How we make this list: we compare pricing pages, product documentation and public user reviews. Ratings come from G2, Capterra or Trustpilot, with the date we checked them.
Key takeaways
- Aya Healthcare is the best overall agency, with the broadest job pool at 26,995 or more active RN jobs and the most documented benefits.
- Travel Nurses Inc scores highest in one 2026 ranking at 4.90 out of 5, as the best established independent agency.
- Medical Solutions leads on recruiter retention, with the same recruiter for an entire career, plus same-day recruiter callbacks.
- Host Healthcare offers the best benefits overall, with day-one health insurance, 401k match from week one and a dedicated housing team.
- There is no single best agency: the right one depends on what you optimize for, whether job volume, pay, benefits or recruiter relationship.
Quick comparison
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
The best travel nurse companies
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Aya Healthcare ranks first overall in a 2026 ranking with a score of 4.25 out of 5 from 158 reviews, and it is the largest agency in the US with 30,000 or more active jobs in one guide and 26,995 or more active RN jobs in another. Weekly pay lists at $2,000 to $4,500 in one guide, with day-one benefits, and Aya holds the most CVICU, SICU and MICU contract volume nationwide for ICU travelers. Founded in 2001, Aya offers the broadest job pool and most documented benefits in the ranking.
The large-agency trade is personal attention: national agencies carry 80 to 120 or more nurses per recruiter, so travelers can feel like a number. First-timers, high-volume seekers and nurses who prioritize flexibility over specialty will find Aya volume unmatched, while experienced travelers may pair Aya with a specialty agency for their unit type.
What we like- Largest agency in the US
- 26,995 or more active RN jobs
- Broadest benefits documentation
- Top ICU contract volume
Watch out for- Large-agency feel
- Recruiters carry many nurses
- Pay varies by facility and specialty
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Fusion Medical Staffing ranks third in a 2026 ranking with a score of 4.59 out of 5, labeled best comeback, reflecting strong nurse satisfaction and personalized support. As a mid-size agency, Fusion balances job volume with recruiter attention, giving experienced travelers a relationship plus options, rather than the high-volume anonymity of nationals. Communication and guidance throughout assignments are Fusion strengths in recent guides.
The smaller job pool means fewer options in niche locations, and crisis pay advantage trails nationals. Experienced travelers who want a recruiter relationship plus competitive options will find Fusion the best mid-size choice, especially when paired with a national agency for volume.
What we like- Highest score among mid-size agencies at 4.59
- Personalized support
- Strong communication
Watch out for- Smaller job pool than nationals
- Less crisis pay advantage than large agencies
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Travel Nurses Inc ranks fourth in a 2026 ranking but scores highest overall at 4.90 out of 5, labeled best established independent, reflecting very high nurse satisfaction with an independent-owned agency experience. Independent ownership often means more personal service and faster decisions than large corporate agencies, since fewer layers sit between nurse and management. That satisfaction edge matters for travelers who stay with one agency across many assignments.
Brand recognition and job volume trail Aya and AMN, so niche specialty travelers should check current openings before committing. Nurses who value an independent agency experience with top-rated satisfaction should shortlist Travel Nurses Inc first, while keeping a national agency as a volume backup.
What we like- Highest ranking score at 4.90 out of 5
- Established independent ownership
- Strong nurse satisfaction
Watch out for- Smaller brand recognition than nationals
- Job volume varies by specialty
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Medical Solutions ranks sixth in a 2026 ranking with a score of 4.84 out of 5, labeled biggest climber, and it leads on recruiter retention: nurses keep the same recruiter for their entire career, rather than being handed off between assignments. Recent guides cite same-day recruiter callbacks at 4.8 out of 5 average for responsiveness, shared with Host Healthcare, and weekly pay at $2,000 to $4,000 with day-one benefits. Medical Solutions is strong in Midwest ICU markets, complementing Aya national ICU volume.
That recruiter continuity is the differentiator: a recruiter who knows your preferences, licensing and history places you faster and negotiates better. First-time travelers benefit most from that guidance, while experienced travelers gain a trusted advocate across contracts. Medical Solutions suits nurses who want one recruiter for life.
