The highest paying states for locum tenens physicians and advanced practice clinicians might not be the ones you’d expect.
While big cities often draw attention, some of the most lucrative opportunities are found in regions where hospitals face the most severe staffing challenges.Â
For clinicians open to flexibility, these assignments can mean stronger income, diverse practice settings, and a chance to serve communities where care is needed most. With that in mind, let’s examine the best states for locum tenens, where physicians and advanced practice clinicians can maximize both earnings and career opportunities.
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Best States for Locum Tenens Physicians & APPs
Specialty, experience, and staffing agency all play a role in compensation, but location may be the biggest driver. In 2025, ZipRecruiter estimates the national median salary for locum tenens physicians to be between $308,000 and $400,000. In certain states, earnings can exceed 130% of that range.
So, where do physicians and APPs see the greatest pay boost? According to LocumStory.com, these 10 states offer salaries well above the national median. The reason often comes down to demand. Rural regions, smaller hospital systems, and states with ongoing workforce shortages frequently raise compensation to attract and retain qualified clinicians.
| State | % Above National Median |
|---|---|
| Arkansas | 132% |
| Mississippi | 128% |
| Delaware | 127% |
| Colorado | 125% |
| West Virginia | 124% |
| Ohio | 122% |
| South Dakota | 119% |
| Michigan | 118% |
| Indiana | 118% |
| Tennessee | 116% |
While percentages indicate how far a state’s pay exceeds the national median, many physicians also want to know the actual dollar amounts. Looking at the states with the highest average annual salaries gives a clearer picture of where locum tenens work can be most financially rewarding.
Highest Locum Tenens Physician Salary by StateÂ
Pinning down salaries for locum tenens roles can be more complex than for full-time positions. Shifts vary, hours are nontraditional, and seasonal demand plays a role. Even so, average hourly and annual rates give physicians a reliable benchmark for 2025.
| State | Avg. hourly rate (range) | Weekly salary | Monthly salary | Annual salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $155 – $165 | $6,600 | $28,467 | $341,600 |
| Mississippi | $155 – $165 | $6,600 | $28,467 | $341,600 |
| Delaware | $150 – $160 | $6,400 | $27,467 | $329,600 |
| Arizona | $145 – $155 | $6,000 | $25,867 | $310,400 |
| New Mexico | $145 – $155 | $6,000 | $25,867 | $310,400 |
| Alabama | $140 – $150 | $5,800 | $25,067 | $300,800 |
| Colorado | $140 – $150 | $5,800 | $25,067 | $300,800 |
| Georgia | $140 – $150 | $5,800 | $25,067 | $300,800 |
| California | $135 – $145 | $5,600 | $24,067 | $289,600 |
| Idaho | $135 – $145 | $5,600 | $24,067 | $289,600 |
| Connecticut | $130 – $140 | $5,400 | $23,200 | $278,400 |
| Hawaii | $130 – $140 | $5,400 | $23,200 | $278,400 |
| Illinois | $130 – $140 | $5,400 | $23,200 | $278,400 |
| Louisiana | $130 – $140 | $5,400 | $23,200 | $278,400 |
| Maryland | $130 – $140 | $5,400 | $23,200 | $278,400 |
| Massachusetts | $130 – $140 | $5,400 | $23,200 | $278,400 |
| Nevada | $130 – $140 | $5,400 | $23,200 | $278,400 |
| New Jersey | $130 – $140 | $5,400 | $23,200 | $278,400 |
| New York | $130 – $140 | $5,400 | $23,200 | $278,400 |
| Ohio | $130 – $140 | $5,400 | $23,200 | $278,400 |
| Oregon | $130 – $140 | $5,400 | $23,200 | $278,400 |
| Pennsylvania | $130 – $140 | $5,400 | $23,200 | $278,400 |
| Texas | $130 – $140 | $5,400 | $23,200 | $278,400 |
| Virginia | $130 – $140 | $5,400 | $23,200 | $278,400 |
| Washington | $130 – $140 | $5,400 | $23,200 | $278,400 |
| Florida | $125 – $135 | $5,200 | $22,667 | $272,000 |
| Indiana | $125 – $135 | $5,200 | $22,667 | $272,000 |
| Iowa | $125 – $135 | $5,200 | $22,667 | $272,000 |
| Kansas | $125 – $135 | $5,200 | $22,667 | $272,000 |
| Kentucky | $125 – $135 | $5,200 | $22,667 | $272,000 |
| Michigan | $125 – $135 | $5,200 | $22,667 | $272,000 |
| Minnesota | $125 – $135 | $5,200 | $22,667 | $272,000 |
| Missouri | $125 – $135 | $5,200 | $22,667 | $272,000 |
| Nebraska | $125 – $135 | $5,200 | $22,667 | $272,000 |
| North Carolina | $125 – $135 | $5,200 | $22,667 | $272,000 |
| Oklahoma | $125 – $135 | $5,200 | $22,667 | $272,000 |
| South Carolina | $125 – $135 | $5,200 | $22,667 | $272,000 |
| Tennessee | $125 – $135 | $5,200 | $22,667 | $272,000 |
| Wisconsin | $125 – $135 | $5,200 | $22,667 | $272,000 |
| Maine | $120 – $130 | $5,000 | $21,667 | $260,000 |
| New Hampshire | $120 – $130 | $5,000 | $21,667 | $260,000 |
| Rhode Island | $120 – $130 | $5,000 | $21,667 | $260,000 |
| Vermont | $120 – $130 | $5,000 | $21,667 | $260,000 |
| West Virginia | $120 – $130 | $5,000 | $21,667 | $260,000 |
| Wyoming | $120 – $130 | $5,000 | $21,667 | $260,000 |
| Utah | $115 – $125 | $4,800 | $20,000 | $240,000 |
| Alaska | $110 – $120 | $4,600 | $19,867 | $238,400 |
| Montana | $110 – $120 | $4,600 | $19,867 | $238,400 |
| North Dakota | $110 – $120 | $4,600 | $19,867 | $238,400 |
| South Dakota | $110 – $120 | $4,600 | $19,867 | $238,400 |
These figures highlight how geography shapes earning potential. Within each state, rural and seasonal assignments often push rates even higher. A winter placement in rural Colorado may pay more than an urban role in Colorado Springs.
