Per Diem Nurse Staffing Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

Per Diem Nurse Staffing Market Analysis

The Per Diem Nurse Staffing Market size is estimated at USD 15.99 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 22.30 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 6.88% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The per diem nurse staffing industry is experiencing significant transformation driven by demographic shifts and evolving healthcare needs. The aging global population is creating unprecedented demand for healthcare services, with the United Nations projecting the number of persons aged 65 years or older worldwide to double over the next three decades. This demographic transition is coinciding with a rising prevalence of chronic conditions, as studies indicate that 35.66% of adults aged 50 and older will have at least one chronic condition by 2035, increasing to 47.81% by 2050. Healthcare facilities are adapting their staffing models to address these long-term care requirements while maintaining operational efficiency and quality of care.

The industry is witnessing a significant workforce transformation as healthcare facilities grapple with staffing challenges and retention issues. According to recent data from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, approximately 100,000 registered nurses left the workforce during the past two years due to various factors including stress and burnout, with an additional 610,388 indicating their intent to leave by 2027. This exodus has prompted healthcare organizations to revise their staffing strategies, leading to increased reliance on flexible staffing solutions and the emergence of innovative nursing recruitment and retention programs.

Strategic partnerships and collaborations are reshaping the competitive landscape of the per diem nurse staffing market. Notable developments include the partnership between Gale Healthcare Solutions and Smartlinx Inc. in April 2023, which aims to expand service coverage across more communities nationwide. Similarly, SnapNurse and Kevala announced an integration of their platforms to facilitate easier deployment of local nurses to healthcare facilities, demonstrating the industry's move toward technology-enabled healthcare staffing solutions.

The market is experiencing a notable shift in compensation structures and working arrangements to attract and retain talent. The Pan American Health Organization reports that the global cancer burden is projected to increase by 60% over the next two decades, with an estimated 30 million new cancer cases by 2040, highlighting the growing need for specialized nursing care. Healthcare facilities are responding by offering more competitive compensation packages and flexible working arrangements to attract per diem nurse staffing professionals, particularly those with specialized skills in oncology and chronic disease management. This trend is reshaping traditional employment models in healthcare and creating new opportunities for both healthcare facilities and nursing professionals.

Per Diem Nurse Staffing Market Trends

Rising Demand for Healthcare Facilities

The increasing burden of long-term illnesses and chronic conditions is driving substantial demand for healthcare facilities globally. These conditions require ongoing care management beyond acute hospitalization, with patients living longer and requiring more complex care coordination. According to the World Health Organization's September 2022 report, the main types of noncommunicable diseases affecting populations globally include cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes, all requiring consistent long-term care management. The International Diabetes Federation projects that more than 1.31 billion people worldwide will be living with diabetes by 2050, highlighting the growing need for sustained healthcare services and facilities to manage such chronic conditions.

The aging global population is another crucial factor intensifying the demand for healthcare facilities. According to the United Nations Population Fund statistics from 2023, countries like Italy already have 24% of their population aged 65 years and older. The World Social Report 2023 indicates that the number of adults aged 65 and older worldwide is expected to more than quadruple between 2021 and 2050, growing from 761 million to 1.6 billion. This demographic shift towards an older population living with increased frailty, multiple long-term illnesses, and complex comorbidities necessitates expanded healthcare infrastructure and services, subsequently driving the need for more healthcare facilities and nursing staff to provide proper daily management of these cases.

Growing Preference for Per Diem Nursing Due to Flexible Work Atmosphere

Per diem nursing has emerged as an increasingly attractive option for healthcare professionals due to its inherent flexibility and numerous advantages. According to the Staffing Industry Analysts report from April 2023, per diem nurse staffing allows healthcare leaders to fill open positions or shifts on an as-needed basis without committing to work contracts, while offering healthcare professionals the opportunity to try different facilities before making long-term commitments. This flexibility extends to scheduling around holidays, childcare, and appointments, making it an appealing option for nurses seeking work-life balance. The growing interest in supplemental income opportunities is evident from an August 2023 ConnectRN study, which revealed that half of over 1,300 American nurses polled maintain side hustles outside of nursing for extra income, with many new nurses planning to transition their side ventures into full-time positions.

