How Much Do Locum Tenens
Physicians Make? (2026 Guide)
A comprehensive breakdown of locum tenens pay rates by specialty — including daily rates, annual earning potential, and how to maximize your locum income by avoiding agency markups.
Locum Tenens Pay by Specialty (2026)
Daily rates and estimated annual earning potential based on 250 working days. On LocumBNB, physicians keep 100% of the displayed rate.
| Specialty | Daily Rate | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiology (Interventional) | $3,500–$5,500 | Very High |
| Radiology (Interventional) | $3,200–$5,000 | Very High |
| Emergency Medicine | $2,800–$4,500 | Very High |
| Anesthesiology | $2,500–$4,000 | Very High |
| Surgery (General) | $3,000–$5,000 | High |
| Radiology (Diagnostic) | $2,500–$4,200 | High |
| Hospitalist | $2,000–$3,200 | Very High |
| Internal Medicine | $2,200–$3,500 | High |
| Psychiatry | $1,800–$3,000 | Very High |
| Family Medicine | $1,600–$2,800 | High |
| CRNA | $1,200–$2,000 | Very High |
| Nurse Practitioner | $600–$1,200 | High |
* Annual potential assumes 250 working days. Actual earnings vary by assignment availability, specialty, and location. Rates shown are market ranges; individual assignments may vary.
Locum Tenens vs. Permanent Physician Pay
One of the most common questions physicians ask is: do locum tenens physicians earn more than permanent physicians? The answer is almost always yes — on a per-hour or per-day basis. Locum tenens physicians typically earn 20–40% more than equivalent permanent positions because facilities pay a premium for flexibility, short-notice coverage, and the ability to scale staffing up or down.
However, the comparison isn't entirely straightforward. Permanent physicians receive employer-sponsored benefits (health insurance, malpractice insurance, retirement contributions, CME allowances) that can be worth $30,000–$60,000 per year. Locum physicians must purchase these independently, which reduces the net pay advantage.
For most physicians, the math still favors locum work — especially when you factor in the flexibility to work as much or as little as you want, the ability to avoid administrative burdens, and the tax advantages of 1099 contractor status. Many physicians who do locum work full-time earn $500,000–$1,000,000+ annually, depending on specialty.
How Agency Fees Reduce Your Locum Pay
Traditional locum tenens agencies have long dominated the market, but their business model significantly reduces physician pay. Here's how it works: a facility needs a locum physician and contacts an agency. The agency recruits a physician and charges the facility a rate that includes a 20–40% markup above the physician's actual pay. The physician receives the base rate; the agency keeps the markup.
Example: Emergency Medicine Locum Assignment
On LocumBNB, the facility pays $3,800 + 9% platform fee ($342) = $4,142 total. The physician keeps the full $3,800.
Over a 14-day assignment, the difference between agency and direct marketplace pay can be $11,760 or more. Over a year of full-time locum work, the difference can exceed $200,000. This is why finding locum tenens jobs without an agency is so financially significant for physicians.
How to Maximize Your Locum Tenens Pay
Use a Direct Marketplace
Avoid traditional agencies and use LocumBNB to connect directly with facilities. You keep 100% of your pay instead of losing 20–40% to agency fees.
Target High-Demand Specialties and Locations
Rural areas, underserved communities, and states with physician shortages often pay premium rates. Emergency medicine, anesthesiology, and psychiatry consistently command the highest locum pay.
Obtain Multiple State Licenses
Having licenses in multiple states dramatically expands your assignment options and negotiating power. The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) makes it easier to obtain licenses in participating states.
Work as a 1099 Contractor
Independent contractor status allows you to deduct business expenses (travel, equipment, home office, professional development) and potentially reduce your effective tax rate through retirement account contributions.
Negotiate Directly with Facilities
On LocumBNB, you see the actual pay rate upfront. If you have specialized skills or are willing to work urgent shifts, you may be able to negotiate higher rates directly with facilities.
Locum Physician Pay — FAQ
Start Earning More with Locum Tenens
Browse high-paying locum jobs on LocumBNB — keep 100% of your pay, no agency fees.