Travel nursing is a great way for nurses to explore the country, gain new experiences, and earn a higher salary. With so many travel nurse agencies to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know which one offers the best pay. In this article, we will explore who the highest paying travel nurse agency in the U.S. is.
What Is a Travel Nurse Agency?
First, let’s define what a travel nurse agency is. A travel nurse agency is a staffing firm that specializes in placing registered nurses and healthcare professionals in temporary positions throughout the country.
When hospitals and other healthcare facilities need to fill temporary staffing gaps, they turn to travel nurse agencies to provide them with highly qualified professionals. Travel nurses work in a variety of specialties, including critical care, emergency room, labor and delivery, and surgical services, among others.
Travel nurse agencies typically offer higher pay rates, housing, and benefits packages to attract the best talent. Additionally, nurses who work with travel nurse agencies have the opportunity to explore new places and work in different healthcare settings, gaining valuable experience and expanding their professional networks.
If you’re a registered nurse looking for a change of pace, or a healthcare facility in need of temporary staffing solutions, a travel nurse agency might be the perfect solution for you. Check out this list of some of the best travel nurse agencies in the industry to get started.
Highest paying travel nurse agencies
After researching numerous travel nurse agencies, it is clear that there are a few companies that consistently offer higher pay rates than others. Here are some of the top highest paying travel nurse agencies in the U.S.:
Aya Healthcare
Aya Healthcare is one of the largest travel nursing companies in the U.S. and offers some of the highest pay rates in the industry. According to their website, Aya Healthcare offers an average pay rate of $2,100 per week for travel nurses, with some positions paying as much as $3,000 per week.
Fastaff Travel Nursing
Fastaff Travel Nursing is another highly rated travel nurse agency that offers competitive pay rates for their nurses. According to their website, Fastaff Travel Nursing pays their nurses an average of $2,400 per week, with some positions paying up to $5,000 per week.
TotalMed Staffing
TotalMed Staffing is a newer travel nurse agency but has quickly gained a reputation for offering high pay rates to their nurses. According to their website, TotalMed Staffing pays their nurses an average of $2,500 per week, with some positions paying up to $4,800 per week.
American Mobile Healthcare
American Mobile Healthcare is a well-established travel nursing company with over 30 years of experience in the industry. According to their website, American Mobile Healthcare offers competitive pay rates for their nurses and provides a wide range of benefits and perks.
Medical Solutions
Medical Solutions is a popular travel nurse agency that has been in business since 1997. According to their website, Medical Solutions offers high pay rates and a variety of benefits and perks to their nurses, including paid time off and health insurance.
Triage Staffing
Triage Staffing is a travel nurse agency that specializes in connecting nurses with positions in top-rated healthcare facilities. According to their website, Triage Staffing offers competitive pay rates for their nurses, as well as a range of benefits and perks.
ESHYFT
ESHYFTis a technology that connects nurses to per diem shifts. In some area like Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Illinois, ESHYFT has a large number of shifts that local nursing professionals (or those travelling from out of state) can pick up and work – almost like a travel contract. If you are an ESHYFT nurse and interested in exploring shifts in other states, simply contact support to add an additional license to your profile.
Stability Healthcare
Stability Healthcare is a travel nurse agency that offers competitive pay rates and a variety of benefits and perks to their nurses. According to their website, Stability Healthcare pays their nurses an average of $2,660 per week.
Host Healthcare
Host Healthcare is a travel nurse agency that prides itself on offering personalized services to their nurses. According to their website, Host Healthcare pays their nurses an average of $2,400 per week, with some positions paying up to $5,000 per week.
ADEX Medical Staffing
ADEX Medical Staffing is a travel nurse agency that has been in business for over 25 years. According to their website, ADEX Medical Staffing pays their nurses an average of $2,500 per week, with some positions paying up to $4,800 per week.
GIFTED Healthcare
GIFTED Healthcare is a travel nurse agency that offers competitive pay rates and a range of benefits and perks to their nurses. According to their website, GIFTED Healthcare pays their nurses an average of $2,500 per week.
Next Travel Nursing
Next Travel Nursing is a travel nurse agency that offers high pay rates and a variety of benefits and perks to their nurses. According to their website, Next Travel Nursing pays their nurses an average of $2,400 per week.
TaleMed
TaleMed is a travel nurse agency that prides itself on providing personalized services to their nurses. According to their website, TaleMed pays their nurses an average of $2,600 per week.
LRS Healthcare
LRS Healthcare is a travel nurse agency that offers competitive pay rates and a range of benefits and perks to their nurses. According to their website, LRS Healthcare pays their nurses an average of $2,500 per week.
Axis Medical Staffing
Axis Medical Staffing is a travel nurse agency that offers high pay rates and a variety of benefits and perks to their nurses. According to their website, Axis Medical Staffing pays their nurses an average of $2,500 per week.
Cross Country Nurses
Cross Country Nurses is a travel nurse agency that has been in business since 1986. According to their website, Cross Country Nurses offers competitive pay rates and a range of benefits and perks to their nurses.
