
- Housing Stipend: $1,300/week (tax-free)
- Meal Stipend: $400/week (tax-free)
- Total Weekly Pay: $3,680
- Blended Rate: $102.22/hour
Pay Advantage: Nomad Health typically offers $100-200/week more because they take lower margins (10-15% vs. 20-25%). However, you'll need to manage more aspects of your contract yourself.
Winner: Nomad Health for pay (typically $100-200/week more). Host Healthcare for support and benefits.
Benefits Comparison
Host Healthcare Benefits
Comprehensive Benefits Package
- Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) Plan: Company matching available
- Continuing Education: Free CEUs and professional development
- Travel Reimbursement: Assignment-related travel assistance
- Referral Bonuses: Available for successful referrals
- License Reimbursement: Up to $500 per assignment
- Housing Assistance: Housing placement support
- 24/7 Support: Round-the-clock recruiter and clinical support
Nomad Health Benefits
Limited Benefits
- Health Insurance: May need to purchase separately
- 401(k) Plan: Limited or not available
- Continuing Education: Limited support
- Travel Reimbursement: Limited or not available
- Referral Program: Limited
- License Reimbursement: May be available
- Housing Assistance: Limited support
- Support: Minimal - primarily self-service
Winner: Host Healthcare for comprehensive benefits. Nomad Health focuses on higher pay rather than benefits.
Support Comparison
Host Healthcare Support
Full Recruiter Support
- ✅ Dedicated recruiter assigned to you
- ✅ Recruiter submits applications on your behalf
- ✅ Recruiter handles contract negotiations
- ✅ 24/7 support during assignments
- ✅ Clinical support available
- ✅ Personal relationship with recruiter
- ✅ Guidance throughout the process
Nomad Health Support
Self-Service Model
- ⚠️ Minimal recruiter support
- ✅ You apply directly to jobs through platform
- ✅ You negotiate contracts yourself
- ⚠️ Limited support during assignments
- ⚠️ Limited clinical support
- ⚠️ Less personal relationship
- ✅ More control over your applications
Important: Nomad Health requires you to be more self-sufficient. You'll need to handle applications, negotiations, and problem-solving yourself. This works well for experienced travelers but may be challenging for new travel nurses.
Winner: Host Healthcare for support. Nomad Health for independence and control.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Host Healthcare If:
- ✅ You want recruiter support and guidance
- ✅ You need comprehensive benefits
- ✅ You prefer traditional agency model
- ✅ You're a new travel nurse or want guidance
- ✅ You want someone to handle applications and negotiations
- ✅ You value 24/7 support during assignments
- ✅ You prefer personal relationships with recruiters
Choose Nomad Health If:
- ✅ You want maximum pay potential
- ✅ You're comfortable self-managing applications
- ✅ You don't need extensive support
- ✅ You're an experienced travel nurse
- ✅ You prefer marketplace/platform model
- ✅ You want more control over your contracts
- ✅ You're okay with limited benefits
Real-World Example: 13-Week Assignment
Pay Comparison Example
Scenario: Travel nurse with 3 years experience, assignment in Texas.
| Factor | Host Healthcare | Nomad Health |
|---|---|---|
| Taxable Hourly Rate | $50/hr | $55/hr |
| Weekly Taxable Income | $1,800 (36 hrs) | $1,980 (36 hrs) |
| Housing Stipend | $1,200/week | $1,300/week |
| Meal Stipend | $400/week | $400/week |
| Total Weekly Pay | $3,400 | $3,680 |
| Blended Hourly Rate | $94.44/hr | $102.22/hr |
| 13-Week Total | $44,200 | $47,840 |
| Difference | Nomad Health pays $3,640 more over 13 weeks | |
Key Takeaway: Over a 13-week assignment, Nomad Health typically pays $3,000-4,000 more due to lower margins. However, you'll need to factor in the value of benefits and support from Host Healthcare.
Bottom Line: Host Healthcare vs. Nomad Health
Final Recommendation
Nomad Health offers higher pay but less support, while Host Healthcare provides more support and benefits but slightly lower pay.
- Choose Host Healthcare if: You want recruiter support, comprehensive benefits, and prefer a traditional agency model. Better for new travel nurses or those who want guidance.
- Choose Nomad Health if: You want maximum pay, are comfortable self-managing, and don't need extensive support. Better for experienced travel nurses who are self-sufficient.
Pro Tip: Many travel nurses use both—Nomad Health for higher-paying contracts when they're comfortable self-managing, and Host Healthcare (or other traditional agencies) when they want support and benefits. This gives you flexibility to choose based on each assignment.
Next Steps: Compare Your Options
Calculate Your Potential Earnings
Use our Travel Nurse Pay Calculator to compare your potential earnings with each agency's typical rates. Factor in your specialty, desired location, and whether you value support vs. maximum pay.
Related Resources:
- Compare Contracts Tool - Side-by-side contract comparison
- State Pay Guides - See pay rates by state
- Contract Negotiation Guide - Learn how to negotiate better pay
- Agency Margins Explained - Understand how agencies structure pay
Related Articles:
- Aya vs. TNAA: Which Travel Nurse Agency Pays More?
- Fastaff vs. American Traveler: Travel Nurse Agency Comparison
- How to Negotiate Travel Nurse Contracts
- Understanding Travel Nurse Agency Margins
💼
Get Matched with Top-Paying Recruiters
Don't just read about pay—get matched with recruiters who can offer you the contracts you deserve.
Fill out the form below and we'll connect you with top travel nurse agencies in your desired state.
Looking for a contract? Get matched with top-paying recruiters.
✓Free service • No spam • Top agencies only
💰
Ready to calculate your exact take-home pay? Use our Travel Nurse Pay Calculator.
Calculate your exact take-home pay, compare contracts, and see how stipends affect your net income.
Go to Calculator