The financial benefits of per diem nurse staffing significantly contribute to its growing appeal among healthcare professionals. According to March 2023 data from Payscale, the median annual salary for per diem nurses was approximately $81,100, with potential for higher earnings based on working hours. Per diem nurses often command higher hourly rates than full-time staff nurses, particularly during periods of increased demand in healthcare facilities. Additional advantages include vacation freedom, the ability to work multiple jobs, extra compensation during peak seasons, and reduced risk of burnout due to flexible scheduling. These comprehensive benefits, combined with the potential for higher earnings and professional autonomy, have led to increased adoption of per diem nursing careers, driving significant growth in this sector. Furthermore, healthcare staffing solutions, including temporary nurse staffing and interim nurse staffing, are increasingly being utilized to address the dynamic needs of healthcare facilities, ensuring that they remain adequately staffed to provide quality care.

Segment Analysis: By End User

Hospitals Segment in Per Diem Nurse Staffing Market

The hospitals segment dominates the per diem nurse staffing market, commanding approximately 43% market share in 2024. This significant market position is primarily driven by hospitals being the primary care settings for the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases and disorders, supported by sophisticated infrastructure and medical professionals. The segment's dominance is further reinforced by hospitals' strategic locations in both urban and rural areas, making healthcare services more accessible to larger populations. Additionally, hospitals face significant challenges in maintaining adequate staffing levels due to high patient influx, varying seasonal demands, and the need to provide round-the-clock care, making them heavily reliant on per diem nurse staffing services to ensure continuous patient care delivery.

Independent Clinics Segment in Per Diem Nurse Staffing Market

The independent clinics segment is projected to exhibit the fastest growth in the per diem nurse staffing market, with an estimated CAGR of approximately 7% during 2024-2029. This accelerated growth is attributed to the increasing number of outpatient facilities and specialized care centers across various regions. Independent clinics are increasingly adopting flexible nursing staff solutions to manage their workforce efficiently while maintaining quality patient care. The segment's growth is further supported by the rising trend of specialized medical services, shorter wait times, and more personalized patient care approaches, which necessitate flexible nursing staff arrangements to meet varying patient volumes and specialized care requirements.

Remaining Segments in Per Diem Nurse Staffing Market

The nursing homes segment represents a crucial component of the healthcare staffing market, providing essential long-term care services for elderly and chronically ill patients. This segment faces unique staffing challenges due to the need for consistent, round-the-clock care and specialized attention for residents with varying levels of medical needs. Nursing homes rely heavily on medical staffing to maintain appropriate staffing ratios, manage staff burnout, and ensure quality care delivery while dealing with fluctuating patient census and specialized care requirements.

Per Diem Nurse Staffing Market Geography Segment Analysis

Per Diem Nurse Staffing Market in North America

North America represents a dominant force in the global per diem nurse staffing market, encompassing the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The region's healthcare infrastructure, particularly in the United States, demonstrates advanced capabilities with well-established hospitals and growing healthcare facilities. The market in this region is characterized by increasing demand for flexible nursing solutions, driven by healthcare facility expansions and the need to address nursing shortages. The presence of major market players and their strategic initiatives further strengthens the region's position in the global healthcare staffing market.

Per Diem Nurse Staffing Market in the United States

The United States holds approximately 90% share of the North American per diem nurse staffing market, establishing itself as the largest market in the region. The country's market dominance is attributed to its extensive healthcare infrastructure, superior healthcare facilities, and the rising preference for per diem nursing due to flexible work environments. The American Hospital Association's support for new bills directing the Government Accountability Office to increase surveillance of nursing agencies demonstrates the country's commitment to addressing workforce shortages. The implementation of various initiatives to attract more nursing professionals, including same-day pay options and technological integration in staffing solutions, further strengthens the market position.