Factors that influence travel nurse pay rates: What you need to know
If you’re considering a career as a travel nurse, it’s important to understand the factors that influence pay rates. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Location: Your location can have a big impact on your pay rate. Certain parts of the country have a higher demand for travel nurses, which can result in higher pay rates. For example, jobs in California and New York tend to pay more than jobs in other parts of the country. However, keep in mind that the cost of living in these areas is also higher, so you may need to factor that into your decision.
- Experience: As with any job, experience matters. Nurses with more experience typically earn higher pay rates. If you’re just starting out as a travel nurse, you may need to accept lower pay rates until you build up your resume.
- Specialty: Your specialty can also impact your pay rate. Certain specialties, such as critical care, tend to pay more than others. If you have a specialized skill set, you may be able to command a higher pay rate.
- Contract length: The length of your contract can also impact your pay rate. Longer contracts typically result in higher pay rates, as they require a greater commitment from the nurse.
It’s also worth noting that pay rates can vary widely depending on the agency you work with. Be sure to do your research and compare rates from multiple agencies before accepting a job. With the right preparation and research, you can find a travel nurse job that pays well and allows you to explore new parts of the country.
How to Find the Best Travel Nurse Agency for Your Needs
When choosing a travel nurse agency, it’s important to find one that meets your unique needs. Here are some factors to consider when selecting an agency:
Location
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a travel nurse agency is location. Some agencies specialize in certain regions of the country, while others have positions available nationwide. If you have a specific location in mind, look for agencies that have jobs available in that area.
Specialty
Another key factor to consider is your specialty. Different agencies may have more opportunities available in certain specialties, such as critical care or labor and delivery. If you have a specialized skill set, be sure to look for agencies that cater to your area of expertise.
Pay Rates and Benefits
Of course, pay rates and benefits are also important considerations when selecting a travel nurse agency. Look for agencies that offer competitive pay rates and comprehensive benefits packages, including health insurance and retirement plans.
Company Reputation
Finally, it’s important to do your research on each agency you’re considering. Look for online reviews from other travel nurses and ask for references from the agency itself. A reputable agency will be happy to provide you with references from other nurses who have worked with them in the past.
By considering these factors and doing your research, you can find the best travel nurse agency for your unique needs and preferences.
Additional Perks Offered by Travel Nurse Agencies
In addition to high pay rates and comprehensive benefits packages, many travel nurse agencies offer additional perks to attract and retain top talent. Here are a few of the most common perks offered by travel nurse agencies:
Sign-On Bonuses
Some travel nurse agencies offer sign-on bonuses to nurses who agree to work with them for a certain period of time. Sign-on bonuses can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the agency and the length of the contract.
Free Housing
Many travel nurse agencies provide free or subsidized housing for their nurses while they are on assignment. This can be a major perk, as it eliminates one of the biggest expenses associated with traveling for work.
Travel Reimbursem*nt
Some travel nurse agencies provide reimbursem*nt for travel expenses, such as airfare or gas mileage. This can help offset some of the costs associated with traveling for work.
Continuing Education Opportunities
Many travel nurse agencies offer continuing education opportunities for their nurses, such as online courses or in-person seminars. These opportunities allow nurses to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in their field, which can help them advance their careers.
Referral Bonuses
Some travel nurse agencies offer referral bonuses to nurses who refer other qualified professionals to the agency. Referral bonuses can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the agency and the position.
By taking advantage of these additional perks, travel nurses can make even more money and enjoy an even better experience while working with a travel nurse agency. When comparing different agencies, be sure to consider not only pay rates and benefits but also these additional perks that could make all the difference in your career as a travel nurse.
Downsides of Working as a Travel Nurse
While working as a travel nurse can be an exciting and rewarding career choice, it’s important to consider the potential downsides as well. One of the biggest drawbacks of working as a travel nurse is the lack of job security. Since travel nursing positions are temporary by nature, there’s no guarantee that you’ll have a job lined up once your current assignment ends. This can be especially challenging if you’re supporting yourself or a family.
Another downside to working as a travel nurse is the frequent relocation. While some nurses enjoy the opportunity to explore new parts of the country, others may find it difficult to uproot themselves every few months. Frequent relocation can also make it challenging to maintain relationships with friends and family members back home.
It’s important to carefully weigh these potential downsides before deciding whether or not to pursue a career as a travel nurse. If you do decide that travel nursing is right for you, be sure to work with a reputable agency that can provide you with support and guidance throughout your journey.
Conclusion
Becoming a travel nurse can be an exciting and lucrative career choice for those who enjoy adventure, flexibility, and new experiences. The demand for travel nurses is high, with many agencies offering competitive pay rates, comprehensive benefits packages, and additional perks to attract top talent. However, it’s important to carefully consider the potential downsides of working as a travel nurse before making a decision.
By taking the time to research different agencies and weigh your options carefully, you can find a travel nursing job that meets your unique needs and allows you to explore new parts of the country while making a positive impact on patients’ lives.
Sources
- https://www.travelnursing.org/benefits-of-travel-nursing/
- https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/workforce/what-is-nursing/travel-nurses/
- https://www.nurse.org/articles/travel-nursing-jobs/
- https://www.allnursingschools.com/travel-nursing/what-is-travel-nursing/
- https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/nursing/blog/what-is-travel-nursing/