What we like- Highest recruiter retention, same recruiter entire career
- Same-day recruiter callback
- Strong Midwest ICU markets
Watch out for- National-agency scale can feel impersonal for some
- Pay varies by contract terms
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Host Healthcare ranks seventh in a 2026 ranking with a score of 4.15 out of 5, labeled best for new graduates, and it is rated best benefits overall in recent guides, with day-one health insurance, 401k match from week one and a dedicated housing team. Weekly pay lists at $2,000 to $4,200 with day-one benefits, and recruiter responsiveness matches Medical Solutions at same-day callbacks. That benefits package matters most for new graduates and travelers who cannot afford a benefits gap between assignments.
The mid-size job pool is smaller than nationals, so niche locations may offer fewer choices. New graduates, benefits-focused travelers and nurses who want housing support will find Host Healthcare the best benefits pick, with a recruiter team built around first-time traveler needs.
What we like- Best benefits overall
- Day-one health insurance
- 401k match from week one
- Dedicated housing team
Watch out for- Mid-size job pool smaller than nationals
- Pay varies by specialty and location
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
AMN Healthcare ranks eighth in a 2026 ranking with a score of 4.21 out of 5, labeled best for continuing education, and it is the largest agency by revenue with strong hospital system managed service provider relationships. American Mobile Healthcare, part of AMN, gives AMN one of the biggest job networks available, with weekly pay at $2,000 to $4,000 and day-one benefits in recent guides. Continuing education support helps nurses maintain certifications and advance specialties while traveling.
The large-agency feel applies, with recruiters carrying many nurses, so personal attention varies by recruiter. Nurses who want brand recognition, the largest facility network and education support will find AMN a strong primary agency, especially when paired with a mid-size agency for personal service.
What we like- Largest by revenue
- Strong hospital system relationships
- Continuing education support
Watch out for- Large-agency feel
- Recruiter loads can be high
- Pay varies by facility
#7
Travel Nurse Across America
Best for: Best for RN-to-BSN advancement
Visit tnaa.com
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Travel Nurse Across America, known as TNAA, ranks tenth in a 2026 ranking with a score of 4.06 out of 5, labeled best for RN-to-BSN advancement, reflecting education support for nurses completing a bachelor degree while traveling. Recent guides note TNAA recruiter assistance throughout assignments, and one guide cites TNAA as the choice for nurses who want guaranteed pay when a shift cancels. That cancellation protection matters, since cancelled shifts can erase a week income without it.
The job pool is smaller than nationals, so location options are narrower. Nurses pursuing RN-to-BSN advancement, or who prioritize cancellation protection, will find TNAA distinctive, while volume seekers should pair it with Aya or AMN.
What we like- RN-to-BSN advancement support
- Recruiter assistance throughout assignments
- Guaranteed pay on cancelled shifts in some guides
Watch out for- Smaller job pool than nationals
- Ranking score trails leaders at 4.06
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Cross Country Nurses, part of Cross Country Healthcare, is an industry veteran since 1986 and a preferred vendor at many Magnet hospitals, with Joint Commission certified facilities that appeal to experienced travelers. Weekly pay lists at $2,000 to $4,200 with day-one benefits in recent guides, and the long history gives Cross Country deep hospital relationships that newer agencies lack. Experienced travelers who want Magnet hospital assignments and a veteran agency will find Cross Country a reliable choice.
Recruiter experiences vary, as with all nationals, so interview your specific recruiter before committing. Cross Country suits experienced travelers who know their specialty and location preferences and want a veteran agency with Magnet access.
What we like- Industry veteran since 1986
- Preferred vendor at many Magnet hospitals
- Joint Commission certified facilities
Watch out for- Older brand with mixed recruiter experiences in some guides
- Pay varies by specialty
How we chose
We compared 2026 travel nursing rankings that scored agencies on pay transparency, recruiter quality, specialty depth, benefits and real nurse reviews, with all listed agencies Joint Commission certified or meeting equivalent credentialing standards. Scores cited come from a single 2026 ranking to keep comparisons consistent, cross-checked against other guides for pay ranges and benefits. We weighed job volume, recruiter retention, benefits, education support and specialty depth, and we left out per-diem platforms, since this list covers travel assignments with housing stipends and 13-week contracts.
