Sumo Medial Staffing

If you’re considering locum tenens work, chances are, a locum tenens salary is one of the reasons why. And no wonder! Locum tenens specialties typically earn more with temporary contracts than they would working a permanent, full-time job. 

Whether you’re building a nest egg, working on a downpayment for a house, paying off student loans or just putting money back for a luxury vacation, you’ll want to make sure to maximize your earning potential. To do that, here’s what you need to know. 

By the Hour

Locum tenens healthcare professionals are usually paid by the day/shift or hour. Specifics will vary by location. You will be paid on a regular schedule, weekly or monthly, depending on your contract. While locum tenens contracts offer a higher hourly wage, keep in mind that taxes are not taken out of your pay. Make plans to set aside some of your paycheck and pay your taxes to avoid issues later on. 

Pay Depends on the Market

Locum tenens rates follow market demand. Contracts are determined based on a number of variables. Is there a shortage of physicians and NPs/PAs in the area? How quickly does the practice/facility need a locum on site? What shift needs to be covered? And where are you going? A quick Google search will tell you which states offer the highest pay for locum tenens healthcare professionals in your specialty. 

You Have Control

While you can’t control the market, you can control many of your contract details. For example: location of assignment, skill set/specialty/length of assignment/experience/whether you work nights/weekend, healthcare setting. 

What Matters Most

When negotiating your locum tenens contract, make sure you know what you want before talks begin. Remember.  You are in control. What are your priorities? What is your bottom line? Are you willing to compromise? Are there any deal breakers? Some seasoned locum tenens physicians suggest writing down “the number” and any other non-negotiable contract details before you even sit down to negotiate as a way of keeping you on track. 

Increase Your Worth

There are certain details that will increase your worth in the locum tenens job market. One is when and how often you are willing to work. The more flexible you are about your schedule, the better. Full-time permanent physicians and NPs typically don’t want to work holidays, night shifts or weekends. And if you’re ready for an on-call schedule? Your value just increased.  

If you’re willing to work in rural areas, you increase your value again. Rural areas struggle the most to attract and retain medical professionals, so if you go where the need is highest, chances are, your hourly pay will likely be higher, too. (Keep cost of living in mind, too! Your paycheck will often go farther in a rural area than in a metropolitan area.) 

Experience Matters

If you are not board-certified yet, make that a priority. Board certification is top of the list when healthcare facilities are offering contracts. Also, experience counts. Employers are looking for a certain level of experience and a locum tenens provider with a proven reputation. Those who can check all the boxes will be paid well. (If you’ve just finished residency, don’t worry. There are well-paying locum jobs for you, too. Plus, you’ll be getting experience and building a reputation among coworkers around the country.)  

One tip: Consider adding a Licenses and Credentials section to your resume featuring any active state licenses or special certifications you have, including the license number and expiration date.  

Whole Package

Your compensation includes more than your pay! Consider these details when negotiating. Who pays for housing? What happens if I need to work overtime or am asked to pick up extra shifts? Is there a per diem for meals? Who pays for malpractice insurance? And who pays for travel expenses and mileage?  

Negotiation doesn’t always come easy. And it’s one of the things that can lead to anxiety while stepping into a locum tenens career. Remember, speak up for what you want and know that everything is negotiable. But before sitting down at the table, do your research. Know what the average salary range will be, and ask for a salary at the higher end of that range to give yourself wiggle room.  

Your goal is to maximize your earning potential while providing a high-level of care to communities who need it the most. No one is going to look out for your best interests but you!