Choosing between locum tenens and full-time healthcare jobs depends on your priorities: flexibility, income, stability, or benefits. Locum tenens offers higher pay and freedom to set your schedule, while full-time roles provide steady income, comprehensive benefits, and job security. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Locum Tenens Pros
- Earn 30%-50% more per hour.
- Flexible scheduling to fit your lifestyle.
- Focus on patient care with less paperwork.
- Work in diverse locations and settings.
- Opportunities for professional growth and varied experience.
Locum Tenens Cons
- Unpredictable income and no guaranteed work.
- No employer-provided benefits (health insurance, retirement).
- Tax and credentialing complexities.
- Lack of long-term job security.
Full-Time Job Pros
- Stable income with benefits like health insurance and retirement plans.
- Paid time off and career growth opportunities.
- Simplified taxes and employer-covered malpractice insurance.
- Consistent team environment and job security.
Full-Time Job Cons
- Rigid schedules and limited flexibility.
- Administrative burdens and risk of burnout.
- Geographic limitations and slower income growth.
- Less variety in clinical experience.
Quick Comparison Table:
| Criteria | Locum Tenens | Full-Time Job |
|---|---|---|
| Pay | Higher hourly rates | Stable salary |
| Benefits | Self-managed | Employer-provided |
| Flexibility | High | Low |
| Job Security | Low | High |
| Administrative Work | Minimal | Significant |
| Work Variety | High | Low |
Choosing the right path depends on your career stage, financial goals, and lifestyle preferences. Both options have their trade-offs, so weigh what matters most to you.
Is Locum Tenens WORTH It? ER Doctor Explains
What is Locum Tenens Work?
The term "locum tenens" comes from Latin and means "to hold the place of." In healthcare, it refers to temporary assignments where medical professionals step in to fill staffing gaps at various facilities. These assignments can last anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on the facility’s needs [2].
Unlike traditional full-time roles, locum tenens professionals work as independent contractors rather than employees [1]. Allison Riley explains it well:
"Locum tenens providers work at healthcare facilities on a part-time or temporary basis to help fill gaps in coverage." [1]
These roles span nearly every medical specialty, including positions for physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and dentists [6]. Assignments are available in a wide range of settings, from hospitals and private practices to urgent care centers and even correctional facilities [7]. This variety offers both professional and financial opportunities, which we’ll explore further.
The locum tenens industry is growing fast, with a 17% rise in 2023 [7]. Data shows that 46% of physicians take on locum tenens work to supplement their income, while 29% are drawn to its competitive pay structure. Additionally, 81% of providers view locum work positively, and 90% of those with experience in the field plan to continue [5].
Here’s a closer look at the key benefits that make locum tenens work appealing.
9 Pros of Locum Tenens Work
- Higher Earning Potential: Locum tenens assignments often pay 30% to 50% more than permanent positions, with some high-demand specialties earning even more. Here’s a snapshot of hourly rates for select specialties:
| Specialty | Hourly Rate | |————————–|—————-| | Anesthesiology | $275 – $325 | | Cardiology, invasive | $325 – $375 | | Cardiology, noninvasive | $275 – $300 | | Family medicine | $90 – $125 | | Psychiatry | $180 – $210 | | Pulmonary critical care | $225 – $250 |
- Flexibility: Locum tenens professionals have the freedom to control their schedules, which means they can avoid working on holidays or take time off for personal or professional pursuits.
- Reduced Administrative Burden: These roles typically involve less paperwork and fewer meetings, allowing providers to focus more on patient care.
- Geographic Freedom: Locum tenens work offers the chance to practice in different locations without the need to commit to a permanent move.
- Diverse Clinical Experience: Rotating through various settings exposes providers to different medical practices and patient populations, helping them expand their clinical skills.
- Professional Development: Adapting to new environments and teams helps develop strong communication and adaptability skills.
- Improved Work-Life Balance: Many locum tenens professionals report better balance between work and personal life. As Dr. Jenny Underwood puts it:
"I honestly think the kids like it better because they know it’s seven days and when I come back, I’m all theirs… You’d be really surprised how refreshing it is to be able to walk away from a job knowing that all the paperwork is done, all the calls are done. Now when I leave, I just get to focus on my family." [3]
- Networking Opportunities: Working with different healthcare teams and organizations can expand professional connections and lead to future opportunities.
- Career Transition Support: Whether you’re a new graduate, nearing retirement, or between permanent positions, locum tenens work can be a great transitional option [1][6].
