Understanding the basics of locum tenens pay.
Compensation in locum tenens reflects more than just your time. Most assignments are paid by the hour, especially when the role involves direct patient care. But the structure isn’t one-size-fits-all.
You might see a separate hourly rate for clinical hours and a lower rate for on-call time, or a flat daily rate that blends both. Some contracts switch to a higher clinical rate if you’re called in for more than a set number of hours. Each contract is tailored to the assignment, and it’s important to understand how your time is valued.
What to expect from your agency partner.
It is important to work with a locum tenens agency that advocates for your value and supports your goals. They should help you in the negotiation process and ensure your pay is processed as soon as signed timesheets are received, helping you get paid faster without waiting for a standard payroll cycle.
Because no two assignments are alike, your recruiter is your best resource for understanding what applies to you. They will walk you through every detail, from how compensation is structured to what questions to ask before you accept an offer.
What you can expect to earn.
There’s no single answer to the question “how much does locum tenens pay,” because it depends entirely on the work you choose to take on. Your locums salary is shaped by a few core factors: your specialty, your schedule, and the settings you work in.
Some physicians and advanced practitioners pick up a few shifts a month for supplemental income. Others take on back-to-back contracts that mirror a full-time workload. That flexibility means your earning potential is tied to your preferences and availability.
Specialty plays a significant role too. For example, psychiatry, anesthesiology, and gastroenterology locum roles will all have different rates due to demand and shift structure. See average locum tenens salary by specialty.
Rates for CRNA’s, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants also vary widely by region and clinical setting. Whether you’re working in urgent care, primary care, or surgical specialties, your role influences what you can expect to earn. See advanced practitioner salary insights.
Working locums allows you to create a compensation path that fits your goals, whether you’re looking for short-term balance or long-term financial growth.
What to know about working with Jackson and Coker.
What you get as a 1099 contractor.
When you take on a locum tenens assignment through Jackson and Coker, you’re working as a 1099 independent contractor. That means you’re in control of your schedule, your workload, and your earning potential, and you’re supported by a team that helps manage the details so you can focus on delivering care.
Here’s what’s typically included in your locum tenens compensation package:
- A++ rated malpractice insurance, a form of contractor liability insurance that protects you during your assignment, provided by Jackson and Coker.
- Licensing and primary source verification support to speed up the onboarding process.
- Direct pay processing as soon as your signed timesheets are received.
- Travel and lodging coordination and reimbursement for out-of-town assignments.
Every contract is different, and your recruiter will walk through exactly what’s included before you accept an assignment, so there are no surprises.
Not sure where to start with expense tracking? One of the best apps for tracking expenses is Atlas, our in-house tool designed to help locum tenens professionals stay organized, manage deductions, and keep records clear throughout each assignment.
What 1099 locums roles don't include.
Because you’re not classified as a W-2 employee, your role as a locum tenens physician or advanced practitioner doesn’t include traditional employment benefits. That means:
- No employer-sponsored health insurance.
- No paid time off or sick leave.
- No 401(k).
- No automatic tax withholding.
This structure offers more flexibility, but also more responsibility. We strongly recommend working with a CPA familiar with 1099 physician taxes, especially if you work in multiple states.
A tax expert can help you manage income, deductions, and quarterly payments, while also guiding you through non-resident state taxes, state income tax obligations, and other multi-state tax tips that may apply to your assignments.
A financial advisor can help you save for retirement. Depending on your situation, you may want to open an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), a Roth IRA, or a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP). Each of these accounts has its advantages to help you build your financial future.
Want to dive deeper into how locum pay and tax structure works?
This article provides general information related to locum tenens. It is not intended as legal or tax advice. Please consult with a professional tax advisor or accountant to receive advice specific to your circumstances.
Considering a transition to locum tenens?
If you’re thinking about making a career change, whether from a permanent role, private practice, or post-residency, locum tenens can offer a new kind of flexibility and financial control.
From setting your schedule to exploring different practice settings, working locums puts you in the driver’s seat. If you’re wondering how to make the shift, we’ve laid it out step by step.
