Why Specialty Choice Matters in Locum Tenens
When it comes to locum tenens work, choosing the right specialty is key to building a fulfilling and financially rewarding career. As healthcare needs continue to evolve, the demand for locum providers in certain specialties has never been higher. A variety of factors, including workforce shortages, pay trends, and the flexibility that locum tenens offers, shape the most sought-after roles in 2025.
This guide explores the top specialties for locum tenens providers, offering insights into demand drivers, earning potential, and lifestyle considerations to help you make an informed decision about your career.
Table of Contents
1. Family Medicine / Internal Medicine / Hospitalists
What’s Driving Demand?
With a projected shortage of about 48,000 family medicine doctors by 2033, the need for these clinicians is rapidly growing. Family medicine and internal medicine also offer flexibility, serving both urban and rural communities.
Pay Trends
Locum family medicine providers can earn $100 to $150 per hour, while hospitalists may earn up to $200 per hour, depending on the location.
Lifestyle Pros/Cons
Pros: Flexibility in work settings, including outpatient clinics and hospitals. Ideal for clinicians who enjoy building long-term relationships with patients.
Cons: Potentially heavy patient volumes and on-call responsibilities, especially in hospitalist roles.
2. Anesthesiology & CRNA
What’s Driving Demand?
The US is expected to face a shortage of 12,500 anesthesiologists by 2033, creating a massive gap in staffing. Nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) are also in high demand, especially in outpatient surgical centers and rural hospitals.
Pay Trends
Anesthesiologists and CRNAs remain some of the highest-paid locum tenens providers. CRNAs can earn $150 to $200 per hour, while anesthesiologists can command rates of up to $400 per hour in specific settings.
Lifestyle Pros/Cons
Pros: High pay, variety in work settings (OR, ED, outpatient), and flexible schedules.
Cons: Stressful work environments, particularly during high-volume surgical periods or emergencies.
3. Emergency Medicine / Urgent Care
What’s Driving Demand?
Emergency medicine remains a critical area of need, with US emergency departments experiencing over 150 million visits annually. Additionally, urgent care centers are growing, particularly in areas with limited access to healthcare.
Pay Trends
Emergency medicine locum tenens providers can expect to earn $160 to $245 per hour, with urgent care roles ranging from $120 to $180 per hour.
Lifestyle Pros/Cons
Pros: Fast-paced environment with the flexibility to choose shifts and assignments that fit your lifestyle. Perfect for those who enjoy variety and quick decision-making.
Cons: High-pressure work, long shifts, and the potential for burnout in busy ED or urgent care centers.
4. OB/GYN
What’s Driving Demand?
OB/GYNs are in high demand, particularly in underserved regions where access to care is limited. Both hospital-based deliveries and outpatient gynecological services drive the demand for obstetricians.
Pay Trends
OB/GYN locum tenens providers can earn between $150 to $250 per hour, with rural or underserved regions offering higher pay to attract clinicians.
Lifestyle Pros/Cons
Pros: High demand for locum OB/GYNs, offering flexibility in work settings. Great opportunity to balance hospital work with outpatient gynecology.
Cons: On-call duties, high patient volume, and the emotional challenges that come with delivering care in labor and delivery.
5. Psychiatry / Behavioral Health
What’s Driving Demand?
With a projected 20% drop in the number of psychiatrists by 2030, the demand for mental health professionals is on the rise. The expansion of telepsychiatry further fuels the need for locum psychiatrists, especially in rural areas.
Pay Trends
Psychiatrists can expect to earn between $145 and $180 per hour for locum roles, with telepsychiatry positions offering competitive rates.
Lifestyle Pros/Cons
Pros: Flexibility, especially for telepsychiatry roles. Ability to work in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
Cons: Emotional demands when treating patients with severe mental health conditions.
6. Gastroenterology
What’s Driving Demand?
The aging population and early retirements in the gastroenterology field are creating more opportunities for locum providers. Gastroenterologists are essential in both outpatient clinics and hospital settings.
Pay Trends
Locum gastroenterologists can earn $1,800 to $2,100 per day, often with additional benefits like travel stipends and housing allowances.
Lifestyle Pros/Cons
Pros: High earning potential, flexibility in work settings, and the opportunity to work in various locations.
Cons: Long procedure hours and high patient volumes may lead to burnout.
Salary & Market Trends
Locum tenens providers typically earn $30+ more per hour than permanent roles, with rising salaries in specialties like anesthesiology, psychiatry, and family medicine. Rural areas are especially lucrative, with some regions, like the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, offering higher pay rates due to local healthcare shortages.
Choosing the Right Specialty
Selecting the right specialty depends on your career goals and lifestyle preferences. Whether you’re seeking better work-life balance, higher income, or diverse practice settings, locum tenens offers plenty of opportunities.
Consider factors like certification requirements, travel logistics, and regional demand when choosing a specialty that aligns with your personal and professional aspirations.
Future Outlook: Trends to Watch
Physicians and clinicians across all specialties can benefit from locum tenens work, but demand and flexibility vary. For example, the AAMC predicts a shortage of 48,000 family medicine physicians by 2034.
The continued expansion of telehealth will offer additional flexibility, especially in psychiatry and urgent care.
The aging population will further increase the need for family medicine, while APPs will play an increasingly larger role in locum tenens, particularly in primary care and mental health.
Ready to Explore Locum Tenens Opportunities?
With growing demand across multiple specialties, now is the ideal time to consider locum tenens. Whether you’re after flexibility, higher pay, or diverse experiences, OnCall Solutions can help you find the right opportunity.
Search our job board or connect with a recruiter today!