Best Travel Nurse Agencies

Last updated: April 8, 2026

Choosing the right travel nurse agency is one of the most important decisions in your travel nursing career. The best agencies go beyond placing you in assignments — they advocate for your pay, provide reliable housing, offer genuine benefits, and connect you with a recruiter who treats you as a partner rather than a number.

Our editorial team evaluated over 50 agencies across five weighted criteria: verified nurse reviews, benefits and compensation, pay transparency, recruiter support quality, and housing options. Below are the 10 agencies that earned the highest composite scores in our latest evaluation, along with detailed reviews, pros and cons, and key statistics for each.

1

Aya Healthcare

4.8 / 5.0

Aya Healthcare has earned its position as the largest travel nursing agency in the country by consistently delivering exceptional service across all fronts. With assignments in all 50 states and a proprietary job-matching platform, Aya gives nurses unparalleled access to opportunities tailored to their specialty, preferred location, and schedule. Their digital-first approach means you can track assignments, submit documents, and communicate with your recruiter through a single, intuitive app.

Where Aya truly distinguishes itself is in its benefits package. Day-one health insurance, a competitive 401(k) match, and generous continuing education stipends set a high bar. Their recruiters are well-trained, responsive, and assigned manageable caseloads, which means they can dedicate real time to understanding each nurse's goals rather than rushing through placements.

Pros

  • Largest selection of assignments across all 50 states
  • Day-one medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • User-friendly app for tracking assignments and documents
  • Strong recruiter-to-nurse ratios and dedicated support teams

Cons

  • Larger agency size can sometimes mean less personalized attention
  • Some nurses report longer onboarding timelines for initial credentialing

States

50

Specialties

ICU, ER, OR, L&D, Med Surg, Tele, PACU

Housing

Company-arranged or stipend

Pay Transparency

Excellent


2

TravelNurse Source

4.8 / 5.0

TravelNurse Source has built a loyal following among travel nurses who value transparency above all else. The agency publishes detailed pay breakdowns for every listing, showing hourly rates, stipend amounts, and any deductions before you ever speak with a recruiter. This commitment to honesty has earned them one of the highest trust scores in our evaluation, and their repeat-traveler rate is among the best in the industry.

Beyond pay transparency, TravelNurse Source offers a concierge-level experience. Each nurse is paired with a single dedicated recruiter who manages the entire placement process, from credentialing to housing coordination. Their housing program includes both company-arranged apartments and competitive stipends, and they are one of the few agencies that proactively handle license reimbursement for multi-state compact transitions.

Pros

  • Industry-leading pay transparency with detailed breakdowns
  • Dedicated, one-on-one recruiter model
  • License reimbursement for compact state transitions
  • High repeat-traveler rate signals strong nurse satisfaction

Cons

  • Slightly fewer assignments than the largest national agencies
  • Housing options can vary by market demand in smaller cities

States

48

Specialties

ICU, ER, Med Surg, Tele, Stepdown

Housing

Company-arranged or stipend

Pay Transparency

Excellent


3

FlexCare Medical Staffing

4.7 / 5.0

FlexCare Medical Staffing has been a standout in the travel nursing space for over two decades, and their S1NGLE-point-of-contact recruiter model is a major reason why. Unlike agencies that hand you off between departments, FlexCare assigns a single recruiter who handles everything: compliance, housing, pay negotiation, and on-assignment support. This model creates genuine relationships and accountability that nurses consistently praise.

FlexCare also stands out for its transparent, nurse-friendly pay structure. Their "FlexCare 360" platform provides real-time access to assignment details, pay packages, and compliance documents. While their footprint covers 42 states rather than all 50, the quality of assignments and relationships with top-tier hospitals more than compensate. Nurses in ICU, ER, and perioperative specialties will find particularly strong offerings.

Pros

  • S1NGLE-point-of-contact recruiter model for full-service support
  • FlexCare 360 platform for real-time assignment and pay tracking
  • Strong relationships with top hospital systems
  • Transparent pay packages with no hidden deductions

Cons

  • Coverage in 42 states means some regions have fewer openings
  • Smaller agency size can result in fewer last-minute openings

States

42

Specialties

ICU, ER, PACU, OR, Cath Lab

Housing

Company-arranged or stipend

Pay Transparency

Excellent


4

Host Healthcare

4.6 / 5.0

Host Healthcare has rapidly risen in the travel nursing ranks thanks to a company culture that visibly prioritizes nurse well-being. They were among the first agencies to offer a comprehensive day-one benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and a generous housing stipend. Their internal "Nurse Success" team operates independently from recruitment, providing a dedicated resource for resolving on-assignment issues without any conflict of interest.

With assignments spanning all 50 states and a growing portfolio of exclusive contracts, Host Healthcare gives nurses access to opportunities that aren't always available through other agencies. Their technology platform is streamlined and mobile-friendly, making it easy to browse jobs, upload credentials, and track assignment milestones. Recruiters at Host are known for their responsiveness, though some nurses note that pay packages, while competitive, don't always reach the top of the market.

