If you work in healthcare or hire for a care facility, you’ve probably heard the same few staffing names again and again. So it’s fair to ask: who is actually the biggest? And just as important, does the biggest agency make the most sense for you?
Here’s a clear look at the numbers, plus what to think about when choosing a staffing partner. This applies to facilities filling shifts and to professionals looking for their next role.
The Short Answer: Aya Healthcare
Measured by revenue, Aya Healthcare is the largest healthcare staffing firm in the United States. On the 2025 list of the largest US healthcare staffing firms from Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA), Aya ranked first with about $6.9 billion in 2024 healthcare staffing revenue and a 16.1% market share. SIA also named it the largest travel nurse and allied healthcare staffing firm.
The rest of the top five on that list were:
- CHG Healthcare Services, with about $2.8 billion in estimated revenue. It’s also the largest locum tenens firm in the US.
- Jackson Healthcare, with about $2.5 billion in estimated revenue.
- AMN Healthcare and Medical Solutions, in fourth and fifth place.
For a sense of how big the industry is, SIA’s 2026 update reports that 91 companies each earned at least $50 million in US healthcare staffing revenue in 2025, for a combined $33.0 billion.
Bigger Doesn’t Always Mean Better
SIA makes a point worth remembering: its rankings reflect revenue size only, not service quality. A large agency may have a huge job board and national reach. But size alone doesn’t tell you how quickly someone returns your call, how well they understand your facility, or whether they’ll match you with a role that fits your life.
That’s why many facilities and healthcare workers choose a smaller or more focused agency. The questions that really matter are about fit:
- Does the agency staff the roles you need?
- Do they understand your care setting?
- Will you have a real person to talk to?
- How do they screen and support their professionals?
What a Healthcare Support Staffing Agency Does
Not every staffing need is for nurses and physicians. A healthcare support staffing agency focuses on the people who keep daily care running, often roles like nursing assistants, home health aides, direct care workers, and behavioral health support staff.
When a facility is short on support staff, nurses can end up covering extra tasks, and the whole team feels the strain. A good support staffing partner helps fill those gaps quickly, whether the need is a single shift, a few weeks of coverage, or a longer placement.
Where Mental Health Staffing Agencies Fit
Behavioral health is one area where specialized staffing matters a lot. Mental health staffing agencies help programs, residential facilities, and community providers find qualified support staff who are comfortable working with people facing mental health challenges.
Experience and temperament matter as much as credentials here. The right agency takes time to understand your program and its clients before sending anyone through the door.
How to Choose the Right Agency
Many people start with a quick local search, something like “temp agency worcester” or “healthcare staffing near me.” That’s a fine place to begin, but a list of names won’t tell you much. Here’s what to look for.
If you’re a facility:
- Experience staffing your type of care setting
- A clear screening and onboarding process
- Flexibility for per diem, short-term, and longer placements
- Fast, honest communication when a shift needs filling
If you’re a healthcare professional:
- Openings that match your skills and schedule
- Clear pay information before you accept a role
- Support from a recruiter who knows you by name
- Options to grow, like moving into new settings or roles
Tips for CNAs Comparing Agencies
If you’re a certified nursing assistant comparing agencies for CNA work, ask a few direct questions before you sign on:
- What types of facilities do you place CNAs with?
- Can I choose my shifts, or are they assigned?
- How often are openings available in my area?
- Who do I contact if there’s a problem during a shift?
The answers will show you quickly whether an agency is set up to support you or just fill a slot.
Where EmpowerCare Fits In
EmpowerCare is a healthcare staffing agency that connects facilities with qualified professionals for their healthcare staffing needs. If you’re a facility that needs reliable support or a professional looking for your next opportunity, reach out to EmpowerCare to talk about what you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest healthcare staffing agency in the US?
By revenue, Aya Healthcare ranked first on Staffing Industry Analysts’ 2025 list, with about $6.9 billion in 2024 healthcare staffing revenue.
Is the biggest staffing agency the best choice?
Not always. Rankings measure revenue, not service. The best agency is the one that fits your care setting, roles, and communication needs.
What does a healthcare support staffing agency do?
It places support roles like nursing assistants, aides, direct care workers, and behavioral health staff with facilities that need coverage.
How do I choose between agencies for CNA jobs?
Ask about facility types, shift flexibility, how often openings come up, and who supports you during assignments.
The biggest name isn’t always the right one. If you’re hiring or job hunting, the best staffing partner is the one that understands your needs and shows up when it counts.