Global Per Diem Nurse Staffing Market Size, Share, and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2032

Per Diem Nurse Staffing Market Size

• The global per diem nurse staffing market size was valued at USD 9.37 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 14.28 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 5.40% during the forecast period
• The market growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand for flexible, cost-effective healthcare staffing solutions amid growing workforce shortages and fluctuating patient volumes in hospitals and clinics
• In addition, the rising preference among healthcare professionals for work-life balance and flexible scheduling is encouraging adoption of per diem staffing models. These evolving dynamics are reshaping hospital workforce strategies, thereby significantly contributing to the industry's expansion

Per Diem Nurse Staffing Market Analysis

• Per diem nurse staffing, which provides flexible, temporary nursing personnel to healthcare facilities, is becoming an essential component in modern healthcare workforce management due to its adaptability, cost-efficiency, and ability to address sudden staffing shortages in both hospitals and outpatient settings
• The growing demand for per diem nurse staffing is primarily driven by persistent nurse shortages, increased patient admissions, and the need for 24/7 care coverage without the long-term financial commitment of full-time hires
• North America dominated the per diem nurse staffing market with the largest revenue share of 41.8% in 2024, characterized by mature healthcare infrastructure, aging population, and the region's strong presence of leading staffing agencies, with the U.S. experiencing notable demand surges in acute care and post-acute settings
• Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing region in the per diem nurse staffing market during the forecast period due to expanding healthcare infrastructure and a rising demand for skilled medical personnel in urban areas
• Emergency Department segment dominated the per diem nurse staffing market with a market share of 40.3% in 2024, driven by its need for rapid, on-demand staffing to handle unpredictable patient influxes and critical care situations

Report Scope and Per Diem Nurse Staffing Market Segmentation    

Per Diem Nurse Staffing Market Trends

“Digital Platforms and AI-Driven Scheduling for Flexible Workforce Management”

• A significant and accelerating trend in the global per diem nurse staffing market is the integration of digital platforms and artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize nurse scheduling, improve placement efficiency, and ensure timely staffing across healthcare facilities facing fluctuating patient volumes and workforce gaps
  • For instance, platforms such as ShiftMed and Aya Healthcare leverage AI-powered algorithms to match available per diem nurses with real-time staffing needs at hospitals and clinics, streamlining the hiring process and minimizing administrative overhead for healthcare providers
• AI integration in staffing platforms enables predictive analytics to forecast peak demand periods, automate shift assignments based on nurse availability and credentialing, and provide actionable insights to enhance workforce planning. This ensures better nurse-to-patient ratios and more responsive care delivery, especially in high-demand areas such as emergency departments and intensive care units
• Digital staffing platforms also enhance transparency and engagement by allowing nurses to view, select, and manage shifts via mobile apps, fostering a flexible work environment and improving job satisfaction. Real-time communication features and instant notifications further strengthen coordination between nurses and administrators
• This trend toward AI-enhanced, app-based staffing models is transforming the traditional nurse staffing process by increasing efficiency, accuracy, and responsiveness. Companies such as Trusted Health and IntelyCare are at the forefront of this shift, offering AI-driven solutions that support flexible nurse staffing across various healthcare settings
• The growing demand for agile, technology-enabled staffing solutions is reshaping expectations in the healthcare workforce sector, especially as providers aim to maintain quality care with limited resources. This evolution is fueling the adoption of per diem nurse staffing platforms across both urban hospitals and rural clinics

Per Diem Nurse Staffing Market Dynamics

Driver

“Rising Healthcare Workforce Shortages and Need for Staffing Flexibility”

• The escalating global shortage of nursing professionals, driven by an aging workforce, increased patient volumes, and post-pandemic burnout, is a key driver fueling demand for per diem nurse staffing solutions across healthcare systems
  • For instance, according to the International Council of Nurses (ICN), the global shortfall of nurses could reach 13 million by 2030, prompting hospitals and clinics to increasingly rely on flexible staffing models such as per diem staffing to bridge critical gaps
• Per diem nurses offer healthcare facilities the ability to quickly scale their workforce in response to sudden increases in patient admissions or staff absences without the long-term financial obligations associated with full-time employment
• In addition, healthcare institutions are adopting agile workforce strategies to manage labor costs while maintaining care quality, making per diem staffing a valuable resource for short-term or shift-based requirements in emergency departments, ICUs, and specialty units
• The rise in preference for work-life balance among nurses is also contributing to the popularity of per diem roles, offering greater control over schedules and avoiding burnout associated with traditional full-time roles
• The increasing integration of technology-enabled platforms that simplify scheduling and deployment is further accelerating adoption, allowing healthcare providers to meet dynamic staffing needs effectively and ensuring continuity of care even in resource-constrained environments

Restraint/Challenge

“Regulatory Complexity and Concerns Over Continuity of Care”