5 Cons of Locum Tenens Work
- Income Unpredictability: Earnings can vary based on the availability and length of assignments, unlike salaried positions that offer steady pay [1][2].
- Limited Benefits: As independent contractors, locum providers are responsible for securing their own health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits typically provided in full-time roles [3].
- Tax Complexity: Managing taxes independently can be challenging. Locum providers must handle their own withholdings, quarterly payments, and deductions for business expenses.
- Credentialing Challenges: Each new facility usually requires a separate credentialing process, which can be time-consuming and may delay the start of assignments.
- Lack of Job Security: Since there’s no guarantee of future work, periods of inconsistent assignment availability can be a concern.
While locum tenens work offers a range of benefits, it also comes with challenges. Whether it’s the flexibility or the potential for unpredictable income, this career path requires careful consideration of your goals and lifestyle needs.
What is Full-Time Healthcare Employment?
Full-time healthcare employment refers to permanent positions with set schedules, typically requiring 40 or more hours per week at a single location.
These roles come with W-2 forms, where taxes are withheld by the employer, and they often include a range of benefits. This setup provides a stable and predictable work environment, complete with clear reporting structures and defined opportunities for career growth.
In 2022, full-time physicians averaged 47.9 working hours per week[9]. Meanwhile, the median annual wage for healthcare practitioners hit $83,090 in May 2024, while healthcare support roles earned a median of $37,180 during the same period[8].
Full-time positions offer consistent pay and benefits, but they also come with fixed schedules and administrative responsibilities, which can sometimes cut into patient care time. Below, we explore the key advantages and drawbacks of full-time healthcare jobs.
10 Pros of Full-Time Healthcare Jobs
- Comprehensive Benefits Package
Full-time healthcare roles often include health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as retirement plans. For example, 72% of private-sector workers and 92% of state and local government employees have access to retirement benefits. Additionally, 62% of U.S. workers receive life insurance through their jobs, with 98% of eligible employees taking advantage of this benefit[10]. - Steady, Predictable Income
These positions guarantee regular paychecks and may include incentives tied to quality and productivity[2]. - Paid Time Off
Employees earn vacation days, sick leave, and holiday pay. While these benefits require planning and depend on staffing and seniority, they ensure paid time away from work[2]. - Career Growth Opportunities
Remaining with a single organization can open doors to promotions, leadership roles, or even partnerships[2]. - Job Security
Permanent contracts provide a safeguard against sudden job loss, offering a more predictable employment outlook compared to short-term work. - Simplified Tax Process
Employers handle tax withholding and provide W-2 forms, sparing employees the hassle of quarterly tax payments or self-employment tax calculations[2]. - Malpractice Insurance
Many full-time roles include malpractice insurance as part of the benefits, though some costs may still fall on the employee[2]. - Support for Professional Development
Employers often cover continuing education, conference attendance, and skill-building programs for permanent staff. - Team Integration
Working consistently with the same team fosters stronger professional relationships and more effective collaboration over time. - Relocation Assistance
Some employers help with relocation expenses for new hires, though these benefits may come with a required time commitment[2].
10 Cons of Full-Time Healthcare Jobs
- Rigid Schedules
Full-time roles often come with fixed shifts, leaving little room for flexibility or control over daily work hours[2]. - Administrative Workload
Administrative tasks can take up a significant portion of the workday. For instance, physicians spend about 45% of their time using electronic health record (EHR) software[11]. - Burnout Risk
In 2023, nearly half of healthcare workers (49.9%) reported burnout, and 60% planned to leave their jobs within five years[11]. - Geographic Limitations
Full-time positions often tie professionals to a specific location, limiting opportunities to explore diverse practice settings without major career shifts. - Long-Term Contracts
Extended contracts can feel restrictive if the position doesn’t align with personal or professional goals[2]. - Organizational Challenges
Navigating complex internal policies and protocols can sometimes impact job satisfaction. - Limited Networking
Staying in one location may reduce opportunities to build a diverse professional network compared to roles that involve multiple assignments. - Gradual Income Growth
While pay is stable, raises are typically incremental and may not match the higher rates available in temporary or locum tenens positions. - Planned Time Off
Vacation and leave often require advance planning and approval, making spontaneous breaks difficult[2]. - Reduced Variety
Working in the same setting might limit exposure to different patient populations, practices, or treatment methods, which could enhance clinical skills.
