Per Diem Nursing Staffing Market Size and Share Analysis - Growth Trends and Forecasts (2025-2032)

Market Size and Trends

The Per Diem Nursing Staffing Market is estimated to be valued at USD 12.3 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 20.8 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2% from 2025 to 2032. This growth is driven by increasing demand for flexible nursing staff across healthcare facilities, rising patient loads, and the growing preference for per diem nurses who offer cost-effective and scalable staffing solutions.

A significant market trend is the increasing adoption of technology-enabled staffing platforms that streamline the hiring and scheduling of per diem nurses, enhancing operational efficiency. Additionally, the growing focus on personalized patient care and the shortage of permanent nursing staff in many regions are propelling the demand for per diem nurses. These factors are fostering rapid expansion and innovation within the Per Diem Nursing Staffing Market.

Segmental Analysis:

By Service Type: Registered Nurses (RNs) Lead Per Diem Nursing Demand Due to Versatility and Critical Care Expertise

In terms of By Service Type, Registered Nurses (RNs) contribute the highest share of the per diem nursing staffing market owing to their broad skill set and critical role in diverse healthcare settings. RNs possess a deep clinical knowledge base complemented by advanced patient assessment, medication administration, and care coordination abilities. This versatility makes them indispensable in acute care environments where patient needs can change rapidly. Their capacity to perform complex procedures and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams enhances their overall demand on a per diem basis. Furthermore, workforce shortages and increasing patient acuity levels frequently create urgent staffing gaps, positioning RNs as the prime candidates to fill short-term nursing assignments. The flexible work model of per diem staffing attracts many RNs seeking better work-life balance or supplementing income without long-term commitments. Additionally, regulatory requirements and accreditation standards often necessitate maintaining adequate RN-to-patient ratios, which further propels demand for per diem RNs. Growing emphasis on quality metrics, patient safety, and specialized care niches such as critical care, emergency, and surgical units also sustains the preference for registered nurses. Their ability to quickly integrate into new clinical settings and provide comprehensive care not only addresses immediate staffing challenges but improves overall patient outcomes. This combination of clinical expertise, adaptability, and regulatory compliance continues to drive substantial growth and dominance of RNs in per diem nursing services.

By Employment Setting: Hospitals Dominate Due to High Patient Turnover and Acute Care Needs

By Employment Setting, hospitals represent the largest segment of the per diem nursing staffing market, driven primarily by their complex, high-acuity patient populations and fluctuating census demands. Hospitals operate around the clock delivering critical services that require continuous nursing presence, generating frequent gaps in staffing due to absenteeism, seasonal spikes in admissions, and emergent care surges. These institutions rely heavily on per diem nursing staff to maintain safe nurse-to-patient ratios and meet regulatory mandates without the burden of permanent hires. Acute care settings within hospitals such as emergency departments, intensive care units, and surgical wards particularly benefit from per diem nurses who bring specialized knowledge and can adapt swiftly to dynamic patient needs. Additionally, hospitals' participation in value-based care initiatives and quality improvement programs create an ongoing need for experienced nursing professionals capable of delivering high-quality care consistently. The ability to scale nursing resources up or down on demand helps hospitals optimize operational costs and improve patient satisfaction simultaneously. Furthermore, hospital networks and teaching institutions often utilize per diem nurses to provide coverage for graduate nurses or during training rotations, adding to staffing flexibility. The critical nature of hospital care settings combined with increasing patient volumes and complexity sustains the segment's leading position in the per diem nursing staffing market.

By End-User: Public Healthcare Institutions Drive Market Share Owing to Expansive Service Coverage and Budget Constraints

In the By End-User categorization, public healthcare institutions hold the largest share of the per diem nursing staffing market, fueled by their expansive responsibility in delivering accessible healthcare services to diverse populations, including underserved and rural communities. These institutions often face budgetary limitations and workforce shortages, making permanent hires less feasible to address fluctuating patient demands. Per diem nursing staffing offers a practical solution that enables public healthcare facilities to maintain adequate nursing coverage without long-term financial commitments. The public sector's mandate to provide comprehensive care—ranging from emergency services to chronic disease management and preventative care—necessitates a flexible nursing workforce capable of responding to variable patient influxes. Furthermore, public hospitals and clinics typically experience staffing gaps due to high turnover rates, competitive labor markets, and increasing retirements among experienced nurses. The adaptability of per diem nurses to various specialties and the ability to quickly integrate into existing teams significantly ameliorates these challenges. Public institutions also tend to be early adopters of policies aimed at enhancing patient safety and meeting compliance standards, which drives the consistent demand for qualified per diem nursing professionals. The combination of wide service scope, evolving healthcare needs, and fiscal prudence solidifies public healthcare institutions as dominant end-users shaping the growth trajectory of the per diem nursing staffing market.

Regional Insights:

Dominating Region: North America

In North America, the Per Diem Nursing Staffing Market holds a commanding position due to a well-established healthcare infrastructure, high demand for flexible nursing solutions, and supportive government policies that promote workforce mobility. The extensive presence of healthcare facilities such as hospitals, long-term care centers, and outpatient clinics creates a robust ecosystem favoring per diem nursing. Additionally, initiatives like the U.S. Affordable Care Act and ongoing reforms have increased access to healthcare, boosting staffing demands. The region's mature nursing staffing agencies, including AMN Healthcare, Cross Country Healthcare, and Aya Healthcare, have significantly contributed through advanced digital platforms and extensive nurse networks, enabling rapid placement and orientation. Cross-border trade dynamics and the ease of interstate nurse licensure compacts further facilitate staffing flexibility within the U.S. and Canada, reinforcing North America's dominance.