Pros

  • Dedicated Nurse Success team for on-assignment support
  • Day-one benefits with comprehensive coverage
  • Exclusive contracts with major hospital systems
  • Intuitive mobile platform for job search and compliance

Cons

  • Pay packages competitive but not always the highest available
  • Rapid growth has led to occasional inconsistencies in recruiter quality

States

50

Specialties

ICU, ER, L&D, OR, NICU

Housing

Stipend or company-arranged

Pay Transparency

Good


5

Trustaff

4.6 / 5.0

Trustaff has carved out a strong reputation as a reliable, mid-size agency that balances personal service with a broad assignment network. Based in Cincinnati, Trustaff covers 45 states and specializes in placing nurses in Med Surg, ICU, ER, and Telemetry roles. Their recruiters carry smaller caseloads than industry averages, which translates to more attentive, personalized service for each nurse they represent.

What sets Trustaff apart is their commitment to a hassle-free experience. Their compliance team handles credentialing proactively, often clearing nurses weeks before an assignment start date. Housing options include both company-arranged apartments and competitive stipends, and their benefits package includes health insurance from day one, a 401(k) plan, and loyalty bonuses for repeat travelers. Trustaff consistently receives high marks for honesty and follow-through.

Pros

  • Small recruiter caseloads mean more personalized attention
  • Proactive compliance team streamlines credentialing
  • Loyalty bonuses for repeat travelers
  • Honest, straightforward communication from recruiters

Cons

  • Fewer assignments than the largest national agencies
  • Limited specialization in niche areas like NICU or Cath Lab

States

45

Specialties

Med Surg, ICU, ER, Tele, Stepdown

Housing

Company-arranged or stipend

Pay Transparency

Good


6

CrossCountry Nurses

4.5 / 5.0

CrossCountry Nurses is one of the most established names in travel nursing, with over three decades of experience placing nurses nationwide. As part of the Cross Country Healthcare family, they benefit from deep hospital relationships and a volume of assignments that few competitors can match. Nurses who value variety and geographic flexibility will find CrossCountry's all-50-state coverage and diverse specialty mix appealing.

CrossCountry provides a solid benefits package including health insurance, a 401(k), and travel reimbursement. Their online portal gives nurses access to thousands of open positions with real-time availability. However, as one of the larger agencies, some nurses report that the experience can feel transactional at times, and recruiter turnover can occasionally disrupt continuity of care. For experienced travelers who know what they want, CrossCountry delivers volume and reliability.

Pros

  • Three decades of industry experience and hospital relationships
  • Assignments in all 50 states across dozens of specialties
  • Robust online job portal with real-time availability
  • Travel reimbursement included in compensation packages

Cons

  • Large agency size can lead to a transactional feel
  • Recruiter turnover occasionally impacts assignment continuity

States

50

Specialties

ICU, OR, ER, Stepdown, Med Surg, L&D

Housing

Stipend or company-arranged

Pay Transparency

Good


7

Medical Solutions

4.5 / 5.0

Medical Solutions has been a consistent performer in the travel nursing space, earning recognition as one of the best agencies for workplace culture. Headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, they place nurses in all 50 states and maintain particularly strong relationships with facilities in the Midwest, South, and Mountain West regions. Their "Best Places to Work" awards are reflected in their internal culture, and that ethos extends to how they treat their traveling nurses.

Nurses working with Medical Solutions benefit from a comprehensive perks program that includes referral bonuses, loyalty rewards, and access to a private nurse community for peer support. Their compliance team is efficient, and housing coordination is handled in-house. While their pay transparency has room for improvement compared to top-ranked agencies, the overall package of support, culture, and benefits makes Medical Solutions a strong contender for nurses who value the human side of agency work.

Pros

  • Award-winning workplace culture that extends to traveling nurses
  • Strong referral and loyalty bonus programs
  • In-house housing coordination for seamless placement
  • Robust nurse community for peer networking and support

Cons

  • Pay breakdowns not as detailed upfront as top-ranked competitors
  • Assignment volume can be thinner in Northeast markets

States

50

Specialties

ICU, ER, Med Surg, L&D, Tele, OR

Housing

Company-arranged or stipend

Pay Transparency

Average


8

American Mobile

4.4 / 5.0

American Mobile, part of the AMN Healthcare family, is one of the original travel nursing agencies and brings decades of industry expertise to the table. With access to AMN's massive healthcare staffing network, American Mobile nurses benefit from an enormous volume of assignments, exclusive contracts with prestigious hospital systems, and a brand reputation that opens doors at facilities across the country.

The agency provides solid benefits, including medical coverage, a 401(k) with company match, and reimbursement for licensure and certification costs. Their online platform is functional, though not as modern as some newer competitors. Where American Mobile shines is in its deep specialization: nurses in high-demand areas like ICU, OR, and Telemetry will find a consistently strong pipeline of assignments. Recruiters are knowledgeable, though the large organizational structure means response times can occasionally lag.