Per Diem Nurse Staffing Market in Canada

Canada emerges as the fastest-growing market in North America, with a projected growth rate of approximately 7% during 2024-2029. The country's healthcare system is actively implementing various initiatives to address nursing shortages and improve healthcare delivery. The government's focus on investing in healthcare infrastructure and providing support for internationally educated nurses has created a favorable environment for market growth. The increasing demand for flexible staffing solutions, coupled with various perks and benefits offered to nursing professionals, continues to drive market expansion in Canada.

Per Diem Nurse Staffing Market in Europe

The European per diem nurse staffing market encompasses several key countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Spain. The region demonstrates a strong healthcare infrastructure with varying healthcare delivery models across different countries. European healthcare systems are actively addressing nursing shortages through various initiatives, including improved working conditions and competitive compensation packages. The market is characterized by increasing adoption of flexible staffing solutions and growing demand for healthcare services across both public and private sectors.

Per Diem Nurse Staffing Market in Germany

Germany maintains approximately 24% share of the European per diem nurse staffing market, positioning itself as the largest market in the region. The country's healthcare system benefits from successful government efforts to enhance healthcare delivery and improve nursing staff conditions. The implementation of healthcare reforms, including regular pay according to tariffs and the creation of more responsibilities for nursing staff, has strengthened the market position. The country's focus on digitization strategies for healthcare and nursing care further supports market growth.

Per Diem Nurse Staffing Market in France

France demonstrates the highest growth potential in the European region, with a projected growth rate of approximately 9% during 2024-2029. The country's healthcare system is actively implementing strategies to address nursing shortages and improve healthcare delivery. The market benefits from increasing research and development investments and strategic activities by key players. The government's initiatives to enhance healthcare infrastructure and support nursing professionals continue to drive market expansion in the country.

Per Diem Nurse Staffing Market in Asia-Pacific

The Asia-Pacific region represents a dynamic market for per diem nurse staffing, encompassing major economies such as China, Japan, India, Australia, and South Korea. The region demonstrates significant potential for growth, driven by expanding healthcare infrastructure and increasing demand for healthcare services. Each country in the region faces unique challenges in healthcare delivery and nursing workforce management, leading to varied approaches in addressing staffing needs.

Per Diem Nurse Staffing Market in China

China emerges as the largest market in the Asia-Pacific region, driven by its extensive healthcare infrastructure and growing demand for nursing professionals. The country's healthcare system benefits from significant government initiatives to improve healthcare services and address workforce challenges. The expansion of healthcare facilities and an increasing focus on quality healthcare delivery continue to drive the demand for per diem nursing services.

Per Diem Nurse Staffing Market in India

India demonstrates the highest growth potential in the Asia-Pacific region, supported by rapid healthcare infrastructure development and increasing demand for healthcare services. The country's healthcare system is actively implementing various initiatives to address nursing shortages and improve healthcare delivery. The emergence of new hospitals and clinics, coupled with government support for healthcare workforce development, continues to drive market growth.

Per Diem Nurse Staffing Market in the Middle East and Africa

The Middle East and Africa region encompasses diverse healthcare markets, with GCC countries and South Africa playing significant roles. The region demonstrates growing potential in the per diem nurse staffing market, driven by increasing healthcare investments and efforts to address nursing shortages. Among the countries in this region, the GCC emerges as the largest market, while South Africa shows the fastest growth potential, supported by government initiatives and healthcare infrastructure development.

Per Diem Nurse Staffing Market in South America

The South American per diem nurse staffing market, led by Brazil and Argentina, demonstrates steady growth potential driven by healthcare infrastructure development and increasing demand for flexible staffing solutions. The region's healthcare systems are actively implementing various initiatives to address nursing shortages and improve healthcare delivery. Brazil emerges as both the largest and fastest-growing market in the region, supported by significant investments in healthcare infrastructure and the implementation of various healthcare workforce development programs.