The Top 7 Best Travel Nurse Agencies in 2025 Salary, Housing & Bonuses Compared. Consider agencies that offer dedicated recruiters, licensing support, and accreditation.
What are Top 7 Best Travel Nurse Agencies in 2025 Salary, Housing & Bonuses Compared
The best travel nursing agencies for 2025 include Medical Solutions, TNAA, and Host Healthcare, recognized for their excellent rankings, professional development, and competitive salaries. Other highly rated agencies include Cariant Health Partners, Advantis Medical, Triage Staffing, and Axis Medical Staffing, frequently praised for their personalized attention, dedicated recruiters, and competitive compensation and benefits packages.
Introduction
Are you an RN geared up to discover the use of an even as incomes pinnacle dollar however crushed with the aid of using which journey nurse business enterprise simply offers on its promises? With over two hundred groups competing in your attention, selecting the incorrect one should value you heaps in misplaced income, subpar housing, or worse: an agreement cancellation that leaves you stranded.
In 2025, the satisfactory journey nurse groups aren`t simply presenting assignments—they may be offering complete benefits, top class pay packages, and profession assist which could raise your annual income with the aid of using $15,000 to $30,000 in comparison to group of workers positions. This manual breaks down the pinnacle 7 groups primarily based totally on actual nurse reviews, earnings data, and advantage transparency so that you can expectantly signal your subsequent agreement.
Quick Snapshot: What to Expect from Top Agencies in 2025
- Average Weekly Pay: $1,800–$3,200 (varies through forte and location)
- Housing Allowance Range: $1,200–$2,500/week (tax-free)
- Sign-On Bonuses: $500–$3,000 for high-call for specialties
- Understanding Length: Typically 8–thirteen weeks (with extension options)
- Health Insurance: Starts day 1 with maximum top-tier agencies
- License Compensate: Multi-kingdom compact and kingdom-unique licenses covered
- CEU Support: Free hold on with training devices for license resumption
What Makes a Travel Nurse Agency “The Best”?
A top-tier tour nurse company is going past simply locating you assignments. The high-quality companies in 2025 provide obvious pay packages (no hidden deductions), responsive recruiters to be had 24/7, complete blessings that rival personnel positions, and disaster pay possibilities which could push weekly income past $5,000 in high-want areas.
Unlike personnel nursing positions, tour companies ought to offer itemized pay breakdowns displaying your taxable base rate, non-taxable stipends (housing, meals), and any bonuses. The high-quality companies additionally provide same-day pay options, referral bonuses ($500–$1,000 consistent with nurse you refer), and warranted hours even in case your shift receives canceled.
Key Features to Evaluate:
- Day-1 fitness insurance (medical, dental, vision)
- 401(k) matching (3–6% company match)
- License and certification compensate
- Free personal housing or beneficent stipends
- Professional legal responsibility insurance (malpractice coverage)
Why Travel Nursing Matters for Your Career and Wallet
Travel nursing isn`t pretty much adventure it is a strategic profession pass that may dramatically boom your incomes ability and skillset. Staff nurses in 2025 earn a median of $77,000 annually, at the same time as skilled journey nurses can gross $100,000–$150,000 or extra with the proper assignments and agencies.
Beyond salary, journey nursing offers:
Career Advantages:
- Diverse Clinical Experience: Work in Level I trauma centers, rural hospitals, and distinctiveness gadgets throughout a couple of states
- Networking Opportunities: Build expert connections national that may result in everlasting positions
- Resume Enhancement: Hospitals price adaptability and multi-facility revel in for management roles
- Lifestyle Cooperation: Choose assignments primarily based totally on location, season, or private aims (snowboarding in Colorado, seashores in California)
Financial Advantages:
- Tax-Free Stipends: Housing and meal allowances are not taxed whilst you hold an everlasting tax home
- Higher Hourly Rates: Travel quotes normally 20–40% better than nearby body of workers positions
- Completion Bonuses: Earn $1,000–$2,000 for completing contracts on time
- Overtime Opportunities: Many assignments provide top class quotes for additional shifts ($75–$100/hour)
Top 7 Travel Nurse Agencies Compared — 2025 Rankings
| Agency | Weekly Pay Range | Housing | Sign-On Bonus | Insurance Start | Best For |
| 1.Aya Healthcare | $2,200–$3,500 | Free private or $2,000+ stipend | Up to $3,000 | Day 1 | High earners, premium benefits |
| 2.FlexCare Medical Staffing | $2,000–$3,200 | Furnished housing or $1,800 stipend | $1,000–$2,500 | Day 1 | Personalized recruiter support |
| 3. Travel Nurse Across America (TNAA) | $1,900–$3,000 | Company housing or $1,500 stipend | Up to $2,000 | Day 1 | New travel nurses, mentorship |
| 4.Fusion Medical Staffing | $2,100–$3,100 | $1,600–$2,200 stipend | $500–$1,500 | Day 1 | Quick placements, crisis contracts |
| 5.Trusted Health | $2,000–$3,400 | Self-booking platform, flexible stipends | Varies by contract | First week | Tech-savvy nurses, transparency |
| 6.Cross Country Nurses | $1,850–$2,900 | Agency-arranged or $1,400 stipend | Up to $2,000 | Day 8 | Established assignments, stability |
| 7.Nomad Health | $2,100–$3,300 | Self-managed, stipend included | None (higher base pay) | Day 1 | Independent nurses, no recruiter calls |
Detailed Agency Breakdown
H3: 1. Aya Healthcare — Best Overall for Premium Pay & Benefits
Why Nurses Love It: Aya continually ranks #1 for transparency and overall compensation. Their pay applications encompass itemized breakdowns, and that they provide one of the industry`s first-class advantages applications with 401(k) matching, puppy insurance, and intellectual fitness support.
