Have you ever wondered which specialty can help you earn more money?
You’re not alone. Many doctors choose locum tenens work for its flexibility and strong earning potential. These temporary roles help hospitals and clinics fill staffing gaps. In return, physicians get more control over where and when they work.
That said, not all locum tenens jobs pay the same. Some fields offer much higher rates than others. Knowing which specialties pay the most can help you find opportunities that match your career and income goals.
This blog discusses which specialties pay the most. You’ll also learn how to find high paying locum tenens jobs.
Highest Paid Locum Tenens Specialties
Locum tenens physicians can work in many specialties, including surgery, anesthesiology, cardiology, emergency medicine, and primary care. The highest-paying locum tenens specialties tend to be those with strong demand, advanced training requirements, or a shortage of qualified physicians. Pay can also change based on location, experience, schedule, and the needs of the facility.
Locum Tenens Salary by Specialty
The table below shows 2025 hourly compensation ranges reported by LocumStory for several physician specialties. These figures provide a useful market comparison, but they are not guaranteed rates for every assignment.
|
Specialty |
2025 Locum Tenens Pay Range |
|
Medical Oncology |
$375–$500/hour |
|
Anesthesiology |
$300–$400/hour |
|
Cardiology |
$250–$350/hour |
|
Urology |
$220–$275/hour |
|
Orthopedic Surgery |
$200–$240/hour |
|
Emergency Medicine |
$200–$300/hour |
|
Neurology |
$200–$275/hour |
|
Psychiatry |
$185–$220/hour |
|
Obstetrics and Gynecology |
$150–$225/hour |
|
Family Medicine |
$120–$145/hour |
|
Internal Medicine |
$120–$145/hour |
|
Pediatrics |
$105–$130/hour |
The data shows a wide gap between specialties. Medical oncology had the highest reported range, at $375 to $500 per hour. Anesthesiology followed at $300 to $400 per hour, while cardiology reached $350 per hour at the top of its reported range.
Here’s a brief overview of high paying locum tenens jobs in healthcare:
Medical Oncology
Medical oncology is among the highest-paying locum tenens specialties, with rates of $375–$500 per hour. The strong need for cancer care contributes to demand for qualified oncologists. Locum assignments in this specialty are often shorter, with LocumStory reporting an average assignment length of about 18 days.
Anesthesiology
Anesthesiology is another high-paying locum specialty, with 2025 rates ranging from $300 to $400 per hour. Demand remains strong, and assignments can offer different schedules and practice settings.
Cardiology
Locum tenens cardiologists earn about $250–$350 per hour. Subspecialty, location, and the type of cardiac care required can affect the rate. Demand also remains high across the country, creating opportunities for physicians who are open to different practice settings.
Urology
Urology offers $220–$275 per hour. Demand for urologists remains strong, partly because of ongoing shortages in the specialty. Assignments can range from one to six months and may include clinic hours, call, and weekend coverage.
Orthopedic Surgery
Locum orthopedic surgeons earn about $200–$240 per hour. Rates can vary based on the type of orthopedic work, call requirements, and assignment location. Some assignments combine clinic work, surgery, and call coverage over a concentrated period.
Emergency Medicine
Emergency medicine locums earn about $200–$300. This specialty can offer strong earning potential because hospitals need reliable coverage around the clock. Assignments often use 12- or 24-hour shifts, giving physicians different ways to structure their schedules.
Neurology
Locum neurologists earn about $200–$275 per hour. Hospitals and clinics continue to face challenges finding neurology coverage, which supports demand for locum physicians. Some assignments include call responsibilities, which can affect the overall rate.
Psychiatry
Psychiatry locum rates range from $185–$220 per hour. Demand remains strong as healthcare facilities work to expand access to mental health services. Assignments are often longer than those in some procedural specialties, with six- to 12-month contracts common.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
OB-GYN locums earn about $150–$225 per hour. Pay can vary with call coverage and the type of facility. Assignments may include regular clinic hours along with scheduled call rotations.
