2026 Locum Tenens Pay Rate Directory
Compare average hourly rates, call stipends, and market demand across 30 medical specialties. Falcon Locum offers transparent 1099 compensation, paid travel, housing, and malpractice coverage.
| Medical Specialty | Avg Hourly Rate | Call Pay / Stipend | Market Demand | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neurosurgery | $300 - $420/hr | $1,500 - $2,500/day | Critical | View Assignments → |
| Vascular Surgery | $270 - $360/hr | $1,200 - $2,000/day | High | View Assignments → |
| Orthopedic Surgery | $260 - $350/hr | $1,200 - $1,800/day | High | View Assignments → |
| Cardiology | $250 - $330/hr | $1,000 - $1,600/day | Moderate | View Assignments → |
| Anesthesiology | $240 - $310/hr | $800 - $1,400/day | High | View Assignments → |
| Gastroenterology | $240 - $320/hr | $900 - $1,500/day | Moderate | View Assignments → |
| Urology | $235 - $315/hr | $850 - $1,450/day | High | View Assignments → |
| Emergency Medicine | $220 - $280/hr | Included in Shift | Critical | View Assignments → |
| Critical Care | $230 - $290/hr | $900 - $1,400/day | Critical | View Assignments → |
| Radiology | $230 - $300/hr | $700 - $1,200/day | High | View Assignments → |
| Medical Oncology | $230 - $310/hr | $800 - $1,300/day | High | View Assignments → |
| Otolaryngology (ENT) | $225 - $295/hr | $800 - $1,300/day | Moderate | View Assignments → |
| Neurology | $220 - $285/hr | $750 - $1,250/day | High | View Assignments → |
| General Surgery | $210 - $275/hr | $1,000 - $1,500/day | Critical | View Assignments → |
| Pulmonology | $210 - $270/hr | $700 - $1,200/day | High | View Assignments → |
| Dermatology | $210 - $290/hr | $600 - $1,000/day | Moderate | View Assignments → |
| OB/GYN | $200 - $260/hr | $1,000 - $1,600/day | Critical | View Assignments → |
| Nephrology | $195 - $255/hr | $650 - $1,100/day | Moderate | View Assignments → |
| Psychiatry | $190 - $250/hr | $500 - $900/day | High | View Assignments → |
| Infectious Disease | $190 - $250/hr | $500 - $900/day | Moderate | View Assignments → |
| Rheumatology | $185 - $240/hr | $500 - $850/day | Moderate | View Assignments → |
| Endocrinology | $180 - $235/hr | $450 - $800/day | Moderate | View Assignments → |
| Pathology | $180 - $240/hr | N/A | Moderate | View Assignments → |
| Hospitalist | $175 - $225/hr | $400 - $800/day | Critical | View Assignments → |
| Physical Medicine & Rehab | $175 - $230/hr | $400 - $750/day | Moderate | View Assignments → |
| Internal Medicine | $165 - $215/hr | $400 - $700/day | Critical | View Assignments → |
| Pediatrics | $160 - $210/hr | $450 - $800/day | Moderate | View Assignments → |
| Family Medicine | $155 - $205/hr | $350 - $650/day | Critical | View Assignments → |
| Urgent Care | $150 - $195/hr | Shift Included | High | View Assignments → |
Complete Locum Compensation Package
💰 Weekly Direct Deposit
Guaranteed weekly pay via direct deposit with detailed time tracking.
✈️ Paid Travel & Housing
Private housing, first-class/business flight booking, and rental cars included.
🛡️ Full Malpractice Coverage
A++ rated claims-made policy with guaranteed retroactive tail coverage.
📋 1099 Tax Advantages
Maximize write-offs through solo 401(k)s, S-Corp entities, and travel deductions.
1099 vs W-2: The Locum Advantage
Financial Comparison
- Example Gross Pay$422,400 ($220/hr × 40hrs × 48wks)
- Solo 401(k) ContributionUp to $69,000/yr (2024 limit)
- S-Corp QBI Deduction20% of qualified business income
- Travel DeductionsFlights, hotels, meals, mileage (57.5¢/mi)
- Home Office & Pro CostsCME, medical licenses, journals
- Effective Tax Rate1099: 22-28% vs W-2: 35-42%
- Net After-Tax Advantage+$40,000 - $80,000/yr
Working as a 1099 independent contractor provides unparalleled tax advantages and financial flexibility compared to standard W-2 employment. By incorporating as an S-Corp or LLC, locum physicians can drastically reduce their effective tax rate and increase take-home pay.
Combined with significantly higher average hourly rates, the net financial benefit for full-time locum tenens providers often exceeds their fully employed counterparts by a wide margin, giving you faster paths to financial independence and debt elimination.
Regional Rate Modifiers
Southwest (AZ, NM, NV)
+10-18%
Above national baseline due to acute physician shortages and rapid population growth.
Southeast (FL, GA, TN)
+8-15%
Elevated call pay premiums and rural stipends in high-demand non-metro areas.
Midwest (IA, ND, SD, WY)
+15-25%
Highest modifiers often found here for rural and critical access hospital assignments.
Northeast (NY, MA, CT)
Competitive Base
High cost of living offset by premium private housing and comprehensive travel coverage.
Pacific NW (OR, WA, AK)
+20-35%
Substantial Alaskan hardship premiums and rural access bonuses for remote facilities.
California
Variable
MICRA tort reform yields lower malpractice costs, though licensing processes are complex.
Beyond the Hourly Rate
What Falcon Locum includes in your comprehensive compensation package at no cost to you.
Malpractice Insurance
A++ rated coverage with $1M/$3M occurrence/aggregate limits, plus guaranteed tail coverage.
Premium Housing
Private furnished accommodations or a flexible $150-$250/night lodging stipend.
Travel Logistics
Business/first class flights for assignments >400 miles, plus a provided rental car.
Licensing & Credentialing
We cover 100% of state board fees, DEA registration costs, and FCVS profile management.
CME Stipend
$3,500/year Continuing Medical Education stipend available for active, full-time locum providers.
Mileage Reimbursement
IRS standard rate mileage reimbursement for local travel and commuting expenses.