• Regulatory and compliance challenges, particularly regarding licensing, credential verification, and labor laws across different regions, pose significant barriers to the broader adoption of per diem nurse staffing models. These complexities often create administrative burdens for healthcare institutions and staffing agencies alike, slowing down deployment and affecting operational efficiency
  • For instance, in the U.S., varying state-specific nurse licensing requirements and cross-state practice restrictions limit the mobility and rapid assignment of per diem nurses, especially during times of high demand or crisis
•  In addition, concerns over continuity of care and patient safety due to the frequent rotation and limited familiarity of per diem nurses with specific facility protocols and patient histories present a challenge for healthcare administrators. This can lead to hesitancy in over-relying on temporary staff, particularly for critical care roles
• Maintaining consistent quality of care requires strong orientation programs and detailed handoff procedures, which can increase operational costs and administrative workloads for already strained healthcare facilities
• Furthermore, dependence on per diem staffing may be viewed as a short-term solution that fails to address underlying systemic workforce shortages, potentially leading to instability in long-term care planning
• To overcome these barriers, investment in digital credentialing systems, cross-border regulatory harmonization, and robust training frameworks for per diem nurses will be essential to ensure care quality and enable broader adoption of flexible staffing models in the healthcare sector

Per Diem Nurse Staffing Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of service and end users.

• By Service

On the basis of service, the global per diem nurse staffing market is segmented into emergency department and home care services. The emergency department segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share of 40.3% in 2024, driven by the acute demand for rapid, short-term staffing solutions in high-pressure environments. Emergency departments frequently experience unpredictable patient volumes, necessitating flexible staffing models. Per diem nurses provide vital support in these situations, helping hospitals maintain optimal nurse-to-patient ratios and care quality during peak periods or staff shortages. The growing incidence of emergency cases, including trauma and infectious diseases, further drives reliance on per diem staff.

The home care services segment is projected to witness the fastest growth rate from 2025 to 2032, owing to the global shift towards in-home patient care, particularly among the aging population and patients with chronic conditions. The flexibility of per diem nurses aligns well with home-based care models, allowing healthcare providers to offer personalized care on-demand. In addition, rising healthcare costs and patient preference for home treatment post-discharge are prompting hospitals and agencies to expand per diem staffing in home settings.

• By End Users

On the basis of end users, the per diem nurse staffing market is segmented into hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and others. The hospital segment held the largest market share in 2024 due to their high demand for supplemental staffing to manage fluctuating patient admissions, reduce nurse burnout, and meet mandated nurse-patient ratios. Hospitals often rely on per diem nurses to fill scheduling gaps, provide coverage during leaves, and maintain round-the-clock services without long-term employment commitments.

The nursing homes segment is expected to exhibit the fastest growth from 2025 to 2032, driven by the increasing geriatric population and the rising demand for long-term and palliative care. Many nursing homes face chronic staff shortages and tight budgets, making per diem staffing a cost-effective solution to maintain operational efficiency and care quality. Flexible staffing also allows these facilities to manage resident care more effectively while adapting to regulatory staffing requirements.

Per Diem Nurse Staffing Market Regional Analysis

• North America dominated the per diem nurse staffing market with the largest revenue share of 41.8% in 2024, driven by mature healthcare infrastructure, aging population, and the region's strong presence of leading staffing agencies, with the U.S. experiencing notable demand surges in acute care and post-acute settings
• The region’s healthcare system, particularly in the U.S. and Canada, increasingly relies on per diem nurses to address scheduling gaps, manage seasonal surges, and ensure compliance with patient care standards
• In addition, the presence of established staffing agencies, supportive labor regulations, and the adoption of digital platforms for nurse scheduling and workforce management contribute to the strong market performance in North America

U.S. Per Diem Nurse Staffing Market Insight

The U.S. per diem nurse staffing market captured the largest revenue share of 79.3% in 2024 within North America, driven by critical nurse shortages, rising patient admissions, and increased demand for flexible, cost-effective workforce solutions. Hospitals and healthcare providers are leveraging per diem staffing to fill short-term gaps, manage fluctuating patient loads, and maintain compliance with care standards. The proliferation of digital staffing platforms and mobile scheduling apps has further streamlined hiring, increasing accessibility and responsiveness for healthcare employers and professionals alike.

Europe Per Diem Nurse Staffing Market Insight

The Europe per diem nurse staffing market is projected to grow at a steady CAGR throughout the forecast period, supported by evolving healthcare delivery models and rising demand for contingent nursing staff. Economic pressures and labor shortages have encouraged healthcare systems to adopt more flexible workforce strategies, including per diem staffing. Countries such as Germany, France, and the U.K. are increasingly relying on temporary nurses to manage operational costs and maintain quality of care across public and private facilities.

U.K. Per Diem Nurse Staffing Market Insight

The U.K. per diem nurse staffing market is anticipated to grow at a notable CAGR during the forecast period, fueled by the ongoing strain on the NHS and increasing reliance on temporary workforce solutions. Rising patient numbers, workforce burnout, and funding challenges have led to increased hiring of per diem nurses to maintain service levels. The expansion of digital staffing platforms and third-party nurse agencies has also improved access and deployment efficiency, supporting market growth.