Family Medicine and Internal Medicine
Family medicine and internal medicine locums earn about $120–$145 per hour. While these rates are lower than those for highly specialized fields, demand for both specialties remains high. They can also offer steady assignments and a range of locations and practice settings.
Pediatrics
Pediatric locum rates range from $100–$120 per hour. Pay is lower than the rates reported for several surgical and subspecialty fields, but demand for pediatric coverage remains strong. Assignment length and call requirements can affect total earnings.
What Do These Locum Tenens Salary Ranges Mean?
These numbers should be used as market benchmarks, not guaranteed salaries. Locum physicians are typically paid based on an hourly, daily, or assignment rate rather than a fixed annual salary.
The same specialty can have very different offers depending on the location, physician’s experience and credentials, clinical setting, schedule, call duties, and how urgently a facility needs coverage.
What Is an Above-Market Locum Tenens Rate?
An above-market locum tenens rate may be offered when a facility has an urgent coverage need, operates in an underserved area, requires specialized skills, or needs a physician who can meet specific scheduling or call requirements.
As mentioned earlier, specialties such as anesthesiology, neurology, and oncology can reach more than $375 per hour in certain markets.
Factors Affecting Locum Tenens Pay
Your specialty is only one part of your locum tenens pay. Demand, location, experience, and assignment terms can all affect the rate you receive.
Let’s look at what factors affect locum tenens pay.
Specialty and Demand
Specialties with fewer available physicians often offer higher rates. The same applies to rural and underserved areas where facilities may need to attract doctors from other markets.
Experience and Skills
Your experience, board certification, and specialized skills can affect your earning potential. Physicians who can perform advanced procedures or handle complex cases may qualify for higher-paying assignments.
Geographic Location
Location can have a major impact on locum rates. Areas with physician shortages may offer higher pay to attract qualified doctors. Travel, housing, and other expenses may also be covered as part of the assignment.
Schedule and Assignment Needs
Call coverage, long shifts, weekend work, and urgent staffing needs can affect compensation. A facility that needs a physician on short notice may offer a higher rate to fill the position quickly.
Contract Length
Short-term assignments may offer competitive rates, especially when a facility has an immediate staffing need. Longer assignments can provide more consistent work, but the rate and contract terms vary by position.
Choosing the Right Healthcare Staffing Agency
Partnering with a trusted healthcare staffing agency can maximize your earnings. Imperial Locum connects you with high-paying roles that match your skills. We also handle logistics, making your job easier.
How to Find High-Paying Locum Tenens Roles
Finding high paying locum tenens jobs takes more than choosing a high-paying specialty. The right assignment, location, and contract can also make a difference.
Here are a few ways to find better-paying opportunities:
Focus on high-demand specialties: Fields with physician shortages often offer stronger rates.
Consider different locations: Rural and underserved areas may offer an above-market locum tenens rate when facilities need urgent coverage.
Compare the full offer: Look beyond the hourly rate. Check call pay, travel, housing, malpractice coverage, and other assignment terms.
Stay flexible: Being open to short-notice assignments, different schedules, or new locations can give you access to more opportunities.
Work with a trusted agency: A good staffing agency can connect you with assignments that fit your specialty, experience, and income goals.
If you are looking for how to find high paying locum tenens jobs, start by comparing several assignments instead of choosing the first offer. The highest rate is not always the best overall opportunity.
Ready to Start Your Next Locum Tenens Role?
Certain locum tenens specialties like anesthesiology, orthopedic surgery, and radiology offer unmatched earning potential. They provide competitive salaries with benefits. Moreover, these offer the chance to enjoy flexible schedules and diverse work experiences.
Whether you’re aiming for financial freedom, career growth, or new challenges, locum tenens roles offer a unique path to achieve it all.
If you’re ready to upgrade your career and explore high-paying opportunities, Imperial Locum is the right choice for you.
You can contact us or call +1 559 799 8344 today to start your locum tenens journey!
