Agency nurse jobs in the United States have become one of the most attractive pathways for international nurses seeking flexible work schedules, high pay, and legal employment through visa sponsorship.
Agency nurses are employed by healthcare staffing agencies rather than a single hospital. These agencies place nurses on temporary or contract assignments in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and specialized healthcare facilities across the USA. Many of these agencies actively recruit foreign-trained nurses and provide visa sponsorship to help them work legally in the country.
Agency nurses in the USA earn between $37.98 and $63.01 per hour, with annual earnings that can exceed $148,000 to $246,000, depending on experience, specialty, and location.
This detailed guide explains salaries, benefits, eligibility, visa options, top-paying cities, leading agencies, and how to apply successfully.
What Is an Agency Nurse?
An agency nurse is a licensed healthcare professional who works on a contract or temporary basis through a staffing agency instead of being permanently employed by one hospital.
Agency nurses are assigned to healthcare facilities experiencing staff shortages, seasonal demand, or specialized patient needs. Assignments can range from a few weeks to several months and may be extended based on performance and facility needs.
For international nurses, agency work offers:
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Faster job placement
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Higher pay
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Exposure to multiple healthcare systems
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Visa sponsorship opportunities
Agency Nurse Salary in the United States
Agency nursing is one of the highest-paying nursing career paths in the USA.
Average Agency Nurse Pay
| Job Title | Per Hour | Daily | Weekly | Monthly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agency Nurse | $37.98 – $63.01 | $393 – $652 | $2,717 – $4,507 | $10,513 – $17,441 | $148,490 – $246,332 |
Salaries may increase with:
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Advanced degrees
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Specialty certifications
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Night or emergency shifts
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High-demand locations
Why Choose Agency Nurse Jobs in the USA?
Flexible Work Schedules
Agency nurses choose when, where, and how long they work. This flexibility supports better work-life balance and personal freedom.
Access to Diverse Healthcare Settings
Agency nurses gain experience in:
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Large hospitals
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Community clinics
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Long-term care facilities
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Specialized units
This exposure strengthens skills and improves long-term career prospects.
Higher Pay Than Permanent Nursing Roles
Because agency nurses fill urgent staffing gaps, agencies often pay significantly higher hourly rates than permanent hospital roles.
Visa Sponsorship Support
Many nursing agencies handle:
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Visa paperwork
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Credential evaluation
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Licensing guidance
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Immigration compliance
This makes the relocation process smoother for international nurses.
Benefits of Working as an Agency Nurse in the USA
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Flexible job selection
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Competitive hourly pay
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Short-term and long-term contracts
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Relocation and housing support (some agencies)
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Visa and immigration assistance
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Exposure to advanced healthcare systems
Highest-Paying Cities for Agency Nurses in the USA
| City | Average Salary per Year | Salaries Reported |
|---|---|---|
| Marietta, GA | $238,472 | 78 |
| Albuquerque, NM | $169,957 | 6 |
| Albany, GA | $121,553 | 52 |
| Hartville, OH | $101,644 | 5 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $99,701 | 11 |
| Bourne, MA | $97,734 | 103 |
| Lansdale, PA | $92,180 | 9 |
| Allentown, PA | $92,180 | 9 |
These cities have strong healthcare demand, which drives higher agency nurse pay.
Visa Sponsorship for Agency Nurses in the USA
Visa sponsorship allows international nurses to work legally in the United States.
Agencies offering visa sponsorship typically manage:
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Immigration paperwork
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Employer petitions
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Legal compliance
This allows nurses to focus on their careers rather than bureaucracy.
Eligibility Requirements for Agency Nurse Jobs in the USA
To qualify, international nurses must meet the following criteria:
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Valid nursing license in the home country
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NCLEX-RN pass (required for U.S. practice)
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English proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL)
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Relevant clinical experience
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Clean background check
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Health screening and immunisation records
Specialties such as ICU, ER, paediatrics, and geriatrics are in especially high demand.
Types of Agency Nurse Jobs Available in the USA
Registered Nurses (RNs)
Provide direct patient care, medication administration, and treatment coordination.
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
Support RNs by performing basic nursing care and patient monitoring.
Travel Nurses
Work short-term contracts across different states and healthcare facilities.
Specialized Nurses
Roles in oncology, critical care, pediatrics, geriatrics, and emergency medicine.
Companies Offering Agency Nurse Jobs in USA With Visa Sponsorship
| Company Name | Avg. Hourly Pay | Application Link | Rating | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Health Care Associates | $25 – $40 | http://www.nhca.com/ | 2.9 | 313 |
| Indiana Fitness Works Inc | $20 – $35 | http://indianafitnessworks.com/ | 4.6 | 7 |
| FirstHealth of the Carolinas | $28 – $45 | http://www.firsthealth.org/ | 3.7 | 248 |
| ShiftMed | $30 – $50 | https://www.shiftmed.com | 3.9 | 384 |
| IntelyCare | $28 – $48 | https://www.intelycare.com | 4.0 | 696 |
| Maxim Healthcare Services | $25 – $45 | https://www.maximhealthcare.com | 3.5 | 6,591 |
| Med Center Health | $22 – $40 | https://www.medcenterhealth.org | 3.3 | 47 |
| Pivot Point Home Care | $20 – $30 | https://www.pivotpointcare.com | N/A | N/A |
| Ochsner Health | $27 – $42 | https://www.ochsner.org | 3.7 | 2,436 |
| Wellspring Staffing | $25 – $38 | https://www.wellspringstaffing.com | 4.3 | 3 |
Key Responsibilities of Agency Nurses
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Assessing patient health conditions
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Administering medications and treatments
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Collaborating with doctors and healthcare teams
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Educating patients and families
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Maintaining accurate medical records
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Ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations
Top Nursing Agencies Offering Visa Sponsorship
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AMN Healthcare – Large national staffing agency
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Cross Country Nurses – Travel nursing specialists
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Nursefinders – Temporary and permanent placements
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Medical Staffing Network – Local and national assignments
Application Process for Agency Nurse Jobs in the USA
- Research Agencies: Identify and research nursing agencies that provide visa sponsorship and review their available job openings.
- Prepare Your Application: Gather necessary documents, including your nursing license, proof of language proficiency, resume, and references.
- Submit Your Application: Apply for positions through the agency’s website or reach out to their recruitment team directly.
- Interview Process: If selected, you may participate in an interview, conducted via phone or video, to discuss your qualifications and fit for the position.
- Visa Sponsorship Application: Upon receiving a job offer, the agency will assist you in applying for the appropriate work visa.
🔗 Job Search Link:
https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=Agency+Nurse&l=United+States
Visa Types for Agency Nurses in the USA
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H-1B Visa – Specialty nursing roles
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TN Visa – For Canadian and Mexican nurses
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Employment-Based Green Card – Permanent residency option
Tips to Secure Agency Nurse Jobs With Visa Sponsorship
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Customise your resume for U.S. standards
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Highlight specialty experience
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Prepare thoroughly for interviews
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Show adaptability and professionalism
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Follow up after interviews
FAQs
Can I work as an agency nurse in the USA without visa sponsorship?
No, international nurses must have a valid work visa.
How long does visa sponsorship take?
Usually several months, depending on visa type and processing speed.
Are there costs involved?
Some agencies cover costs, while others may require nurses to pay certain fees.
CHECK THESE OUT:
Registered Nurse Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
Caregiver Jobs in USA With Visa Sponsorship (Annual Salary $27,000 – $60,000)
Caregiver Job With Visa Sponsorship