In this guide, we will cover the top travel nursing agencies that can offer nurses more than $60,000 a year. We will also dissect inside tips, backdoor advantages, and practical advice you will not see in agency websites or sales brochures.
This article will provide you with a concise understanding of the best opportunities in travel nursing, whether you are new or you have been doing it for decades.
What To Look For In Travel Nursing Agencies
The travel nursing agencies are not all equal. The most preferable ones are not only well paid. They defend you, promote you, and make the paperwork less agonizing.
The following are the main factors to consider when selecting a travel nursing agency:
– Pay Transparency: Do they publicly report pay?
– Benefits: Health insurance, retirement plans, travel reimbursement.
– Housing Support: Do they have stipends or free housing?
– Assignment Locations: Do they have contracts where you desire to work?
– Recruiter Quality: Do the recruiters assist, or are they merely attempting to fill positions?
Top 10 Travel Nursing Agencies Paying Over $60,000 Annually
1. Aya Healthcare
Location: San Diego, CA
Average Annual Pay: $80,000 – $110,000
Why It Stands Out: Aya Healthcare is a travel nursing agency headquartered in the United States and among the largest recruiters, with a robust relationship with recruiters and reach to assignments across the country.
Perks:
– Same-day pay available
– 100% benefits on Day 1.
– App to handle assignments on the mobile phone.
Insider Tip: Aya frequently has crisis jobs that are above-average paying, even up to $5,000 per week.
2. Fusion Medical Staffing
Location: Omaha, NE
Average Annual Pay: $75,000 – $95,000
What Makes It Special: Fusion makes it personal. Here, nurses usually mention that their recruiters are more like colleagues.
Perks:
– 401(k) match
– Private housing options
– Access to mental health support
Insider Tip: Fusion also has referral bonuses of up to $1000 per referral.
3. Travel Nurse Across America (TNAA).
Location: North Little Rock, AR.
Average Annual Pay: $70,000 – $90,000
What Makes It Special: TNAA has good compliance support, and as a result, the process of onboarding causes fewer headaches.
Perks:
– Paid sick leave
– Day 1 medical, dental, and vision.
– Licensure reimbursement
Insider Tip: TNAA has one of the speediest credentialing processes. It is also possible to begin working in the course of two weeks after signing a contract.
4. Medical Solutions
Location: Omaha, NE
Average Annual Pay: $70,000 – $100,000
Why It Stands Out: Medical Solutions has contracts with all 50 states and even exclusive partnerships with leading hospitals.
Perks:
– Pet-friendly housing
– Loyalty bonuses
– Day-one health insurance
Insider Tip: They do have so-called hidden gem contracts with smaller hospitals, which are equally well paid but not as competitive.
5. Nomad Health
Location: New York, NY
Average Annual Pay: $80,000 – $120,000
Why It Stands Out: Nomad is a technology company. Nurses are able to apply and deal with assignments fully online, without recruiters.
Perks:
– Transparent pay packages
– No middleman
– Weekly direct deposit
Insider Tip: Since there is no recruiter, you will have to be proactive. But you will also be able to evade the pressure of recruiters and be able to see the whole picture immediately.
6. Cross-Country Nurses
Location: Boca Raton, FL
Average Annual Pay: $65,000 – $85,000
Why It Stands Out: Cross Country is more than 35 years old. It is among the older travel nursing agencies.
Perks:
– Credits of continuing education.
– 24/7 clinical support
– Employee discounts
Hack: If you are starting your resume, Cross Country usually has a good contract with magnet hospitals.
7. Fastaff Travel Nursing
Location: Greenwood Village, CO
Average Annual Pay: $90,000 – $130,000
What Makes It Special: High wages, temporary contracts, and quick-response jobs.
Perks:
– Full benefits
– Higher weekly rates
– Paid travel and housing
Insider Tip: Fastaff is a better fit for an experienced nurse who is ready to take on high-stress scenarios, such as strike coverage or emergency staffing, quickly.
8. Triage Staffing
Location: Omaha, NE
Average Annual Pay: $70,000 – $100,000
The Reason It Stands Out: Triage is reputed to be honest. The recruiters are open with them on the advantages as well as the disadvantages of every assignment.
Perks:
– Health and dental insurance
– 401(k) with match
– Licensure reimbursement
Insider Tip: Triage has a lower turnover rate amongst recruiters, and therefore you are more likely to establish a long-term relationship.
9. Host Healthcare
Location: San Diego, CA
Average Annual Pay: $75,000 – $105,000
What Makes It Unique: Host Healthcare possesses a flexible approach and has a specific credentialing team.
Perks:
– Travel reimbursements
– Retirement plan
– Customized accommodation plans.
Insider Trick: Host is frequently rated very highly on its onboarding process. This is a good location to begin in case you are new to traveling as a nurse.
10. American Mobile Healthcare
Location: San Diego, CA
Average Annual Pay: $70,000 – $95,000
Why It Stands Out: American Mobile is owned by AMN Healthcare, which is among the biggest staffing firms in the healthcare sector.
Perks:
– National reach
– Clinical skill education.
– Competitive pay
Insider Tip: American Mobile has the ability to access exclusive contracts that other travel nursing agencies do not have due to its size.
The Hidden Costs You Need to Know
Not every pay package comes in as simple as it is made out to be. The following are some of the items that will consume your income:
– Unpaid orientation time
– State licensing fees
– Travel expenses that are not reimbursed.
– Lack of housing should the stipend be less than actual rent.
Always insist on a complete pay package breakdown. A competent recruiter will provide it to you in writing.
Read also: Best Walmart Delivery Jobs Offering Work Visa and Relocation
How Travel Nursing Agencies Calculate Pay
A blended rate is used by most travel nursing agencies. This includes:
– Hourly base pay (taxed)
– Housing and meal stipends (untaxed)
– Bonuses (sometimes taxed)
That is why the hourly pay will seem small, but your take-home pay can turn out to be much more than that of a staff nurse because of the tax-free stipends.
Conclusion
Travel nursing is not a mere job. It’s a career strategy. The appropriate agency will support you in saving money, preventing burnout, and getting to develop professionally. Making more than $60,000 a year is not just possible. You can count on it with the best travel nursing agencies.
But don’t rush. Take your time. Negotiate with recruiters, do your homework, and understand your value. The most successful traveling nurses will make every assignment a business decision. The better you are informed about the workings of the travel nursing agencies, the more you will control your career.
And bear in mind that this is not only about money. It is about being free, having experience, and having a career on your own terms.