Hey Mullet,

I was submitted to a job by Aya Healthcare. I just got the offer, and they sent me a contract. I’ve heard horror stories about travel nurses making hundreds of dollars per week less than other travelers FOR THE SAME JOB. So I decided to do some due diligence and I looked for any other agencies that might have that same or similar job to see if I was lowballed on the rate I was quoted

I ended up finding a post on Facebook where the recruiter for some other agency was saying they could pay about $130 more per week. That’s a lot of money to me! I’m curious, why is there such a discrepancy in pay between these 2 agencies? And more importantly, what should I do? Is it possible to get Aya to “price match”? Is it possible to accept the offer with this other agency? Or am I stuck with Aya at the pay rate they quoted in the contract?

TIA,

Confused in Cali

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Hey there, Confused in Cali,

First off—welcome to the wonderful world of travel nursing, where you can get two quotes for the same gig, but one of ‘em looks like it’s missing a zero. Yeah, we’ve all been there. You’re not crazy, and that $130 difference? It’s a real kick in the scrubs. Let’s dive into why this happens and whether you can get a better deal from Aya Healthcare (or anyone else, for that matter).

So, you asked the million-dollar question: Can agencies "price match" for travel nursing gigs? Short answer: Hell yes, it’s possible. But... it depends on a few things. Let me break it down for you.

The Big Question: Is Aya the ‘MSP’ for This Facility?

Hold up—MSP? That’s one of those jargony terms recruiters throw at you while you’re busy trying to understand why the pay package they quoted doesn’t match what they posted online. If you're not up on it, no worries. The MSP (Managed Service Provider) is basically the agency that owns the exclusive rights to staff a particular hospital. If Aya is the MSP for the facility, they hold the keys to the job kingdom.

How do you find out? Easy. Ask your recruiter straight up: “Is Aya the MSP for this hospital, or are you subcontracting?” Or if you wanna go ninja-level, call the hospital’s staffing office directly and get the scoop.

Why does this matter? If Aya’s the MSP, the chances of flipping that offer to another agency? Slimmer than a stethoscope on a skeleton. Even if you find a better rate elsewhere, the MSP holds the cards, and you’re probably better off trying to negotiate with Aya directly.

The "Price Match" Hustle

Now, let’s talk about that $130 extra per week you spotted with another agency. First off, yes—you should absolutely bring this up with your Aya recruiter. The golden rule of negotiations: You don’t get what you don’t ask for.

Here's the play: Politely ask if they can match or at least bump up the rate. Send them a screenshot of the competing offer (don’t be shy, it’s your money we’re talking about). But—and this is important—don’t burn the bridge while you’re standing on it. Instead of demanding the match as a non-negotiable, try something like, “Hey, I’d love to stay with you guys, but I’ve got this other offer that’s $130 more a week. Can you meet me in the middle or match it?”

This keeps the door open for Aya to either step up or stay put, but it doesn’t make them feel like you’re ready to bail the second they say no. Recruiters can rescind offers faster than a shift change if they sense you’re walking. So, keep it friendly but firm.

Option B: Is the Hiring Manager Your BFF?

Now, if you're super tight with the hiring manager—maybe you’ve worked with them before or bonded over your mutual hatred of hospital coffee—this changes everything. In a world where MSP rules are king, hiring managers still have some serious pull. If you’ve got a good relationship with them, reach out. Explain the situation, and they might go to bat for you.

Worst case? They say no. Best case? They strong-arm Aya into matching the other offer and making you their first choice, regardless of who’s holding the contract.

But if you’re just one of a dozen faces in the applicant pool and don’t feel comfortable calling up the hiring manager, it’s probably safer to play it cool with your current offer.

The Mullet’s Bottom Line

Alright, let’s wrap this up, Confused in Cali. Here’s my advice:

Check if Aya’s the MSP for the hospital. If they are, your chances of flipping the offer to another agency are lower than a snake's belly. Best to stick with Aya and try negotiating a better rate.
Ask for a price match—but don’t go nuclear. Keep it polite, show them the other offer, and see if they can make it work.
Leverage your relationships. If the hiring manager’s got your back, use that connection to push Aya for better pay. No MSP rule is unbreakable if the manager wants you badly enough.

At the end of the day, remember this: You’re in control of your career. Don’t settle for less than what you’re worth, and don’t let these agencies play games with your paycheck. The Mullet’s got your back, and we’re here to cut through the BS every step of the way.

Catch you on the flip side,

The Mullet