Ideal For: Experienced RNs in high-call for specialties (ICU, ER, OR, NICU) in search of most profits and complete advantages.
Pay Highlights:
- Base pay + housing stipends frequently exceed $3,000/week
- Loyalty bonuses for a couple of contracts ($500–$1,000)
- Referral software pays $1,000 consistent with nurse
H3: 2. Flex Care Medical Staffing — Best for Recruiter Relationships
Why Nurses Love It: Flex Care assigns one devoted recruiter who manages your whole profession no shuffling among a couple of contacts. They’re recognized for preventing for settlement extensions and negotiating better pay while marketplace fees increase.
Ideal For: Nurses who cost non-public relationships and need a recruiter who is aware of their possibilities and profession goals.
Pay Highlights:
- Rapid reaction disaster pay up to $4,500/week
- Weekly bonuses for running in underserved areas
- Guaranteed 36–forty hours in spite of cancellations
H3: 3. Travel Nurse across America (TNAA) — Best for First-Time Travelers
Why Nurses Love It: TNAA gives superb guide for nurses new to journey nursing, consisting of mentorship programs, designated orientation, and ongoing check-ins at some point of your contract.
Ideal For: New grads with 1+ year enjoy or body of workers nurses making their first transition to journey nursing.
Pay Highlights:
- Competitive quotes with clean pay package deal explanations
- Free CEU publications for license renewal
- Completion bonuses up to $2,000
H3: 4. Fusion Medical Staffing — Best for Quick Placements & Crisis Pay
Why Nurses Love It: Fusion makes a specialty of fast deployment to disaster contracts (herbal disasters, COVID surges, and staffing emergencies) wherein pay quotes can double or triple general quotes.
Ideal For: Experienced nurses who can installation speedy and thrive in high-acuity, fast moving environments.
Pay Highlights:
- Crisis agreement: $3,500–$6,000/week
- Same-week begin dates available
- Joint Commission-approved schooling programs
H3: 5. Trusted Health — Best for Tech-Forward, Transparent Booking
Why Nurses Love It: Trusted`s app-primarily based totally platform helps you to browse and follow for assignments directly, with complete pay transparency earlier than you even speak to a recruiter. No games, no surprises.
Ideal For: Nurses who select self-provider reserving and need manage over their settlement search.
Pay Highlights:
- Real-time pay calculator suggests actual take-home
- No hidden organization fees
- Direct sanatorium relationships imply better margins for nurses
H3: 6. Cross Country Nurses — Best for Assignment Variety & Stability
Why Nurses Love It: As one of the oldest agencies (50+ years), Cross Country has hooked up relationships with lots of hospitals, providing assignments in each country and specialty.
Ideal For: Nurses in search of unique places or area of interest specialties (wound care, psychiatric, rehab).
Pay Highlights:
- “Refer-a-Friend” bonuses up to $1,500
- Loyalty application with tenure-primarily based totally perks
- Extensive worldwide placement options
H3: 7. Nomad Health — Best for Independent Nurses Who Hate Recruiter Calls
Why Nurses Love It: Nomad removes the conventional recruiter model. You browse assignments, follow directly, and control the whole lot thru their platform. No tele-cell smartphone tag, no pushy income tactics.
Ideal For: Self-enough nurses who realize what they need and do not want hand-holding.
Pay Highlights:
- Higher base rates (organization continues decrease margins)
- Transparent pricing for all benefits
- Instant approved and compliance follow
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Choose the Right Travel Nurse Agency
Step 1: Define Your Preference
Before applying, rank what subjects maximum:
- Maximum pay → Focus on Aya, Flex Care, or disaster contracts with Fusion
- Support & guidance → Choose TNAA or Flex Care
- Tech-ahead experience → Go with Trusted Health or Nomad
- Assignment variety → Cross Country has the maximum alternatives
Step 2: Apply to 3–five Agencies Simultaneously
Don`t positioned all of your eggs in a single basket. Apply to a couple of corporations because:
- Different corporations have one-of-a-kind contracts with particular hospitals
- You can evaluate gives and negotiate higher rates
- Backup alternatives if one settlement falls through
Step 3: Interview Your Recruiter
Ask those crucial questions:
- “What’s the whole pay breakdown (taxable vs. non-taxable)?”
