In an era of shifting healthcare demands, locum tenens has emerged as more than a stopgap—it’s a strategic career choice. For thousands of physicians across the U.S., temporary clinical assignments offer a path to professional renewal, financial stability, and personal freedom.
But what drives this shift from traditional employment to locum work?
The Numbers Behind the Movement
The locum tenens workforce is growing steadily.
- Over 90% of hospitals used locum tenens physicians in the past year to fill staffing gaps and maintain patient access.
- More than 50,000 physicians now work locum assignments annually, spanning specialties from emergency medicine to psychiatry.
- 72% of locum physicians report improved work-life balance compared to full-time roles.
These numbers reflect a broader trend: clinicians are reevaluating what it means to practice medicine on their own terms.
Top Reasons Physicians Choose Locum Tenens
1. Autonomy and Flexibility
Locum tenens allows physicians to control their schedules, choose their locations, and take breaks between assignments. This flexibility is especially appealing to:
- Early-career physicians exploring different practice settings
- Mid-career professionals seeking relief from burnout
- Retiring clinicians who want to stay active without full-time commitment
2. Financial Opportunity
Locum tenens pay is often higher than salaried positions, especially in high-demand specialties. For example:
- Hospitalists may earn $150–$200/hour
- Anesthesiologists can command $175–$250/hour
- Psychiatrists frequently earn $200–$300/hour
With travel stipends, housing, and malpractice coverage often included, locum work can be financially advantageous—particularly for those managing student debt or saving for retirement.
3. Reduced Administrative Burden
Many physicians cite relief from bureaucracy as a key motivator. Locum tenens roles typically involve:
- Minimal involvement in billing and coding
- Fewer meetings and administrative tasks
- Focused clinical care without long-term management responsibilities
This streamlined experience allows clinicians to reconnect with the core of their practice: patient care.
4. Exploration and Adventure
Locum tenens opens doors to diverse practice environments—from rural hospitals to urban trauma centers. Physicians can:
- Experience different EMRs, workflows, and team dynamics
- Serve underserved communities
- Travel across states
For many, this variety reignites professional curiosity and personal growth.
5. Bridge to Career Transitions
Locum work is ideal for physicians in flux:
- Between jobs or relocating
- Pursuing further education or certifications
- Testing new specialties or practice models
It offers a low-risk way to explore options without long-term commitment.
Voices from the Field
68% of locum tenens physicians said their assignments helped them avoid burnout. One respondent noted, “Locum work gave me the space to breathe, recalibrate, and fall in love with medicine again.”
That sentiment is echoed across specialties—locum tenens isn’t just a gig; it’s a lifeline.
Final Thought: Locum Tenens as a Strategic Choice
Physicians choose locum tenens not because they’re uncertain—but because they’re intentional. Whether seeking autonomy, financial strength, or a renewed sense of purpose, locum work offers a flexible, fulfilling path forward.
As healthcare continues to evolve, so too will the ways clinicians define success. Locum tenens is leading that transformation—one assignment at a time.