Best Travel Nursing Agencies in 2026: Top Picks for Jobs, Pay & Benefits
Amid ongoing nursing shortages and a booming $39.4 billion travel nursing market, experienced RNs and new travelers need reliable agencies for high-pay contracts, solid benefits, and hassle-free assignments. This guide ranks the best travel nursing agencies in 2026, drawing from RNVIP, BluePipes, and Prolink data.
Our #1 Pick: Host Healthcare – Tops rankings for recruiter support, job variety across 50 states, and competitive pay, backed by $800M revenue and core values like "Own It" and "Wow."
Explore full rankings, a comparison table of leaders like Aya Healthcare, AMN Healthcare, Medical Solutions, and more, plus real reviews, crisis pay insights, and pitfalls to avoid.
Quick Answer: The Best Company for Travel Nurse Jobs in 2026
For 2026, Host Healthcare leads as the best overall for travel nurse jobs, praised in RNVIP 2025 top lists and Betternurse reviews for exceptional support, high-volume jobs, and work-life balance. Medical Solutions follows closely with standout benefits like 401(k) matching and 24/7 concierge service.
Top 5 picks:
- Host Healthcare – Best for job access and culture (BluePipes high scores).
- Medical Solutions – Elite benefits and tech-driven matching.
- Aya Healthcare – Massive inventory, strong reviews.
- AMN Healthcare – Exclusive contracts, 20% market share.
- Uniti Med – 97+ BluePipes rating on 500+ reviews.
| Agency | Avg Weekly Pay (2026 Proj.) | BluePipes/RNVIP Rating | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Host Healthcare | $2,200-$3,200 | 97+ | Recruiter support, 50 states |
| Medical Solutions | $2,100-$3,000 | Top RNVIP | 401(k), family EAP |
| Aya Healthcare | $2,300-$3,100 | High reviews | Job volume |
| AMN Healthcare | $2,100-$3,000 | Strong | Exclusive deals |
| Uniti Med | $2,200-$2,900 | 97.13 | Reliability |
Projections from 13 Weeks Staffing and Prolink show $2,100-$3,000/week averages, with ICU/behavioral health peaking higher amid 4.3M RN shortage.
Key Takeaways: Top Travel Nursing Agencies at a Glance
- Winners: Host Healthcare (acquired by Medical Solutions, $800M revenue), Medical Solutions (24/7 support), Aya, AMN, Axis (benefits-focused).
- Avoid: Outdated players like Amedisys (high productivity demands per old reviews); watch for poor cancellation policies.
- 2026 Trends: $39.4B market (Prolink), 5% of 4.3M RNs traveling; high demand in ICU, behavioral health; guaranteed hours standard, $500 avg housing stipends.
- Pay Peaks: $10K/week in hotspots; $100K+ annual with bonuses (Payscale/Spring Arbor).
Travel Nursing Market Outlook for 2026: Jobs, Pay & Demand
2026 remains prime for travel nurses despite 2025's slight 6% revenue dip to $39.4B (Prolink). With 4.3M active RNs and chronic shortages--exacerbated post-COVID (Health Affairs)--demand surges in ICU, behavioral health, and PICU. SIA forecasts 24% staffing growth; 13 Weeks projects $2,100-$3,000/week base, up slightly from 2025 inflation adjustments. Peaks hit $10K/week in NYC/Seattle (Spring Arbor). Non-COVID assignments abound outside hotspots, with 8-13 week contracts extendable. Prolink highlights travel nursing as a "viable alternative" to staff roles.
Top 10 Best Travel Nursing Agencies in 2026: Reviews & Rankings
Based on RNVIP 2025, BluePipes 2025 (97+ scores), ForTheNurse, and Betternurse:
- Host Healthcare (Founded 2012): $800M revenue, core values "Own It/Connect/Wow." Pros: Vast jobs, top recruiters. Cons: Low overtime/holiday stipends post-36hrs. Reviews: "Best support" (2025 nurse).
- Medical Solutions: 24/7 support, 401(k) with 4% match +50% employer, family EAP, completion bonuses after 600hrs. Pros: Personalized pay packages. Acquired Host in 2022.
- Aya Healthcare: High 2026 reviews, endless contracts. Strong for variety.