Reading pay packages honestly
A travel pay package splits into a taxable base hourly rate plus non-taxable stipends for housing and meals, and agencies quote a blended weekly number, which is why two offers can look identical and pay differently. Always ask for the split, since only the base rate counts toward overtime and retirement contributions. Most nurse complaints relate to pay package bait-and-switch, where an agency quotes high then reduces at signing, and the only defense is getting the full breakdown in writing before accepting.
Compare complete weekly packages, not headline rates: housing stipend versus agency-arranged housing, meal stipend, travel reimbursement, benefits start date, 401k match and cancellation pay all change real income. Taking the housing stipend usually nets more money if you can find cheaper housing, while agency-arranged housing removes admin and lease risk. Nurses with Nurse Licensure Compact licenses get placed 2 to 3 weeks faster at any agency, since credentialing does not require a new state license application.
Working with multiple agencies
Most ICU travelers register with Aya for volume plus one specialty agency for their unit type to maximize options, and that multi-agency strategy works generally: register with one national for volume, one mid-size for relationship, and one specialty agency for your niche. Be transparent with recruiters about multi-agency status, and never accept two contracts for the same dates. For standard 13-week contracts, most top agencies place in 3 to 5 weeks from application, while urgent assignments can start in 7 to 14 days.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best travel nurse company overall?
Aya Healthcare, with the broadest job pool and most documented benefits, ranked first overall in a 2026 ranking. Travel Nurses Inc scores highest on satisfaction at 4.90 out of 5, while Medical Solutions leads on recruiter retention.
How much do travel nurses earn per week?
Typical weekly pay lists at $2,000 to $4,500 across top agencies, with crisis and rapid-response contracts at $4,000 to $7,500 per week for ICU and high-demand specialties. Annual income near $101,132 is cited as common in one guide, with top earners exceeding that through crisis work and overtime.
Should I work with one agency or several?
Several: register with one national for volume, one mid-size for recruiter relationship, and one specialty agency for your niche. Be transparent with recruiters and never accept overlapping contracts for the same dates.
What should I check before signing a travel contract?
Get the full pay breakdown in writing, including base rate, housing stipend, meal stipend, travel reimbursement, benefits start date, 401k match and cancellation pay. Check licensing requirements, malpractice coverage, housing terms and 24/7 support availability during assignments.
Do travel nursing companies provide housing?
Most offer a choice: agency-arranged housing, or a stipend to find your own. Arranged housing removes admin and lease risk, while taking the stipend usually nets more money if you find cheaper housing yourself.
How fast can I get placed as a travel nurse?
Standard 13-week contracts typically place in 3 to 5 weeks from application, while urgent assignments can start in 7 to 14 days. Nurses with Nurse Licensure Compact licenses get placed 2 to 3 weeks faster, since no new state license application is needed.
Sources we checked (8)
- https://betternurse.org/best-travel-nursing-agencies-ranked/
- https://catsol.com/travel-nursing-agencies/
- https://nigeriauniversities.com/2026/10/22/ultimate-travel-nurse-agencies-2026/
- https://catsol.com/guides/best-travel-nursing-companies/
- https://www.itilite.com/blog/top-10-travel-nursing-companies-in-usa
- https://www.ayahealthcare.com
- https://www.medicalsolutions.com
- https://www.hosthealthcare.com
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
Shihab Mia · Founder, Rankite
Shihab has 5+ years in B2B and SaaS SEO. He writes Rankite's software buying guides from pricing pages, documentation and public user reviews. More about Shihab.
Aya Healthcare
Fusion Medical Staffing
Travel Nurses Inc
Medical Solutions
Host Healthcare
AMN Healthcare
Cross Country Nurses