What Does "Locum Tenens" Mean?
Locum tenens is a Latin phrase meaning "to hold the place." In healthcare, it refers to physicians, CRNAs, nurse practitioners, and other licensed providers who temporarily fill staffing gaps at hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities. A locum tenens provider "holds the place" of a permanent staff member who is on leave, during periods of high patient volume, or while a facility searches for a permanent hire.
The concept has existed in medicine for decades, but the locum tenens industry has grown dramatically in recent years. Today, more than 50,000 physicians work locum assignments annually in the United States, and the market is valued at over $4 billion. The growth is driven by increasing physician shortages, an aging population requiring more healthcare, and a growing preference among physicians for flexible work arrangements.
How Does Locum Tenens Work?
The traditional locum tenens process involves a staffing agency acting as an intermediary between physicians and healthcare facilities. The agency recruits physicians, matches them with facilities, handles credentialing paperwork, and arranges travel and housing. In exchange, the agency charges the facility a significant markup — typically 20–40% above the physician's actual pay rate.
LocumBNB changes this model entirely. As a direct marketplace, LocumBNB connects physicians and facilities without an agency intermediary. Here's how it works:
- Facilities post assignments with transparent pay rates, dates, specialty requirements, and location details.
- Physicians browse and apply to assignments that match their schedule and expertise.
- Facilities review and approve qualified applicants.
- Funds are held securely by LocumBNB — the facility deposits the full assignment amount before the physician starts.
- The physician completes the assignment at the healthcare facility.
- The physician receives 100% of the displayed pay upon completion. No deductions, no surprises.
This direct model benefits both parties: physicians earn more (keeping 100% of their pay), and facilities pay less (a transparent 9% platform fee vs. 20–40% agency markup).
Who Can Work Locum Tenens?
Any licensed healthcare provider can work locum tenens, including:
- Physicians (MDs and DOs) — all specialties
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs)
- Nurse Practitioners (NPs) — FNP, PMHNP, ACNP, and others
- Physician Assistants (PAs)
- Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs)
To work locum tenens, you need: (1) a valid medical license in the state where the assignment is located, (2) current malpractice insurance, (3) board certification in your specialty (required by most facilities), and (4) any facility-specific credentialing requirements. LocumBNB displays all requirements for each assignment.
Pros and Cons of Locum Tenens Work
Pros
- Higher pay rates than permanent positions
- Complete schedule flexibility
- Explore different practice settings
- No administrative burdens
- Geographic freedom
- Avoid burnout with variety
- 1099 contractor tax advantages
Cons
- No employer benefits (health insurance, 401k)
- Must manage own taxes (self-employment)
- Credentialing for each new state
- Less continuity of patient care
- Variable income between assignments
- Travel and relocation logistics
How Much Does Locum Tenens Pay?
Locum tenens pay rates are typically higher than equivalent permanent positions because facilities pay a premium for flexibility and short-notice coverage. Pay varies significantly by specialty, location, and assignment type.
Typical Locum Tenens Daily Rates
Rates vary by location, experience, and assignment type. On LocumBNB, you keep 100% of the displayed rate.
For a detailed breakdown of locum tenens pay by specialty and how to maximize your earnings, see our guide: How Much Do Locum Physicians Make?
Finding Locum Tenens Jobs Without an Agency
Traditional locum tenens agencies have long dominated the market, but their model has significant drawbacks for physicians. Agencies typically charge facilities 20–40% above the physician's actual pay rate, while physicians receive less than the market rate. The agency keeps the difference — often $500–$1,500 per day on a typical assignment.
LocumBNB is a direct marketplace that eliminates the agency middleman. Physicians and facilities connect directly, with full pay transparency. Physicians keep 100% of their pay, and facilities pay a transparent 9% platform fee — a fraction of traditional agency costs.
To find locum tenens jobs on LocumBNB: create a free account, complete your profile with your credentials and specialty, and browse available assignments. You can filter by specialty, location, dates, and pay range. Apply directly to positions that match your schedule and expertise.