If you are a physician assistant/associate (PA) curious about what life looks like beyond the 9-to-5 clinic or hospital routine, you have probably come across the term “locum tenens.” Maybe a classmate mentioned it in PA school, or you have heard about friends traveling the country while still practicing medicine. Either way, locum tenens physician assistant jobs are worth a closer look, especially if you crave flexibility, better pay, or something new.
In this guide, we will break down everything you need to know about being a locum tenens PA and how it could transform your career and lifestyle.
What is a locum tenens physician assistant?
The term “locum tenens” is Latin for “to hold the place of.” In practice, locum tenens PAs temporarily fill in at hospitals, clinics, or practices that need extra help, whether that’s covering for someone on leave or stepping in during staffing shortages.
You can choose from assignments that last anywhere from a weekend to a year (or longer). Some PAs pursue locums full time, while others use it to supplement their income or test out new locations and specialties.
Why PAs choose locum tenens work
1. Better work-life balance
Burnout is real. A not-very-flexible schedule, long hours, and heavy patient loads can lead to emotional and physical exhaustion for many PAs. Locum tenens gives you more control over your schedule so you can have time to breathe.
“I can take a little more time off and have a little more time for me,” says cardiovascular surgery PA Terry Rand. “That’s the benefit of doing locums. You are able to take the time off.”
Whether you are looking to plan around a family vacation, take a sabbatical between assignments, or work on your terms, locums offers unmatched flexibility.
2. Higher compensation
Let’s talk about money. One of the biggest draws to this line of work is the locum tenens PA salary, which is often higher than in permanent positions.
“Locums has afforded me a lot,” says PA Diem Dang, a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon. “It gives me a bigger income, it allows me to invest and save. I don’t want to have to work until I’m 65. Doing this, I don’t have to.”
Hospitals and clinics are often willing to pay a premium for temporary help, especially when the need is urgent or the location is remote. “They will continue to pay that premium as long as you perform your duties very well,” adds PA Lauren Whitley, who specializes in cardiothoracic surgery.
3. Clinical variety
Working across different healthcare settings means you will constantly learn and adapt. It’s a fast-track way to expand your clinical skills and grow professionally. From rural critical access hospitals to busy urban clinics, you will gain exposure that few permanent roles can offer.
“If you are a person who’s comfortable going out and trying new things and being open to accepting different ways of doing things, that’s the biggest thing with locums,” says Rand. “You have to be able to accept a different way of doing things.”
4. Geographic freedom
Whether you want to stay close to home or see a new part of the country, locum tenens can take you there. Some PAs see it as a way to live like a local.
“To me, it’s more than just a travel gig,” says PA Catie Hauck, cardiovascular/cardiothoracic surgery. “I get to see and do more than I would just traveling for vacation reasons. I get to really explore the areas and do more than just the touristy things. I get to hike the hikes the locals know or try the little dive bars that the locals know.”
Plus, it gives you the ability to take time off between assignments for personal travel.
5. Networking and community
Despite the temporary nature of locum tenens work, it’s also a great way to build long-term professional relationships.
“You never know who you are going to meet, who knows the person that you actually work with. I’m really good friends with all the nurse practitioners I work with here. We’ve built a friendship in just the amount of months I’ve been here,” says Stacy Hicks, who specializes in neurosurgery.
How locum tenens PA jobs work
Using a locums agency vs. going solo
While it’s possible to arrange locum tenens work on your own, most PAs use a staffing agency. Why? In short, because it makes everything easier.
A good recruiter can help match you with assignments that align with your preferred location, timing, and specialty. From credentialing to housing and travel logistics, agencies like CompHealth and Weatherby Healthcare handle the heavy lifting, especially when it comes to administrative tasks.
“The longer you do it, the paperwork becomes thicker and thicker. The more licensing you have, the longer it takes to background check,” says Hauck. For instance, Hauck pursued locum tenens physician assistant jobs in Tennessee, Oregon, North Carolina, New Mexico, and soon Montana, which requires her to hold multiple state licenses.
"They've made working locums as easy as possible," Hauck says.
As an extra bonus, your recruiter can also be your advocate, problem solver, and sounding board.
Don’t go it alone: 7 reasons to work with a locum tenens agency
How do locum PAs get paid for locum tenens work?
Most locum tenens PAs are paid hourly. Depending on your agency, you may be classified as an independent contractor (1099) or a W-2 employee. Always clarify which structure applies before accepting an assignment.
- 1099 contractors: You are responsible for your taxes, benefits, and retirement planning.
- W-2 employees: Some agencies offer full benefits, including health insurance and 401(k) matching. For example, CompHealth offers PAs a very comprehensive benefits package.
Most locums agencies also cover malpractice insurance, credentialing, licensing, and more.
Travel, housing, and other perks
In most cases, your travel and housing costs are fully covered or reimbursed by the agency. That means furnished housing, utilities, and transportation are handled for you. For many PAs, this removes one of the biggest headaches of working temporary jobs on the road.
Tips for choosing a locum tenens agency and recruiter as a PA
Knowing what to look for when choosing a locum tenens agency or recruiter is important. First, make sure the agency has experience working with physician assistants specifically. Some focus more on physicians or nurse practitioners and may not fully understand the ins and outs of PA licensing and credentialing.
Clear communication is also key. A good recruiter will take the time to understand your preferences, listen to your concerns, and act as your advocate throughout the process. Transparency matters, too. Before signing a contract, you should have a clear understanding of your compensation, taxes, licensing fees, and expense reimbursement.
Finally, consider the level of support offered. If something goes wrong, like a housing issue, you want a recruiter who will be responsive and help resolve it quickly. That kind of backup can make all the difference in your locum experience.
Dig deeper: Explore our locums 101 crash course
Is locum tenens right for you?
Locum tenens isn’t just for one type of PA. Locums might be the next path to explore if you are:
- A recent graduate eager to gain experience
- Burned out and seeking a career reset
- Craving variety and travel
- Are a seasoned PA looking for more control over your schedule
“My advice is if you are thinking about it, try it,” says emergency medicine physician assistant Cara Bosco. “You can always say, ‘No, I didn’t like it.’ It’s afforded me the ability to do everything I’ve wanted to do in my life. It’s been fantastic.”
Plus, it’s a great way to “test drive” new jobs or regions. “One of the best things about locums is it’s almost like driving a car,” says Stacy Hicks. “You get that trial run; you get to test drive it first. Because you never know, it could be the assignment that leads you to your new job.”
Set yourself up for success as a locum tenens PA
Understanding locum tenens is the first step. The next is giving it a try. Whether you dip a toe in with a weekend shift or jump into a full-time travel gig, locum tenens PA jobs offer real opportunities for personal and professional growth.
You already have the skills. Locums gives you the flexibility to use them—on your terms.