50 Top Travel Nursing Agencies

What Is a Travel Nursing Agency?

A travel nurse agency is like your behind-the-scenes partner that makes this whole lifestyle possible. They connect you with short-term contracts at hospitals and facilities across the country, handling the logistics that would be overwhelming to manage alone—things like pay packages, housing stipends, benefits, licensing, and contract details and negotiations. Instead of cold-calling hospitals and trying to negotiate on your own, the agency does the legwork, so you can focus on what you do best: taking care of patients and exploring new places.

Nurses turn to agencies because they provide stability and support in a career that can feel unpredictable. A good agency (and recruiter!) becomes your go-to teammate, advocating for you, making sure your needs are met, and helping you avoid red flags. At the end of the day, agencies give us the freedom to chase adventure, earn competitive pay, and still know someone has our back every step of the way.

List of The Top 50+ Travel Nursing Agencies in the U.S. - A to Z

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What To Look For In A Travel Nurse Agency

Your travel nurse company and recruiter can truly make or break your experience, so don’t take this step lightly. When you’re starting out, one of the first (and most important) things you’ll do is find a company and recruiter who are the right fit for you. I know it can feel overwhelming—there are so many agencies out there. How do you know if you’ve found the right one? Over the years, I’ve learned there are a few non-negotiable qualities that set the best apart from the rest.

Mentor Pro Tip: Before you even start looking, get clear on your own needs. What benefits matter most to you? What kind of support do you want? When you know what you’re looking for, it’s easier to recognize the company that’s the best match.

The Non-Negotiables

At the bare minimum, your agency should be: knowledgeable, transparent, trustworthy, and personable. They should pay you fairly and offer strong resources and benefits. Look for these essentials:

1. A housing department to help find you a safe spot, or a fair stipend if you prefer to handle it yourself
2. Day-1 benefits (health, dental, vision) with reasonable premiums
3. 401k you can start right away
4. Travel reimbursement to cover those miles
5. 24/7 support—because emergencies don’t wait for business hours
6. Plenty of job options nationwide in your specialty
7. Joint Commission accreditation—this shows they’ve passed a strict vetting process and hold themselves to the highest industry standards
   
   

Mentor Pro Tip: Some elite agencies go above and beyond—offering weekly pay, low census protection, PTO, tuition reimbursement, mental health resources, and even a clinical team of nurses you can call for advice. (Because let’s be real—your recruiter usually isn’t a nurse.) Having a strong clinical team on your side can be a total game-changer.

Do Your Homework

Finally, don’t just take the agency’s word for it—get referrals from other travelers and check reviews. Peer feedback is gold. The more you research, the more empowered you’ll be to make the right call.

Can I Work With More Than One Agency at a Time?

Yes, you can work with more than one travel nurse agency at a time—and many nurses do. Since no single agency has access to every job, keeping two in your corner gives you more options for locations, pay, and start dates. Just be transparent with your recruiters so you don’t get double-submitted to the same job, and focus on building strong relationships with your top two agencies to keep your options open without adding extra stress.