Per Diem Nurse Staffing Market to Skyrocket—$16.4 Billion by 2033

The per diem nurse staffing market is set to experience remarkable expansion over the next decade, with projections estimating its value will reach $16.4 billion by 2033, nearly double its current size of $8.7 billion in 2023, according to Market.us Media. This represents a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.5%, reflecting increasing demand for flexible staffing solutions in healthcare.

Per diem nurses are nurses who take on temporary, shift-based assignments rather than full-time roles. Healthcare facilities, particularly hospitals. They work on an as-needed basis to fill immediate staffing gaps. These positions offer nurses competitive pay rates and flexibility, making them an attractive option for professionals seeking work-life balance or supplemental income. For healthcare facilities, per diem staffing provides a quick solution to labor shortages without the long-term commitment of permanent hires.

Where is Per Diem Nursing on the Rise?

North America currently leads the per diem nurse staffing market, holding a 50.8% share in 2023. The region’s sophisticated healthcare infrastructure and economic stability contribute significantly to its dominance. However, growth opportunities also exist in other regions as global healthcare systems adapt to evolving labor dynamics.

Hospitals currently dominate the market, accounting for 68.3% of demand in 2023. Medical-surgical nursing is the most sought-after specialty, with a 41.66% share, while rotating shifts are the most popular among per diem nurses, preferred by 53.2% of the workforce. Experienced nurses, who bring valuable skills to high-pressure situations, make up 43.5% of the market.

What’s Fueling the Rise in Per Diem Nursing?

Several factors are fueling the growth of the per diem nurse staffing market:

• Flexibility: Per diem roles provide nurses the ability to tailor their schedules to personal and professional needs, making these positions highly appealing.
• Financial Incentives: Competitive pay rates often make per diem assignments more lucrative than traditional full-time nursing roles.
• Diverse Clinical Experiences: Per diem nursing allows professionals to work in various settings, enhancing their skills and career prospects.
• Demand for Specialized Skills: Hospitals and healthcare facilities are increasingly relying on per diem nurses to address shortages in critical areas such as medical-surgical and intensive care units.

The growing demand for flexible, cost-effective staffing solutions is reshaping the healthcare workforce. For nurses, per diem opportunities offer financial and scheduling benefits. For healthcare facilities, these roles provide a crucial means to address labor shortages and maintain care quality. The per diem nurse staffing market’s expansion underscores the evolving priorities of the healthcare sector, with flexibility and adaptability at the forefront.