Per Diem Nurse Staffing Market Size, Share, and Growth Forecast from 2025 - 2032

The global per diem nurse staffing market is predicted to reach a size of US$ 10.8 Bn by 2025. It is anticipated to showcase a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period to attain a value of US$ 15.6 Bn by 2032.

Healthcare facilities across the globe rely on per diem staffing to address sudden surges in patient volumes and staff shortages.

• According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), the U.S. is projected to face a shortfall of 1.1 million registered nurses by 2030, necessitating flexible staffing solutions.

Digital platforms and apps are transforming the per diem nurse staffing process, thereby offering real-time matching of nurses with open shifts. Companies like ShiftMed and IntelyCare have reported user growth of over 30% annually, driven by their tech-enabled staffing models.

Key Highlights of the Industry

• Facilities are progressively using AI-driven tools to predict staffing requirements based on patient admissions, seasonal trends, and other factors.
• Digital tools enhance efficiency while minimizing costs, thereby driving the adoption of per diem staffing models.
• The aging population is creating a surge in demand for healthcare services, especially in developed regions.
• Per diem nurses are increasingly employed in specialized units like intensive care, emergency departments, and maternity wards.
• Permanent staff type is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 5.8% through 2032 owing to job security.
• Healthcare facilities benefit from cost-efficient staffing for specialized and short-term needs.
• As telehealth becomes a staple in healthcare delivery, per diem nurses are being hired for virtual care roles, like remote patient monitoring and tele-triage.
• By type, the contract basis segment is predicted to hold a share of 60% in 2025
• Per diem nurse staffing market in North America is set to hold a share of 50% in 2025

North America per diem nurse staffing market is estimated to hold a share of 50% in 2025. The region is witnessing a critical shortage of nurses owing to increasing healthcare demands and aging populations. These shortages are driving healthcare facilities to adopt flexible staffing models like per diem nursing to fill gaps without long-term commitments. For example,

• The U.S. is projected to face a deficit of over 1.1 million registered nurses by 2030.

North America boasts one of the most developed healthcare systems across the globe, thereby requiring dynamic staffing solutions to maintain the quality of service. High patient volumes in specialized care units and long-term care facilities are increasing demand for on-demand nurses.

Aging population significantly impacts healthcare services, increasing the demand for flexible nurse staffing. Demographic shift results in higher hospital admissions, long-term care needs, and home healthcare services, fuelling demand for per diem nurses. For instance,

• Leading companies like AMN Healthcare and ShiftMed have reported increased efficiency using AI-powered platforms.

Contract basis is anticipated to hold a share of 60% in 2025. Healthcare facilities require flexible staffing solutions to manage fluctuating patient volumes and seasonal demand surges. This provides temporary yet dependable nurse availability for specific durations, catering to short-term needs without long-term commitments. For instance,

• According to a 2021 study by the Staffing Industry Analysts during the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for contact nurses surged by 40% in the U.S. as hospitals managed staffing shortages during peak patient inflows.

Contract-based staffing decreases costs associated with recruiting, onboarding, and benefits for full-time staff. Healthcare providers prefer this model to minimize financial burdens while maintaining service quality. For instance,

• A 2022 KPMG Healthcare Report revealed that facilities save up to 30% to 40% on overall staffing costs by utilizing contract nurses compared to fulltime staff.

Potential growth in the global per diem nurse staffing industry is predicted to be driven by the great flexibility and work-life balance offered by the employment type. This attracts younger professionals to the field. For instance,

• A 2023 Nursing Workforce Report revealed that by 2023, 65% of millennial nurses preferred flexible work options, driving the growth of the per diem model.

Rising demand for home healthcare services is predicted to create new opportunities for per diem nurses in the forecast period. AI-driven platforms are set to streamline per diem nurse placements, ensuring better matching and optimized staffing solutions.

The per diem nurse staffing market growth was average at a CAGR of 4.3% during the historical period. Demand for healthcare services surged owing to the aging population and the prevalence of chronic diseases. Hospitals and clinics increasingly adopted flexible workforce models to adapt to operational challenges, including nurse absenteeism and burnout. For instance,

• A report revealed that in 2020, the per diem nurse staffing segment saw a 35% increase in demand as healthcare systems struggled to manage COVID-19 caseloads.

As the healthcare system recovers from the pandemic, the demand for per diem staffing solutions is likely to remain high to address staffing shortages and prepare for future emergencies. Aging nursing workforce and high turnover rates are likely to continue to fuel the demand for temporary staffing solutions.

