Got questions about locum tenens salary and pay rates? We’ve got answers.

<p>Have you considered embarking on a locums assignment but wondered how locum tenens salary and pay work? In this installment of our <strong> Locum Life Made Easy </strong> guide, we&rsquo;ll answer the most commonly asked questions about locum tenens pay, including: </p>

<ul>
	<li>Do locum tenens earn a salary, or are they paid hourly?</li>
	<li>Why does locum tenens pay more?</li>
	<li>What are locum tenens pay rates?</li>
	<li>What is the highest paid locum tenens specialty?</li>
	<li>How does a locum get paid?</li>
</ul>



<h2>Locum Tenens Salary</h2>

<h3>Do locum tenens earn a salary, or are they paid hourly?</h3>

<p>Providers who work locum tenens assignments don&rsquo;t earn a salary because they are not considered employees. Instead, agencies and facilities pay locum tenens an hourly, daily, or shift-based rate because they are considered independent contractors.</p>

<h2>Locum Tenens Pay Rates</h2>

<h3>What are locum tenens pay rates?</h3>

<p>Locum tenens pay rates vary based on many factors. Locum pay is market-driven and may be as much as 25% higher than salaried positions when compared on an hourly basis. Factors that impact locum tenens pay rates include location, facility type, patient volume, current demand, inflation, shift hours, and specialty.</p>

<h3>Why does locums pay more?</h3>

<p>Locums pays more because, as independent contractors, locum tenens providers don&rsquo;t receive many of the traditional benefits associated with salaried positions. Additionally, healthcare organizations pay locums more since they are willing to give up the <a href="https://www.crosscountrylocums.com/blogs/looking-for-stability-and-security">job stability</a> of a long-term position. Locums providers also must <a href="https://www.crosscountrylocums.com/blogs/locum-tenens-tax-tips-for-2023">pay their own taxes</a>, including income and self-employment taxes, so higher pay rates help offset these expenses. Locums can earn even higher compensation when there&rsquo;s a high demand for temporary coverage (for example, during provider shortages or patient surges). Facilities are also willing to pay a premium for providers who are specialists and for those who can rapidly mobilize.</p>


<h2>Highest Locum Tenens Pay</h2>

<h3>What is the highest-paid locum tenens specialty?</h3>

<p>The highest-paid locum tenens specialties include radiology, anesthesiology, orthopedic surgery, urology, obstetrics and gynecology, gastroenterology, general surgery, cardiology, and psychiatry (<a href="https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-physician-relationships/which-locum-tenens-physician-specialty-is-highest-paid.html/">Becker&rsquo;s</a>). Rates vary based on demand and location.</p>

<h3>What are the highest-paying states for locum tenens?</h3>

<p>The highest-paying states for locum tenens physicians include Mississippi, South Dakota, Kansas, Vermont, Nebraska, West Virginia, Colorado, Florida, Missouri, and Delaware (<a href="https://careers.jamanetwork.com/article/the-top-10-highest-paying-states-for-locum-tenens-physicians-in-2022">JAMA</a>). Many of these states have shortages or need coverage for rural areas.</p>

<h3>Can locum tenens negotiate for higher pay?</h3>

<p>Yes. Providers seeking locum tenens assignments can negotiate. In fact, recruiters will negotiate on behalf of providers. Negotiation leverage can include specialization, experience, education, skillset, and willingness to work extended hours, nights, or weekends.</p>

<h2>Maximizing Income as a Locum Tenens</h2>

<h3>How do physicians and APPs use locum tenens to earn more money?</h3>

<div>To maximize earnings, physicians and APPs can build a full-time career from locum tenens assignments or supplement their existing permanent positions with locums. Many providers moonlight as locum tenens or use their vacation time to take a locum assignment. Providers often use this extra income to pay off medical school debt, build a nest egg, open a private practice, purchase a vehicle, buy a home, or pay for their kids&rsquo; college tuition.</div>

<h2>Interview Questions About Locums Pay</h2>

<h3>What questions should I ask about locum tenens pay during the interview?</h3>

<p>When you interview for an assignment, consider asking the following questions:</p>

<ul>
	<li>What is the base rate for this locum tenens assignment?</li>
	<li>Is malpractice insurance included?</li>
	<li>Are there opportunities for extra shifts?</li>
	<li>Is there a minimum number of guaranteed hours for the assignment?</li>
	<li>Is there a stipend for lodging, travel or meals?</li>
	<li>Are there any sign-on, completion or referral bonuses available?</li>
	<li>What is the area&#39;s cost of living, and is this figured into the compensation package?</li>
</ul>

<h2>Locum Tenens Payment</h2>

<h3>How does a locum get paid?</h3>

<p>At <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/faq#sectionLocums">Cross Country Locums</a>, locums are paid weekly through direct deposit. Our locum tenens physicians, and advanced practice providers earn competitive compensation based on hourly shifts or daily terms. They receive professional liability coverage, travel and lodging stipends, and bonuses (as assignments permit). Locum providers file taxes directly with the IRS since they are considered 1099 independent contractors (who work for themselves) versus W-2 employees (who work for companies and have taxes withheld).</p>


<h2>Learn More About Locum Tenens</h2>

<p>If you&rsquo;re interested in learning more about how the locum tenens process works, from start to finish, check out the other sections of our multipart guidebook, Locum Life Made Easy:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Part one, <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/blog/navigating-your-locums-journey-how-to-connect-with-a-locum-tenens-recruiter?">Connecting with a Locum Tenens Recruiter</a>, covers what a recruiter can do for you, how to find the best recruiter, what information to share with your recruiter, and more.</li>
	<li>Part two, <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/blog/locum-life-made-easy-getting-placed-on-a-locum-assignment?">Getting Placed on a Locum Assignment</a>, discusses how a recruiter will help you identify your preferences, apply and interview for positions, negotiate and sign your contract, get credentialed, get set up for travel and accommodations, and get oriented and onboarded.</li>
	<li>Part three, <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/blog/locum-life-made-easy-going-to-work?category=Provider+Tips">Going to Work</a>, covers preparing for a new locum tenens assignment, the top traits of successful locum tenens providers, and the benefits of working with a locum tenens recruiter.</li>
	<li>Part four, <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/blog/locum-life-made-easy-locum-tenens-housing?">Locum Tenens Housing</a>, explores what type of housing is available, how accommodations are arranged, who you can bring along, and how to make locum housing feel like your home away from home.</li>
</ul>

<p>Embarking on a locum&rsquo;s adventure may seem daunting, but there&rsquo;s nothing to fear if you&rsquo;re well-informed. The locum lifestyle offers unmatched flexibility, freedom, and earning potential.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/locums">Get started now</a>!</p>


Locum Life Made Easy: Locum Tenens Salary and Pay