Tired of clinic politics, administrative burdens, or the same four walls? You might be a perfect candidate for locum tenens work. Latin for "to hold the place," locum tenens involves stepping in to temporarily fill staffing gaps at hospitals, clinics, and practices across the country.
This guide cuts through the confusion to explain how it works, the pros and cons, and most importantly, whether you can actually boost your income by taking your skills on the road.
What Exactly is Locum Tenens?
Locum tenens is essentially the healthcare equivalent of being a "temp" or a "traveling professional." Physicians, PAs, NPs, and other providers work short- or long-term assignments to cover for:
Vacations, sabbaticals, or medical leaves
Unfilled permanent positions
Sudden increases in patient volume
Maternity/paternity leave
You are typically employed by a locum tenens staffing agency that handles your licensing, credentialing, travel, and housing, placing you at facilities in need.
The Pros and Cons: Is The Traveling Life For You?
The Advantages:
Higher Hourly Rates: This is the biggest draw. Locum providers often earn 10-20% more per hour than their permanent counterparts.
Unmatched Flexibility: You control your schedule. Work for 3 months, take a month off, then find a new assignment.
Travel & Adventure: Get paid to explore different parts of the country. Experience diverse practice settings from big-city hospitals to rural critical access facilities.
No Administrative Headaches: The agency handles your malpractice insurance, licensing fees, travel bookings, and housing. You just show up and practice medicine.
"Try Before You Buy": A locum assignment can serve as an extended interview for a permanent position without any commitment.
The Disadvantages:
Lack of Benefits: You often won't receive health insurance, retirement matching, or paid time off. Your higher rate is meant to offset this.
Constant Change: Adapting to new EHR systems, staff, and protocols every few months can be stressful.
Licensing Logistics: Getting licensed in multiple states can be a slow and bureaucratic process (though agencies help immensely).
Feeling Like an Outsider: It can be challenging to integrate into a tight-knit team when you're only there temporarily.
The Salary Analysis: Does "More Per Hour" Mean More Overall?
Let's break down the math for a General Surgeon:
| Permanent Position | Locum Tenens Assignment | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Base Salary | $400,000 | N/A |
| Hourly Equivalent | ~$200/hr | ~$240/hr (+20%) |
| Benefits Value (Health, 401k, PTO) | ~$50,000 | $0 |
| Estimated Net value | $450,000 | ~$430,000 (for similar hours) |
*Calculation example: $240/hr * 2000 hours = $480,000. Subtract $50k for self-paid benefits = ~$430k.*
The Verdict: Yes, you can earn more, but you must be strategic. The financial advantage comes from:
Working more hours or taking back-to-back assignments.
Careful financial planning to cover your own benefits and taxes.
Taking assignments in high-demand, high-paying regions.
The real value for many is the flexibility and experience, not just a massive paycheck.
How to Get Started in Locum Tenens
Get Your Documents in Order: Update your CV, gather copies of your licenses, certifications, diplomas, and references.
Research Reputable Staffing Agencies: Not all agencies are created equal. Look for those with strong reviews and specialize in your field.
Work With a Recruiter: A good recruiter is your advocate. They will learn your preferences (location, schedule, desired pay) and find assignments that match.
Be Patient with Credentialing: This is the longest step. The agency will guide you through obtaining state licenses and hospital privileges, which can take months.
Top Locum Tenens Staffing Agencies (2024)
Here are a few of the most established and well-regarded agencies in the industry:
Weatherby Healthcare: Known for placing physicians in a wide variety of specialties.
CompHealth: One of the largest and oldest agencies, placing all provider types.
LocumTenens.com: A major player with a vast array of job postings.
Barton Associates: Recognized for their quick placement process and support.
We provide these links as a resource based on industry reputation. We are not directly affiliated with nor receive compensation from these companies.
Final Thoughts
Locum tenens isn't for everyone, but it's a powerful option for providers seeking freedom, variety, and a potential pay raise. It’s an excellent way to combat burnout, see the country, and take control of your career on your own terms.
Disclaimer: Financial examples are estimates based on 2024 market data. Individual results will vary based on specialty, hours worked, and location. Ensure you consult with a financial advisor regarding taxes and benefits.
Have you worked a locum tenens assignment? Help your colleagues by [submitting your anonymous salary data] to our database!