Germany Per Diem Nurse Staffing Market Insight

The Germany per diem nurse staffing market is expected to expand at a considerable CAGR during the forecast period, driven by an aging population and growing demand for skilled healthcare workers in hospitals and elder care facilities. Staffing agencies are seeing greater uptake as healthcare administrators prioritize flexible labor solutions to address uneven patient volumes and worker shortages. The country’s emphasis on quality care and worker protection regulations ensures sustained demand for per diem professionals.

Asia-Pacific Per Diem Nurse Staffing Market Insight

The Asia-Pacific per diem nurse staffing market is set to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2025 to 2032, led by increasing healthcare infrastructure investments, workforce gaps, and urbanization across countries such as India, China, and Japan. The region’s expanding hospital network, aging populations, and surge in non-communicable diseases are amplifying the need for short-term nursing staff. Government-led healthcare digitization and the rise of tech-enabled staffing platforms are helping bridge the demand-supply gap efficiently.

Japan Per Diem Nurse Staffing Market Insight

The Japan per diem nurse staffing market is gaining traction due to its rapidly aging population, growing hospital admissions, and increased demand for home-based and elder care services. Healthcare providers are turning to flexible staffing to address fluctuating care needs and reduce permanent workforce strain. The country's focus on high-quality, responsive care combined with technology-driven workforce platforms is supporting market development.

India Per Diem Nurse Staffing Market Insight

The India per diem nurse staffing market accounted for the largest market revenue share in Asia-Pacific in 2024, propelled by the country’s booming healthcare sector, staffing shortages, and urban expansion. Private hospitals and multi-specialty clinics are increasingly adopting flexible nurse staffing models to ensure uninterrupted patient care. In addition, the growth of medical tourism and investment in tier-2 and tier-3 city healthcare infrastructure are expanding demand for per diem nurses across the nation

Per Diem Nurse Staffing Market Share

The Per Diem Nurse Staffing industry is primarily led by well-established companies, including:

• AdeccoGroup (Switzerland)
• AMN Healthcare (U.S.)
• CHG Management, Inc. (U.S.)
• Syneos Health. (U.S.)
• Maxim Healthcare Services (U.S.)
• TeamHealth (U.S.)
• Jackson Healthcare (U.S.)
• Aureus Medical Group (U.S.)
• Aya Healthcare (U.S.)
• InGenesis, Inc. (U.S.)
• CIVCO Medical Solutions (U.S.)
• Envision Physician Services (U.S.)
• MedPro Healthcare Staffing (U.S.)
• The Protocall Group (U.S.)
• HealthTrust Workforce Solutions (U.S.)
• Medix (U.S.)
• FlexCare Medical Staffing (U.S.)
• Nurses PRN (U.S.)
• Trusted Health (U.S.)

What are the Recent Developments in Global Per Diem Nurse Staffing Market?

• In March 2024, Mercy Health, one of the largest health systems in the U.S., reported saving over USD 30 million by adopting an AI-powered workforce management strategy to reduce dependency on premium labor. The approach significantly optimized nurse staffing through predictive scheduling, reducing reliance on agency nurses and aligning shift demand with real-time availability. This shift to strategic flexible staffing underscores the industry's increasing integration of advanced technologies to improve workforce efficiency and reduce costs
• In February 2024, StaffDNA launched a next-generation digital marketplace enabling healthcare facilities and clinicians to interact directly for per diem and travel staffing opportunities. This on-demand self-service platform offers real-time matching, credential management, and shift booking without third-party intervention. The innovation marks a shift toward greater transparency and flexibility in the per diem nurse staffing space, enhancing responsiveness and clinician autonomy
• In May 2024, Travel Nurse Across America (TNAA) announced its merger with TotalMed, forming one of the largest healthcare staffing platforms in the U.S. This strategic consolidation is aimed at expanding national reach, streamlining service offerings, and enhancing capacity to serve both urban and underserved rural facilities through integrated per diem and travel staffing solutions. The merger reflects the market’s trend toward scalability and comprehensive service delivery
• In January 2024, ShiftMed, a major player in flexible nursing workforce solutions, reported significant adoption of its AI-driven scheduling and shift-matching system across major hospital networks. By leveraging real-time analytics and geolocation tools, the platform aligns available nurses with facility demand more accurately, particularly for per diem shifts. This development showcases how technology is being used to improve workforce reliability and reduce scheduling gaps in healthcare
• In December 2023, Nursa, a per diem nursing recruiting platform, secured an USD 80 million Series B funding round led by Drive Capital, bringing its total funding to USD 100 million. With nearly 95,000 nurse users, Nursa aims to enhance on-demand staffing efficiency and reduce costs for healthcare providers

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