Ready to see what opportunities are available now? Browse our job board for real-time openings.
Highest Paying Locum Tenens Physician Specialties
Where you practice matters, but what you practice can matter even more. Specialty choice remains one of the strongest drivers of earning potential for locum tenens physicians. In-demand fields such as anesthesiology, cardiology, and psychiatry often command higher rates, particularly in rural regions where access to specialized care is limited.
| Specialty | Perm Hourly Rate | Annual Perm Salary | Full-Time Locum Tenens |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anesthesiologists | $189 | $393,215 | $660,400 |
| Cardiologists | $172 | $357,482 | $611,000 |
| Dermatologists | $181 | $376,749 | $416,000 |
| Emergency Medicine Physicians | $139 | $288,373 | $421,200 |
| Gastroenterologists | $182 | $379,519 | $507,000 |
| Hospitalists | $136 | $283,164 | $332,800 |
| Internal Medicine Physicians | $98 | $203,362 | $228,800 |
| Ob/Gyn Physicians | $130 | $270,281 | $364,000 |
| Oncologists | $189 | $392,661 | $520,000 |
| Psychiatrists | $125 | $259,497 | $338,000 |
| Radiologists | $166 | $344,970 | $436,800 |
These numbers show how strongly specialty influences compensation, with some roles paying nearly twice as much as others. Subspecialties are seeing even sharper growth. Interventional radiology, for example, is climbing as non-invasive procedures expand, while oncology subspecialties are increasingly sought after as treatment options and patient care timelines evolve.
Looking ahead, salary growth in these areas is expected to continue. And physicians aren’t the only ones benefiting. Advanced practice clinicians are also seeing competitive pay in locum roles. Let’s take a closer look.
Locum Tenens Salaries for APPs
Advanced practice clinicians are playing an increasingly vital role in locum tenens care models. With physician shortages persisting and demand growing across both primary and specialty care, many hospital practice partners are relying on NPs, PAs, and CRNAs to maintain coverage and ensure continuity of care. According to ZipRecruiter, here’s what average compensation looks like for locum APPs in 2025.
| APPs | LT Hourly Rate | LT Weekly Rate | LT Monthly Rate | LT Annual Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioner | $63 | $2,505 | $10,857 | $130,295 |
| Physician Assistant | $58 | $2,311 | $10,017 | $120,212 |
| CRNA | $125 | $4,994 | $21,642 | $259,707 |
Compensation for APPs varies by state, with Washington, New York, Massachusetts, Alaska, and Vermont offering some of the highest averages in 2025. At the same time, rural towns such as Barrow, Arkansas, often provide strong earning opportunities due to heightened clinical needs. For APPs open to travel, these assignments can be both financially rewarding and professionally meaningful.
How Experience, Career Goals, and Licensing Influence Pay
Your career stage and personal goals also affect compensation. According to Salary.com, clinicians with eight or more years of experience earn approximately 3% more than those in the early stages of their careers. Additionally, seasoned clinicians may find it easier to secure premium assignments due to their proven skills and established references.Â
Licensing plays a part as well. The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact streamlines the process for practicing across multiple states, but locum clinicians still need to prepare for travel, credentialing, and occasional short-notice assignments. Those willing Appto take on the logistics often gain access to higher-paying roles in rural or high-demand markets.Â
For many, the added effort is worth it. Greater autonomy, more substantial earning potential, and the chance to align work with lifestyle preferences make locum tenens an appealing path at any stage of a clinician’s career.
Thinking About Where to Work Next?
Locum tenens clinicians are well-positioned to earn strong compensation, particularly in states where demand and opportunity align. For those considering their next assignment, OnCall Solutions is ready to help. Each clinician we work with is supported by a Chief Medical Officer who provides personalized, concierge-level guidance at every step.
Ready to find your next locum role? Connect with us to explore current openings that match your career goals and lifestyle.