Surging Cases of Nurse Shortages

A significant portion of the nursing workforce is nearing retirement age, thereby leaving critical gaps in healthcare facilities. The median age of registered nurses in the U.S. is 52 years with several estimated to leave the workforce within the next decade. For instance,

• According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (2023), over 1 million nurses in the U.S. are projected to retire by 2030.

Aging global population along with the rising prevalence of chronic diseases are driving the demand for healthcare services. This further exacerbates the shortage of skilled nursing professionals.

Limited capacity in nursing education programs and faculty shortages have resulted in fewer nursing graduates entering the workforce. The pandemic places an unprecedented strain on the healthcare workforce, thereby accelerating retirements. This also prompted nurses to shift to less demanding roles or leave the profession entirely.

• A 2023 report by the International Council of Nurses estimated that the pandemic exacerbated the global nursing shortage, leaving a gap of 13 million nurses worldwide.

High Flexibility and Work-life Balance

Per diem nurses have the freedom to choose when, where, and how much they work. This flexibility accommodates their lifestyle needs, making it an attractive alternative to full-time employment. For instance,

• According to a survey conducted by Trusted Health in 2023, 71% of nurses cited flexibility as their top reason for choosing per diem positions.
• A 2022 report by the American Nurses Association found that 85% of nurses valued the ability to control their schedules as critical to job satisfaction.

Nurses opting for this working model can prioritize personal responsibilities, whether it’s family care, pursuing further education, or engaging in hobbies and self-care. This fosters a better mental health and overall well-being. Per diem nurses usually rotate between healthcare settings like hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities, keeping their work dynamic and preventing monotony. For instance,

• A 2023 study published in the Journal of Nursing Management noted that 67% of per diem nurses appreciated the opportunity to work in diverse environments, which enhanced their skills and job satisfaction.

Lack of Job Stability for Nurses

Per diem nurses are often called upon to fill staffing gaps during emergencies, seasonal demands, or sudden workforce shortages. This irregularity in work schedules can result in unpredictable income, making it difficult for nurses to plan their finances. For example,

• According to a 2023 survey by the American Nurses Association (ANA), 55% of nurses cited inconsistent income as the primary reason for avoiding per diem roles.
• The same study found that only 30% of per diem nurses worked consistently for over 30 hours per week, compared to 90% of full-time nurses.

Per diem nurses are typically not eligible for employer-sponsored benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, or tuition reimbursement. These benefits are critical for long-term financial stability and professional development.

Cost-effectiveness for Employers

Hiring per diem nurses eliminates the need for long-term financial commitments like salaries, benefits, retirement contributions, and paid time off. This enables healthcare facilities to allocate resources dynamically based on immediate staffing needs. For instance,

• Full-time registered nurses in the U.S. cost an average of US$ 89,330 annually, including wages and benefits.
• Per diem nurses, paid hourly, save employers up to 20% to 30% in long-term costs by avoiding benefits and retirement contributions.

Hospitals often face increased costs due to mandatory overtime when understaffed. Employing per diem nurses enables employers to decrease the need for overtime by efficiently filling gaps.

Increasing Use of Temporary Staffing Models

Temporary staffing models enable healthcare facilities to scale their workforce up or down based on immediate needs. This is particularly critical during seasonal peaks, public health emergencies, or when patient volumes increased unexpectedly. For example,

• A 2022 report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that hospitals relied on temporary nurses for up to 12% to 15% of their workforce during peak flu seasons.

Temporary staffing assists healthcare providers to decreases costs associated with fulltime employment, thereby improving budget flexibility. For instance,

• According to a 2023 survey by AMN Healthcare, 60% of healthcare organizations reported using temporary staffing to cut costs without compromising patient care.
• A report by the National Association of Health Care Recruiters (2022) highlighted that per diem staffing reduced staffing costs by 25% to 30% compared to full-time hires.

Companies in the per diem nurse staffing market are investing in digital platforms and mobile apps to streamline recruitment, scheduling, and communication between nurses and healthcare facilities. For instance, ShiftMed and Aya Healthcare have developed mobile apps that enable nurses to select shifts that suit their schedules, offering flexibility and convenience.

Several companies are differentiating themselves by offering higher pay rates and competitive benefits to attract skilled nurses. A few companies are also providing health insurance and retirement plans for long-term per diem nurses. For instance, AMN Healthcare offers hourly pay and referral bonuses for per diem nurses, helping the company to build a large talent pool.

Recent Industry Developments

• In December 2024, A Nursa survey revealed that 72% of independent contract nurses also hold full or part time jobs.
• In February 2023, Supplemental Health Care (SHC) collaborated with the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) to announce US$ 25,000 in scholarship opportunities for NBNA members pursuing Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees. This partnership aims to help alleviate nursing shortages across the United States by providing financial assistance.