Fastest-Growing Region: Asia Pacific

Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific exhibits the fastest growth in the Per Diem Nursing Staffing Market, driven by rising healthcare expenditures, expanding medical tourism, and increasing awareness about the benefits of flexible nursing staff models. Countries in this region are witnessing significant investments in healthcare infrastructure, especially in urban areas, resulting in heightened demand for supplemental nursing staff to meet variable patient volumes. Government initiatives in countries such as Australia, Japan, and India, aimed at improving healthcare accessibility and workforce skill development, further spur market expansion. The growing presence of global nursing staffing firms, alongside emerging local players like Medacs Healthcare in Australia and Nurse Assist in India, is enhancing service reach and quality. Trade dynamics involving the migration of skilled nurses across Asia Pacific countries and between Asia and other regions bolster market fluidity and talent availability.

Per Diem Nursing Staffing Market Outlook for Key Countries

United States

The United States remains a pivotal market driven by its large healthcare system and regulatory frameworks that support flexible staffing arrangements. Major players like AMN Healthcare and Cross Country Healthcare dominate by offering comprehensive nurse databases and technologically advanced staffing solutions that address seasonal and regional talent shortages. The country's emphasis on quality patient care and cost containment makes per diem staffing attractive for healthcare providers seeking operational efficiency without compromising care standards. Furthermore, collaborative nurse licensure compacts facilitate easier interstate movement of nursing professionals, enhancing workforce responsiveness.

Canada

Canada's healthcare system, characterized by publicly funded services and geographical dispersion of facilities, underpins robust demand for per diem nursing staff, especially in remote areas. Companies such as Nurse Next Door and Medisys Health Group play essential roles in connecting nursing talent to facilities requiring specialized or temporary care. Government policies focused on healthcare equity and workforce sustainability incentivize the adoption of flexible staffing models. The bilingual environment and stringent accreditation standards also encourage agencies to maintain high-quality recruitment and training processes.

Australia

Australia's expanding healthcare sector, combined with government programs targeting nursing shortages, drives significant growth in the per diem segment. Firms like Medacs Healthcare and Careline Nursing Services contribute extensively by offering tailored staffing solutions to public hospitals and aged care facilities. The country benefits from relatively streamlined immigration policies that facilitate entry for qualified international nurses, addressing acute workforce gaps. Additionally, digital platforms enhancing candidate matching and credential verification have accelerated market efficiency.

Japan

Japan's aging population and increasing prevalence of chronic diseases place pressure on healthcare systems, making per diem nursing crucial for managing fluctuating care demands. The government's support of home care and community-based health initiatives necessitates flexible nursing deployment, handled adeptly by organizations such as Pasona Group and Temporary Nurse Japan. Despite workforce constraints due to demographic challenges, efforts to integrate technology with staffing services expand market capabilities. Trade agreements and nurse exchange programs also contribute to talent diversification in the market.

India

India's growing private healthcare sector and expanding middle class stimulate demand for per diem nursing, especially in metropolitan medical centers. Local providers like Nurse Assist and Medline Care have introduced technology-driven staffing platforms to efficiently link nurses with hospitals and clinics. Government schemes focused on rural health and skill enhancement programs support market growth by improving nursing workforce readiness. Additionally, the country's role as a source of nursing talent for global markets influences internal staffing practices, encouraging adherence to international standards and certifications.

Market Report Scope

Market Segmentation

Service Type Insights (Revenue, USD, 2020 - 2032)

• Registered Nurses (RNs)
• Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
• Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
• Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)
• Others

Employment Setting Insights (Revenue, USD, 2020 - 2032)

• Hospitals
• Skilled Nursing Facilities
• Ambulatory Care Centers
• Home Healthcare
• Others

End-user Insights (Revenue, USD, 2020 - 2032)

• Public Healthcare Institutions
• Private Healthcare Providers
• Contract Staffing Agencies

Regional Insights (Revenue, USD, 2020 - 2032)

• North America
• U.S.
• Canada
• Latin America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Mexico
• Rest of Latin America
• Europe
• Germany
• U.K.
• Spain
• France
• Italy
• Russia
• Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• ASEAN
• Rest of Asia Pacific
• Middle East
• GCC Countries
• Israel
• Rest of Middle East
• Africa
• South Africa
• North Africa
• Central Africa

Key Players Insights

• American Staff Corporation
• Cross Country Healthcare, Inc.
• CHG Healthcare Services
• Aya Healthcare
• Supplemental Health Care
• Maxim Healthcare Services
• Soliant Health
• FlexCare Medical Staffing
• Med Travelers
• IntelyCare
• Medical Solutions
• Nurses PRN
• Trustaff
• Favorite Healthcare Staffing
• All's Well Healthcare Services
• RNnetwork
• Supplemental Staffing, Inc.
• Kiwi Technologies
• HealthTrust Workforce Solutions