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Updated July 2026. Choosing the wrong travel nursing agency does not just mean a mediocre assignment — it can mean a recruiter who ghosts you mid-contract, housing that does not exist, and paychecks that do not match what you were promised. We compared eight of the top agencies on pay, housing, recruiter quality, specialty coverage, and real nurse feedback to help you pick the right partner for your first — or next — contract.
| Agency | Best For | Approx. Weekly Pay* | Housing | Recruiter Score | Specialty Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TNAA | ICU/ER nurses who negotiate | $2,400-$3,800 | Stipend or arranged | 5/5 | Critical care, ER, OR |
| Host Healthcare | First-time travelers | $2,300-$3,600 | Stipend | 5/5 | Med-surg, Tele, ICU |
| Aya Healthcare | Volume and variety seekers | $2,200-$3,500 | Stipend or arranged | 4/5 | All specialties |
| AMN Healthcare | Benefits-focused nurses | $2,100-$3,300 | AMN Housing or stipend | 3/5 | All specialties |
| Trustaff | Midwest and Southeast travelers | $2,200-$3,400 | Stipend | 4/5 | Med-surg, PCU, ER |
| Stability Healthcare | High-pay negotiators | $2,500-$4,000 | Stipend | 4/5 | Critical care, L&D |
| Fusion Medical | Allied health and nursing | $2,100-$3,400 | Stipend | 4/5 | Nursing and allied |
| Cross Country | Experienced travelers with credentials | $2,200-$3,500 | Arranged or stipend | 3/5 | All specialties |
*Weekly gross pay ranges are approximate and vary by location, specialty, and experience. Crisis rates and high-demand markets will be higher. Always get your offer in writing and compare taxable vs. non-taxable breakdown.
TNAA has earned a near-cult following among experienced travel nurses — and for good reason. They are known for having recruiters who actually answer the phone, pay packages that hold up under scrutiny, and a culture that feels less like a staffing mill. Their specialty depth in critical care, OR, and emergency is particularly strong.
TNAA also provides 24/7 on-call clinical support — a big deal if you are at a new facility at 2 AM and need backup. Their health insurance is day-one eligible, which not every agency offers.
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