The healthcare field continues to evolve, with a projected 13% growth from 2021 to 2031[11]. However, challenges like staffing shortages and the growing role of technology are reshaping traditional full-time roles. As Stephanie Davis puts it:
"Working in healthcare has many benefits: It’s an in-demand field… and the work can be rewarding as you make a meaningful difference in the lives of your patients and their families."[11]
Weighing the pros and cons can help healthcare professionals make informed decisions about their career paths, whether they prefer the stability of full-time employment or are exploring alternatives like locum tenens work.
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How to Choose Between Locum Tenens and Full-Time Work
Deciding between locum tenens and full-time healthcare employment is a personal choice that depends on your unique circumstances, career aspirations, and financial situation. There’s no universal answer – what works for one professional may not work for another.
Let’s start with financial considerations, which often play a big role in this decision. Locum tenens professionals typically earn about $32.45 more per hour compared to their full-time counterparts [3]. Daily pay can range from several hundred dollars to over $2,000, with primary care locum assignments generally offering $90 to $100 per hour [13]. For full-time positions, primary care salaries usually fall between $180,000 and $200,000 annually. Jeff Decker from AMN Healthcare highlights the earning potential of locum tenens:
"A primary care physician working as a locum tenens full-time can easily generate $180,000-$200,000 a year in income, and with overtime shifts, they can earn considerably more." [13]
However, higher hourly rates in locum tenens come with responsibilities. You’ll need to handle your own taxes, benefits, and business expenses. This includes quarterly estimated tax payments, self-employment tax filings, and securing personal health insurance and retirement plans. On the other hand, full-time roles generally offer structured benefits like health insurance and retirement savings, which can simplify financial planning.
Your career stage is another key factor. Data shows that 48% of locum tenens physicians are 61 or older, with three-quarters aged 51 or above, and 65% have been practicing for at least 21 years [14]. For those early in their careers, full-time roles often provide stability, opportunities for growth, and the chance to build lasting professional relationships.
Specialty also matters when choosing a work model. Specialty considerations show that fields like emergency medicine and anesthesiology align well with locum tenens due to their shift-based schedules and standardized protocols [4]. On the flip side, specialties that require ongoing patient relationships or intricate care coordination might be better suited to full-time positions.
Your lifestyle preferences should also weigh heavily in your decision. A 2024 survey revealed that 86% of locum tenens physicians cited better scheduling, and 80% reported reduced burnout as reasons for choosing this path [15]. Locum tenens offers flexibility, allowing you to balance personal and professional interests. Dermatologist Dr. Carrie Cera Hill shares how this model helped her achieve her goals:
"I was able to build the business I wanted, earn the extra income I needed to do it, and still be home with my husband and children every night." [3]
Geographic flexibility is another advantage of locum tenens. It allows you to work in various locations, experience different healthcare systems, and even explore new places. Full-time roles, however, often tie you to one area, which can foster a deeper connection to your community.
There’s also the matter of administrative burden. While locum tenens positions reduce day-to-day administrative responsibilities, they require you to manage your own business operations [12].
Risk tolerance is worth considering, too. Full-time roles provide steady income and job security, while locum tenens positions offer higher earning potential but with income variability. Self-employed physicians might earn about 10% more [3], but they also need to navigate irregular cash flows.
Lastly, think about family considerations. If you rely on employer-provided benefits or need a predictable schedule for childcare, a full-time position might be the better choice. On the other hand, if you want more control over your schedule to attend family events or pursue personal interests, locum tenens could be a better fit.
Before making a decision, take stock of your ability to manage taxes, benefits, and other business logistics. Many healthcare professionals find success by transitioning between these paths or even combining them at different points in their careers to balance the advantages and challenges.
How The Provider Finder Supports Your Career Goals
Whether you’re aiming for locum tenens roles or a full-time position, The Provider Finder makes your career search easier. This platform connects healthcare professionals – including physicians, advanced practice providers, and ancillary medical staff – with healthcare organizations looking for talent.
Finding a workplace that aligns with your values is key to long-term career happiness. That’s why The Provider Finder emphasizes more than just matching skills and qualifications. It focuses on aligning your core values with the work environment. As Nairouz Bader, CEO of Envision Partnership, puts it:
"Culture fit of a candidate is best described as the individual’s attitudes, values, and beliefs being in line with the core values of the client." [16]
This culture-first approach opens the door to a wider range of opportunities. The platform caters to both locum tenens and full-time roles. Temporary assignments give you the chance to experience different work environments and regions, allowing you to grow your skill set and make valuable professional connections.