Pros

  • Access to AMN Healthcare's vast network of exclusive contracts
  • Licensure and certification cost reimbursement
  • Deep specialization in high-demand nursing areas
  • Established reputation opens doors at top hospital systems

Cons

  • Online platform feels dated compared to newer competitors
  • Large organizational structure can slow response times

States

50

Specialties

ICU, ER, OR, Tele, Cath Lab, PACU

Housing

Company-arranged or stipend

Pay Transparency

Good


9

Triage Staffing

4.4 / 5.0

Triage Staffing has quickly become one of the most-talked-about agencies in travel nursing, earning a passionate following for its nurse-centric culture and transparent communication. Based in Omaha, Nebraska, Triage places nurses in 48 states and has built its brand on a simple promise: treat nurses like people, not placements. Their "Triage Way" philosophy emphasizes genuine relationships, and it shows in their industry-high Net Promoter Score.

Triage offers competitive pay packages with clear, upfront breakdowns and no hidden deductions. Their benefits include day-one health insurance, a 401(k) match, and generous referral bonuses. The agency also invests heavily in its recruiter training, resulting in a team that nurses describe as knowledgeable, proactive, and genuinely invested in their success. While Triage is still growing its assignment volume compared to legacy agencies, their quality-over-quantity approach resonates with nurses who have been burned by larger, less personal operations.

Pros

  • Exceptionally transparent pay packages with no hidden fees
  • Nurse-centric culture with industry-high satisfaction scores
  • Well-trained, knowledgeable recruiters with low turnover
  • Generous referral bonuses and day-one benefits

Cons

  • Still growing assignment volume compared to legacy agencies
  • Geographic coverage gaps in some rural markets

States

48

Specialties

ICU, ER, Med Surg, PACU, Stepdown

Housing

Stipend or company-arranged

Pay Transparency

Excellent


10

Aureus Medical

4.3 / 5.0

Aureus Medical Group rounds out our top 10 with a well-balanced offering that appeals to both new and experienced travel nurses. With over 20 years of experience and coverage across 46 states, Aureus has built a network of hospital partnerships that consistently delivers quality assignments. Their recruiter team is accessible and proactive, and the agency is known for going above and beyond to resolve on-assignment issues quickly.

Aureus offers a competitive benefits package including health insurance, a 401(k), and travel and housing stipends. Their compliance process is straightforward, and most nurses report being cleared for assignments within two to three weeks. While Aureus doesn't always lead on pay rates, the combination of reliable placements, responsive support, and a no-drama approach to agency relationships makes them a trusted choice for nurses who value consistency and dependability.

Pros

  • Over 20 years of experience with strong hospital relationships
  • Proactive recruiters who resolve issues quickly
  • Straightforward compliance process with fast turnaround
  • No-drama, dependable agency culture

Cons

  • Pay rates don't always lead the market in competitive specialties
  • Smaller footprint in West Coast and Northeast metros

States

46

Specialties

ICU, OR, ER, Med Surg, Tele, L&D

Housing

Stipend or company-arranged

Pay Transparency

Good

Agency Comparison at a Glance

Side-by-side comparison of all 10 agencies ranked in this guide.

RankAgencyRatingStatesHousingPay Transparency
1Aya Healthcare4.850Company-arranged or stipendExcellent
2TravelNurse Source4.848Company-arranged or stipendExcellent
3FlexCare Medical Staffing4.742Company-arranged or stipendExcellent
4Host Healthcare4.650Stipend or company-arrangedGood
5Trustaff4.645Company-arranged or stipendGood
6CrossCountry Nurses4.550Stipend or company-arrangedGood
7Medical Solutions4.550Company-arranged or stipendAverage
8American Mobile4.450Company-arranged or stipendGood
9Triage Staffing4.448Stipend or company-arrangedExcellent
10Aureus Medical4.346Stipend or company-arrangedGood

Frequently Asked Questions

Our editorial team evaluated over 50 travel nurse agencies using a weighted scoring system that considers verified nurse reviews (30%), benefits and compensation (20%), pay transparency (20%), recruiter support quality (15%), and housing options (15%). The top 10 agencies represent the highest composite scores across all criteria.
Not necessarily. While these 10 agencies performed best in our evaluation, the ideal agency for you depends on your specialty, preferred locations, and personal priorities. We recommend comparing at least three agencies before committing, and our category-specific rankings can help you find agencies that excel in areas most important to you.
Pay packages typically include an hourly base rate, tax-free housing and meals stipends, and sometimes travel reimbursement and completion bonuses. The total value can vary significantly between agencies for the same assignment. Agencies ranked higher for pay transparency, like TravelNurse Source and Triage Staffing, provide detailed breakdowns so you can compare apples to apples.
Yes, and many experienced travel nurses recommend it. Working with two or three agencies simultaneously gives you access to more assignments and leverage when negotiating pay packages. Just be upfront with your recruiters about working with other agencies to maintain trust.
First, contact your recruiter directly. Most issues can be resolved through open communication. If your recruiter is unresponsive, escalate to the agency's nurse advocate or compliance team. If the issue remains unresolved, document everything and consider reaching out to our editorial team — patterns of unresolved complaints factor into our rankings.

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