In the ever-evolving world of healthcare, physicians are rethinking the traditional full-time employment model. More doctors today are opting for a different path — locum tenens. The term “locum tenens,” Latin for “to hold the place,” refers to physicians and advanced practice providers who work temporary assignments across the country.
But this shift isn’t just a personal choice. It’s transforming how healthcare organizations manage staffing, control burnout, and fill critical coverage gaps.
In this blog, we’ll explore:
- How many physicians are working locum tenens today
- Why doctors are making the switch
- Which specialties dominate the locums market
- How compensation compares to traditional employment
- What these trends mean for the future of healthcare staffing
How Many Physicians Are Working Locum Tenens Today?
Recent data from CHG Healthcare shows that approximately 6–7% of U.S. physicians are working locum tenens assignments at any given time.
While this may sound like a small slice, it represents tens of thousands of doctors, and the trend is growing. From 2021 to 2023, the locum tenens market expanded by 14%, and projections suggest another 10–12% growth by 2026.
Hospitals, private practices, urgent care centers, and government facilities increasingly rely on locum tenens providers to maintain patient access and meet demand during staffing shortages.
Why Are More Doctors Choosing Locum Tenens?
A 2023 survey by Locumstory.com asked physicians why they chose locum tenens work. Their answers paint a clear picture:
| Reason | % of Physicians |
|---|---|
| Flexibility & Work-Life Balance | 76% |
| Higher Compensation | 64% |
| Travel Opportunities | 53% |
| Burnout Recovery | 42% |
| Trying New Practice Settings | 36% |
| Avoiding Office Politics | 29% |
Flexibility reigns supreme. Doctors appreciate being able to control their schedules, take long breaks between assignments, or choose locations near family.
Higher pay is another major factor. Many locum tenens providers earn 10–30% more per hour than their full-time counterparts, without being tied down to administrative duties or long-term obligations.
Finally, burnout plays a huge role. After the immense pressures of COVID-19 and ongoing staff shortages, many physicians are turning to locum work to reconnect with the pure practice of medicine — without the politics and paperwork.
Demographic Trends: Who’s Working Locums?
The typical locum tenens physician profile might surprise you:
- 54% are aged 50 and older.
- 32% are semi-retired but want to stay active without committing to full-time work.
- 68% are male, while 32% are female, though the gap is slowly closing as younger female physicians enter locums earlier in their careers.
This indicates that many physicians use locum tenens not just as a career starter, but also as a bridge to retirement or a strategy to extend their careers on their own terms.
Which Specialties Dominate the Locums Market?
While almost every specialty has locum opportunities, some fields are especially hot:
| Specialty | % of Locum Jobs |
|---|---|
| Hospitalist | 18% |
| Emergency Medicine | 15% |
| Anesthesiology | 12% |
| Psychiatry | 10% |
| Primary Care (Family/Internal Medicine) | 9% |
Hospital medicine and emergency medicine lead the way, largely because these specialties require 24/7 coverage, and staffing gaps can quickly impact patient care.
Additionally, psychiatry and primary care have seen steady growth in locum demand, especially in rural and underserved areas where recruiting permanent staff is challenging.
How Does Locum Tenens Compensation Compare?
Locum tenens physicians generally earn more per hour than permanent employees — sometimes significantly more.
Here’s a quick comparison of typical locum pay rates (2024–2025 estimates):
| Specialty | Average Locum Pay |
|---|---|
| Hospitalist | $180–$220/hr |
| Emergency Medicine | $250–$400/hr |
| Primary Care/Internal Medicine | $140–$180/hr |
| Anesthesiology | $275–$350/hr |
| Psychiatry | $180–$230/hr |
In addition to higher hourly rates, locum tenens providers often enjoy:
- Free travel and housing paid for by the agency or facility
- Malpractice insurance covered by the agency
- Weekly direct deposits rather than monthly salaries
- Tax advantages by working as independent contractors (1099 income)
For many physicians, especially those managing student loan payments or saving aggressively for retirement, locum tenens provides a lucrative alternative.
The Role of State Licensure in Locum Tenens Growth
One factor enabling locum growth is the rise of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC). Over 40 states participate in this program, allowing physicians to more easily obtain licensure across multiple states.
Today:
- Over 60% of active locum physicians hold two or more licenses.
- 40% of current locum jobs are filled by providers who obtained compact licenses.
This flexibility means a physician based in Texas could quickly pick up a short-term contract in Montana, Wisconsin, or Arizona without months of bureaucratic delay.
Some locum agencies even pay licensing fees for physicians willing to take urgent assignments in high-need states like California, Alaska, or Maine.
How Long Are Typical Locum Assignments?
Locum tenens assignments vary widely in length:
| Assignment Type | % of Assignments |
|---|---|
| Short-Term (1 day to 2 weeks) | 29% |
| Medium-Term (1 to 3 months) | 48% |
| Long-Term (3+ months) | 23% |
Short-term contracts might cover vacations, holidays, or peak seasons (like flu season in urgent care). Meanwhile, medium- and long-term assignments often fill the gap while facilities search for permanent hires.
Some providers choose to stack assignments back-to-back, effectively creating a full-time income with greater control over location and schedule.
Physician Satisfaction with Locum Tenens
The majority of physicians who try locum tenens find it rewarding:
- 81% report feeling satisfied or very satisfied with their locum experience.
- 68% say it helped them avoid or recover from burnout.
- 55% felt it gave them valuable exposure to new healthcare systems and practice styles.
Many physicians also discover new long-term career opportunities while working locum contracts. It’s not uncommon for providers to convert from locums to permanent staff after finding a facility they love.
The Future of Locum Tenens in Healthcare Staffing
Locum tenens is no longer a niche market. It’s becoming a core strategy for healthcare organizations to:
- Maintain continuous patient access
- Manage burnout among full-time staff
- Quickly respond to regional surges in demand (e.g., COVID-19, RSV season)
- Offer flexible working arrangements to attract top talent
As telehealth, remote work, and cross-state licensing continue to expand, locum tenens will likely grow even faster over the next 5–10 years.
For physicians, it represents more freedom, better pay, and a path to personal and professional renewal.
For healthcare facilities, it offers critical agility and access to high-quality talent exactly when and where it’s needed.
Final Thoughts
The rise of locum tenens work is a reflection of broader shifts in healthcare — toward flexibility, work-life balance, and physician autonomy. As the physician workforce evolves, hospitals, clinics, and healthcare agencies must adapt to this new model.
Whether you’re a physician considering a new career path or a healthcare leader planning your staffing strategy, understanding the power and potential of locum tenens is essential in 2025 and beyond.
✅ Pro Tip:
If you’re a physician thinking about locums, start by connecting with reputable agencies, understanding your licensing options, and clarifying your goals (income, travel, specialty experience). It could be one of the most rewarding moves you ever make.