Agency Comparison
Vivian Health vs. Wanderly: Travel Nurse Agency Comparison 2025
Vivian Health (job board/marketplace) and Wanderly (traditional agency) represent two different approaches to travel nursing. Vivian Health operates as a job board where you can compare offers from multiple agencies, while Wanderly is a traditional agency with recruiters and comprehensive support. This comparison helps you choose the right model for your needs.
Quick Comparison: Vivian Health vs. Wanderly
| Factor | Vivian Health | Wanderly |
|---|---|---|
| Business Model | Job Board/Marketplace | Traditional Agency |
| Average Weekly Pay | $2,100-2,900/week | $2,200-3,000/week |
| Blended Hourly Rate | $52-73/hour | $55-75/hour |
| Benefits Package | Varies by agency | Comprehensive |
| Recruiter Support | Varies by agency | Full recruiter support |
| Contract Volume | Very High (multiple agencies) | High |
| Support Hours | 24/7 (varies by agency) | Business hours |
| Best For | Comparing multiple offers | Traditional agency experience |
Business Model Comparison
Vivian Health: Job Board/Marketplace Model
Compare Offers from Multiple Agencies
- Platform Type: Job board/marketplace where multiple agencies post jobs
- How It Works: You browse jobs from various agencies and compare offers
- Benefits: See multiple options in one place, compare rates easily
- Support: Varies by the agency you choose to work with
- Pay Rates: Can compare rates from different agencies
- Flexibility: Choose which agency to work with for each job
Vivian Health Advantage: Instead of being locked into one agency, you can compare offers from multiple agencies and choose the best one for each assignment. This gives you more flexibility and potentially better rates.
Wanderly: Traditional Agency Model
Full-Service Traditional Agency
- Platform Type: Traditional travel nurse agency
- How It Works: Work with dedicated recruiters who find contracts for you
- Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package, dedicated support
- Support: Full recruiter support, 24/7 assistance
- Pay Rates: Competitive rates, may negotiate on your behalf
- Relationship: Build long-term relationship with your recruiter
Detailed Pay Comparison
Vivian Health Pay Structure
Variable Rates Across Agencies
- Average Weekly Pay: $2,100-2,900 (varies by agency on platform)
- Blended Hourly Rate: $52-73/hour
- Comparison Advantage: Can see rates from multiple agencies side-by-side
- Pay Range: Wide range depending on which agency you work with
- Negotiation: Can compare and choose better-paying offers
Example Vivian Health Job Listing:
- Multiple agencies posting same job with different rates
- Agency A: $2,500/week
- Agency B: $2,700/week
- Agency C: $2,800/week
- You can choose Agency C for best rate
Wanderly Pay Structure
Competitive Agency Rates
- Average Weekly Pay: $2,200-3,000 (varies by specialty and location)
- Blended Hourly Rate: $55-75/hour
- Specialty Premiums: Standard premiums for high-demand specialties
- Experience Premiums: Higher rates for experienced travelers
- Negotiation: Recruiter may negotiate on your behalf
Example Wanderly 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
Winner: Vivian Health for ability to compare and find best rates. Wanderly for consistent, competitive rates with full support.
Benefits Comparison
Vivian Health Benefits
Varies by Agency
- ⚠️ Benefits vary depending on which agency you work with
- ✅ Can compare benefit packages across agencies
- ✅ Some agencies offer comprehensive benefits
- ⚠️ No unified benefit package
- ✅ Flexibility to choose agency with best benefits
Wanderly 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 support
Winner: Wanderly for comprehensive, guaranteed benefits. Vivian Health for flexibility to compare and choose.
Support Comparison
Vivian Health Support
Varies by Agency
- ✅ 24/7 support available (varies by agency)
- ⚠️ Support quality depends on which agency you choose
- ✅ Can read reviews and compare agency support
- ⚠️ Less consistent support experience
- ✅ Platform provides comparison tools and resources
Wanderly Support
Full Recruiter Support
- ✅ Dedicated recruiter assigned to you
- ✅ Business hours support (may have after-hours emergency line)
- ✅ Consistent support experience
- ✅ Recruiter handles applications and negotiations
- ✅ Personal relationship with recruiter
Winner: Wanderly for consistent, dedicated support. Vivian Health for ability to find agencies with better support.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Vivian Health If:
- ✅ You want to compare offers from multiple agencies
- ✅ You prefer flexibility to choose different agencies
- ✅ You want to see rates side-by-side
- ✅ You're comfortable comparing agencies yourself
- ✅ You want maximum transparency in rates
- ✅ You're experienced at evaluating contracts
Choose Wanderly If:
- ✅ You want comprehensive benefits package
- ✅ You prefer traditional agency experience
- ✅ You value consistent recruiter support
- ✅ You want someone to handle applications
- ✅ You prefer dedicated recruiter relationship
- ✅ You want predictable, reliable service
Real-World Example: 13-Week Assignment
Pay Comparison Example
Scenario: Travel nurse with 3 years experience, assignment in Florida.
| Factor | Vivian Health (Best Agency) | Wanderly |
|---|---|---|
| Taxable Hourly Rate | $54/hr | $55/hr |
| Weekly Taxable Income | $1,944 (36 hrs) | $1,980 (36 hrs) |
| Housing Stipend | $1,200/week | $1,300/week |
| Meal Stipend | $400/week | $400/week |
| Total Weekly Pay | $3,544 | $3,680 |
| Blended Hourly Rate | $98.44/hr | $102.22/hr |
| 13-Week Total | $46,072 | $47,840 |
| Difference | Wanderly pays $1,768 more, but Vivian lets you compare multiple offers | |
Key Takeaway: Vivian Health's strength is in comparison - you can find the best offer from multiple agencies. Wanderly offers competitive rates with the convenience of traditional agency support.
Bottom Line: Vivian Health vs. Wanderly
Final Recommendation
Vivian Health is a job board that lets you compare offers from multiple agencies, while Wanderly is a traditional agency with comprehensive benefits and support.
- Choose Vivian Health if: You want to compare offers from multiple agencies and have flexibility to choose. Great for experienced travelers who know how to evaluate contracts.
- Choose Wanderly if: You prefer traditional agency experience with comprehensive benefits, dedicated recruiter support, and reliable service.
Pro Tip: Many travel nurses use both - Vivian Health to compare offers and find the best rates, and then work directly with agencies (like Wanderly) that offer better support and benefits.
Next Steps: Compare Your Options
Calculate Your Potential Earnings
Use our Travel Nurse Pay Calculator to compare your potential earnings with typical rates from each platform. Factor in your specialty, desired location, and whether you value comparison flexibility vs. traditional agency support.
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?
- Host Healthcare vs. Nomad Health: Travel Nurse Agency Showdown
- How to Negotiate Travel Nurse Contracts
- Understanding Travel Nurse Agency Margins
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