Locum tenens physicians continue to play a critical role in keeping healthcare facilities staffed and patient care uninterrupted. Based on the latest data, 2025 is shaping up to be another strong year for locum compensation, with overall pay trending upward across most specialties. Demand remains particularly high for certain fields, reflecting both workforce shortages and the growing reliance on flexible staffing models.
Whether you’re considering short-term coverage or longer-term contracts, locum tenens work offers competitive pay, flexible schedules, and the opportunity to practice in various settings.
Anesthesiology
Pay for locum anesthesiologists has climbed from $275-$325 per hour in 2024 to $300-$400 in 2025, reflecting continued strong demand. Most assignments average 20 days, with a Monday through Friday, 7am-4pm schedule. Assignment opportunities are especially plentiful in the Midwest, which accounts for nearly one-third of openings, followed by the East. Nationwide, demand for locum anesthesiologists remains high, giving anesthesiologists broad flexibility in choosing where to practice.
Cardiology
Locum cardiologists are earning between $250-$350 per hour in 2025, compared with $275-$300 last year. Work schedules vary, including options for Monday-Friday (8am-5pm) and 7 on/7 off. Assignment length also varies depending on subspecialty. Shorter, 7- to 8-day contracts are standard for invasive cardiology, while noninvasive roles may extend from three months to a year. Demand is high across the country, with the strongest concentration of opportunities in the West and Southeast, each accounting for about a quarter of all openings.
Emergency Medicine
Compensation for locum emergency medicine physicians has risen from $125-$300 per hour in 2024 to $200-$325 per hour in 2025. Coverage is structured around 12- or 24-hour shifts, with physicians typically working anywhere from 4-12 shifts per month, and assignments can extend up to 6 months or longer. Demand for emergency medicine physicians is consistently high, with the Southeast and Midwest representing more than half of currently available positions.
Family Medicine
Locum family medicine physicians are earning $120-$145 per hour in 2025, up slightly from $115-$140 last year. Most contracts last 2-6 months and follow a traditional Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm clinic schedule, though some positions include call coverage. Demand for family medicine is high, with the Southwest in especially high need—the region accounts for more than a third of current openings and offers a wealth of opportunities for those open to the region.
Internal Medicine
Locum internal medicine physicians are seeing a pay bump in 2025 to $120-$145 per hour, compared with $100-$140 the year prior. Assignments average about 60 days, typically running on a Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm schedule, with little to no call required. Demand remains high nationwide, but the West leads the way, accounting for one-third of current opportunities.
Medical Oncology
With demand for cancer care continuing to rise, locum medical oncologists remain in a strong position in 2025. Current pay ranges from $375-$500 per hour, compared with $410-$475 last year. Most assignments are relatively short, averaging about 18 days, and follow a steady Monday-Friday schedule. Opportunities are especially concentrated in the Midwest (31%), where facilities face ongoing needs for high-quality coverage.
Neurology
Hospitals and clinics continue to face challenges finding neurology coverage, keeping demand high for locum neurologists in 2025. Pay is steady at $200-$275 per hour, compared with $200-$280 in 2024. Assignments typically run 1-2 weeks per month, often structured around a Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm schedule, with some call responsibilities required. The Midwest accounts for more than one-third of current openings.
Obstetrics/Gynecology
Coverage needs in women’s health remain strong, keeping demand high for locum OB-GYNs in 2025. Current pay averages $150-$225 per hour, up slightly from $150-$200 in 2024. Assignments often run three to six months, though shorter shift-based and weekend opportunities are also common. Schedules typically include Monday-Friday clinic hours, paired with a 1:3 call rotation. The Midwest currently has the highest demand, representing nearly 30% of all available locum OB-GYN assignments.
Orthopedic Surgery
Locum orthopedic surgeons are seeing higher compensation in 2025, averaging $200-$240 per hour compared with $150-$210 in 2024. Assignments are commonly structured as 7-day stretches that combine clinic duties, surgical cases, and call coverage. Most contracts last 1-3 months, though longer engagements are not unusual. Demand is moderate overall but strongest in the Midwest, which accounts for a third of available openings.
Pediatrics
Demand for pediatric coverage remains strong in 2025, with locum pediatricians earning $105-$130 per hour, up slightly from $100-$120 in 2024. Assignments typically average about 20 days, though the length can vary widely depending on facility needs. Most positions follow a Monday-Friday clinic schedule, with periodic call responsibilities included. Opportunities are concentrated in the East and West, representing just over half of current openings.
Psychiatry
Opportunities for locum psychiatrists remain abundant in 2025, with hourly pay ranging from $185-$220, up slightly from $180-$210 in 2024. Assignments usually span 6-12 months and follow a Monday-Friday schedule of 8 am- 5 pm. Demand is particularly strong in the East, which accounts for 43% of current openings.
Urology
Locum urologists remain in high demand in 2025, even as hourly pay adjusts slightly to $220-$275 from $200-$290 in 2024. Assignments typically last 1-6 months, offering flexibility for those seeking short- or medium-term contracts. The Midwest accounts for 43% of current openings, making it the region with the strongest demand, though opportunities are available nationwide.
The demand for locum tenens physicians remains strong, and overall pay continues to rise. High-demand specialties, in particular, offer competitive compensation and a range of scheduling options, from short-term coverage to longer engagements.
For a comprehensive view of locum tenens pay trends across specialties, visit Locum Story’s 2025 Trends. Whether you’re exploring locums work for the first time or looking to expand your experience, these insights can help you find the right assignments and make the most of the growing opportunities in locum tenens.
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