On top of that, The Provider Finder uses an efficient online system to simplify the recruitment process. From searching for jobs to submitting applications and communicating with employers, everything is designed to match you with opportunities that align with both your current needs and long-term career goals.
Conclusion: Making the Right Career Choice
Choosing between locum tenens and full-time healthcare employment comes down to what matters most to you and where you are in your career. It’s a decision that should align with your personal goals and professional aspirations.
Locum tenens roles often come with higher hourly pay, making them attractive for those seeking immediate financial rewards. On the other hand, full-time positions provide consistent paychecks and comprehensive benefits, including health insurance and retirement plans – key factors for long-term financial stability. This financial trade-off is just one piece of the puzzle.
Work-life balance is another critical consideration. As Dr. Jenny Underwood, an OB/GYN, explains:
"I honestly think the kids like it better because they know it’s seven days and when I come back, I’m all theirs… You’d be really surprised how refreshing it is to be able to walk away from a job knowing that all the paperwork is done, all the calls are done. Now when I leave, I just get to focus on my family." [3]
This kind of flexibility is a big draw for many healthcare professionals. However, others find fulfillment in the stability, camaraderie, and sense of community that full-time roles offer.
Where you are in your career also plays a role. New graduates might find locum tenens work an excellent way to explore different practice settings and gain diverse experience. Mid-career physicians could use locum assignments to supplement their income or test out potential career shifts. Meanwhile, late-career professionals may appreciate the ability to scale back while keeping their clinical skills sharp.
When weighing your options, think about what matters most to you: flexibility, income stability, administrative workload, and opportunities for growth. If you’re considering locum tenens work, consulting with a CPA or financial advisor can help you navigate tax implications. And don’t overlook the importance of long-term professional relationships and institutional advancement if those are priorities for you.
To make this process easier, tools like The Provider Finder can help you evaluate your options. Whether you’re drawn to the adaptability of locum assignments or the security of permanent roles, this platform focuses on aligning opportunities with your skills, values, and career goals.
Ultimately, both paths are essential to the healthcare system. The right choice is the one that allows you to serve patients effectively while achieving your personal and professional goals.
FAQs
What should I consider when choosing between locum tenens and full-time healthcare jobs?
Deciding between locum tenens and full-time healthcare employment comes down to what matters most to you and your career goals. If flexibility is a top priority, locum tenens might be the better fit. These roles let you pick your schedule and location, giving you more control over your work-life balance. On the flip side, full-time positions offer stability, with steady income, benefits like health insurance and retirement plans, and paid time off.
Another key factor to weigh is income potential. Locum tenens roles often come with higher hourly rates, but full-time jobs provide more consistent earnings and greater job security. Lastly, think about where you see your career heading. Locum tenens work can expose you to a variety of experiences and help you build a broader skill set. Meanwhile, full-time positions often pave the way for long-term growth and advancement within a single organization.
How does working locum tenens impact work-life balance compared to a full-time job?
Locum tenens work provides more flexibility compared to traditional full-time roles, making it a great option for those seeking better control over their work-life balance. With this approach, you can pick assignments that suit your preferences, set your own hours, and even take time off between contracts. This level of control helps healthcare professionals align their careers with personal goals, easing stress and supporting overall well-being.
On the other hand, full-time positions typically come with fixed schedules and long-term obligations. While they offer the advantage of stability, they can make it more challenging to adjust your work hours to accommodate life’s shifting priorities.
What are the key tax and financial differences between working as a locum tenens provider and a full-time employee?
Locum tenens providers are typically classified as independent contractors. This means they’re responsible for managing their own taxes, including federal, state, and self-employment taxes, which are often paid on a quarterly basis. In contrast, full-time employees have taxes automatically deducted from their paychecks and usually enjoy employer-provided benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. One advantage for locum tenens providers, though, is the potential to claim tax deductions for work-related expenses like travel and housing – benefits that full-time employees don’t usually receive.
From a financial perspective, locum tenens roles often come with higher hourly pay but lack the stability and perks of full-time employment. Providers in these positions need to budget carefully for any downtime between assignments and take charge of their own retirement planning since employer-sponsored plans aren’t part of the package. On the other hand, full-time employees benefit from a steady paycheck and employer-supported financial perks, making it easier to manage their finances.