- “What occurs if my settlement receives canceled early?”
- “How fast are you able to locate me a brand new challenge if I want one?”
- “What’s your coverage on assured hours?”
Step 4: Review the Agreement Carefully
Before signing, verify:
- Cancellation clauses (word period, penalties)
- Guaranteed hours vs. “as needed” schedules
- Housing quality (if agency-provided, request photos)
- Reimbursement policies (journey, licenses, certifications)
Step five: Maintain Your Tax Home
To qualify for tax-unfastened stipends, the IRS calls for you to preserve a everlasting house wherein you:
- Pay hire or mortgage
- Have a driver’s license registered
- Maintain monetary ties (financial institution accounts, voter registration)
Pro Tip: Consult a journey nurse tax specialist (like Travel Tax or Joseph Smith EA) to make sure compliance and maximize deductions.
Expert Tip: Maximize Your Travel Nurse Earnings
Nurse Educator’s Insight:
“The biggest mistake new travel nurses make is accepting the first offer without Negotiating. In 2025`s aggressive market, organizations have flexibility—specially for in-call for specialties like ICU, ER, and NICU. If you’ve got a couple of offers, informs your chosen employer: ‘I even have any other provide at $X consistent with week. Can you suit or beat it?’ I’ve visible nurses negotiate $two hundred–$500 extra consistent with week simply through asking. Also, constantly request an itemized pay bundle in writing earlier than you sign. If an employer refuses to offer this, it is a purple flag—stroll away.”
Additional Money-Saving Tips:
- Use employer housing on your first settlement to keep away from prematurely costs
- Ask approximately referral bonuses earlier than your buddies apply
- Take benefit of unfastened CEUs to keep away from paying $50–$two hundred consistent with credit
- Request license compensation earlier than you pay out-of-pocket
Conclusion: Choose Your Adventure & Boost Your Income
The excellent tour nurse company for you relies upon for your profession stage, priorities, and way of life goals. Whether you`re chasing top rate pay with Aya Healthcare, looking for customized help from Flex Care, or who prefer the tech-ahead technique of Trusted Health, 2025 gives remarkable possibilities for RNs to earn six-discern earning whilst exploring the country.
Start with the aid of using making use of two 3–five organizations, evaluating gives side-with the aid of using-side, and negotiating your excellent package. Remember: you are with inside the driver’s seat hospitals desperately want your skills, and pinnacle organizations will compete in your contract.
Next Step: Before you signal your first contract, ensure your expert legal responsibility insurance is adequate. Read our guide: Best Malpractice Insurance for Travel Nurses 2025 Coverage Comparison to secure your license and assets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much do travel nurses really make in 2025?
Travel nurses earn among $95,000 and $150,000 every year counting on robust point, location, and enterprise. ICU and ER nurses in high-name for states (California, New York, Massachusetts) can exceed $3,500/week with catastrophe contracts pushing charges to $5,000–$6,000/week. This includes taxable base pay, tax-free stipends (housing, meals), and bonuses. Compare this to frame of people RN salaries averaging $77,000/year, and the earning ability becomes clear.
Do tour nurses want their personal malpractice insurance?
Yes—whilst corporations offer primary expert legal responsibility insurance, maximum guidelines have limits ($1M/$3M). Many tour nurses buy supplemental malpractice insurance ($100–$300/year) for added protection, especially whilst operating in high-threat specialties like ER, labor & delivery, or psychiatric nursing. Your nursing license and private property are at stake if you`re sued, so ok insurance is essential.
Can new grad RNs come to be tour nurses immediately?
Most corporations require 1–2 years of new revel in on your strong point earlier than accepting tour assignments. This guarantees you could characteristic independently without full-size orientation. However, a few corporations like TNAA offer “new traveler” applications for nurses with precisely three hundred and sixty five days of acute care revel in. Focus on constructing sturdy scientific abilities in a body of workers function first, then transition to tour nursing.
What’s the distinction among a tour nurse and a nearby agreement nurse?
Travel nurse’s paintings assignments as a minimum 50 miles from their everlasting tax domestic and get hold of tax-unfastened stipends for housing and meals. Local agreement nurses paintings close to their everlasting house, earn better hourly quotes however no stipends, and all profits is taxable. Travel popularity gives large tax benefits however calls for preserving an everlasting house and duplicating expenses (housing payments).
How do I understand if a tour nurse enterprise is legitimate?
Verify the enterprise is licensed via way of means of The Joint Commission or has enterprise accreditation. Check opinions on Highway Hypodermics, TravelNursing.org, and Facebook tour nurse groups. Red flags include: refusing to offer itemized pay packages, requiring prematurely fees, imparting offers that sound too top to be true or pushy recruiters who may not solution primary questions on advantages and cancellation guidelines.
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