- AMN Healthcare: 20% market share, exclusive hospital deals.
- Uniti Med: 97.13 BluePipes score on 500+ reviews.
- Cross Country Nurses: Solid rankings, reliable.
- Axis Medical Staffing (2004): Great benefits post-60 days. Cons: No day-1 insurance.
- Supplemental Health Care: Competitive RN pay.
- Medical Solutions/Host combo: Post-acquisition synergy.
- Trusted Health: Mental health perks.
Case: Betternurse RN: "Host filled my dream ICU gig fast."
Highest Paying Travel Nurse Agencies 2026
Leaders: Host/Aya ($2,300+), with crisis contracts at Trusted (48-60+ hrs, 2-6 weeks, 2+ yrs exp). 13 Weeks: $100K+ annual incl. bonuses/overtime (1.5x rate). ICU tops at $3K+/week.
Best for Benefits, Housing Stipends & Guaranteed Hours
- Medical Solutions: 401(k), EAP, bonuses.
- Axis: 60-day insurance, strong perks (no day-1).
- Guarantees: Full/partial (TLC); 72hr cancel ~$1,800 loss. Avg housing: $500 reimbursement. Host/Uniti excel in 24/7 support.
Travel Nurse Agency Comparison 2026: Head-to-Head Matchups
| Feature | Host vs. Medical Solutions | Aya vs. AMN |
|---|---|---|
| Pay | Host: $2,200-$3,200; Med Sol: Similar, +bonuses | Aya: Higher volume; AMN: Exclusive highs |
| Benefits | Host: Culture; Med Sol: 401(k)/EAP edge | Aya: Reviews; AMN: Market power |
| Contracts | Host: Vast; Med Sol: Personalized | Aya: Fast; AMN: Stable |
Host edges rankings but lags holiday pay; Axis benefits shine despite insurance delay.
Pros & Cons of Top Agencies + Ones to Avoid in 2026
| Agency | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Host | Job access, support | Low OT stipends |
| Medical Solutions | 401(k), 24/7 | N/A major |
| Axis | Benefits | 60-day insurance |
| Amedisys (Avoid) | ? | High productivity (old reviews: 6+ pts/day) |
Warnings: 5-20% cancel rates (TravelNursing.org); Spring Arbor notes short 12-13wk contracts. Case: Nurse canceled for poor environment, no penalty with good recruiter.
How to Choose the Best Travel Nurse Agency: Step-by-Step Checklist
- Verify Guarantees: Hours, cancellations (full vs. partial).
- Compare Pay/Stipends: Base + tax home; negotiate OT.
- Check Reviews/Recruiters: BluePipes, RNVIP; test responsiveness.
- Assess Benefits: Housing ($500 avg), insurance, 401(k).
- Avoid Pitfalls: Floating clauses, tax audits (ForTheNurse); consult pros.
Steps: Submit to 3-5 agencies, interview facilities, negotiate via BluePipes.
Travel Nursing Contracts: Cancellations, Crisis Pay & Red Flags
Cancellations (5-20%): Hospital (seasonal overstaff, performance); Nurse (emergencies, no penalty if supported). 72hr cancel: $1,800 hit (TLC). Crisis: High hrs/pay, short-term. Red flags: 6-shift cancel clauses, no guarantees. Case: Seasonal FL/AZ influx led to early cancel; agency refilled housing.
FAQ
What are the highest paying travel nurse agencies in 2026?
Host Healthcare, Aya ($2,300-$3,200/week); crisis via Trusted up to $10K peaks.
Which travel nursing agency has the best benefits and housing stipends?
Medical Solutions (401(k), EAP); $500 avg stipends across top agencies.
What are guaranteed hours in travel nursing contracts for 2026?
Clauses ensure min weekly hours (full/partial); protects vs. low census/cancels.
How do Aya Healthcare and AMN Healthcare compare for travel nurses?
Aya: Job volume/reviews; AMN: Exclusive contracts/market share.
What are the worst travel nurse agencies to avoid in 2026?
Amedisys (productivity issues); check recency--avoid poor cancel policies.
Can travel nurse contracts be canceled, and what are the policies?
Yes, 5-20% rate; hospitals for overstaff/performance, nurses for emergencies. Good recruiters mitigate penalties.