Offering Travel, Lodging and Malpractice-Locums
GPI Consulting Group: Your Source for Physician and APP Opportunities.
We specialize in VA Contracts and Emergency Medicine Locum Tenens Shifts.
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2026 U.S. LOCUM EM HOURLY RATE BENCHMARK: BY AI
What is the nationwide average per hour rate for Locum Tenens Emergency Medicine Physicians in the U.S.?
Yes. Based on the most current 2026 market data, I would use about $300/hour as the nationwide benchmark for a Locum Tenens Emergency Medicine Physician.
The important distinction is between the average market rate and what a recruiter should consider a good/competitive rate.
2026 U.S. Locum EM hourly-rate benchmark
Market level Approx. hourly rate
Lower-end / easy-to-fill assignment $225–$275/hr
National market average ~$300/hr
Strong/competitive assignment $300–$350/hr
High-demand/rural/trauma $350–$400+/hr
Crisis / very hard-to-fill $400–$425+ /hr
August 2026 data puts the national average at $300/hr for locum Emergency Medicine physicians. Their actual reported examples range from $225/hr in New Mexico to $390/hr in West Virginia.
Another 2026 locum compensation source puts EM at $275–$375/hr, while a separate 2026 guide gives a broader $200–$350/hr range.
What I'm seeing in actual 2026 assignments
There are some particularly useful current numbers for your recruiting work:
Florida: approximately $281/hr average for EM MD locums in the provided data
Texas: approximately $295/hr.
Michigan: approximately $300/hr.
North Carolina: approximately $292/hr.
Pennsylvania/California: approximately $325/hr.
Current Florida AMN postings include $289/hr EM assignments.
Bottom line: For 2026, I'd tell your physician candidates that approximately $300/hour is the national locum EM benchmark, with $325–$375+ being a strong target depending on geography and assignment difficulty.
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Physician Showcase
GPI Represents Physicians seeking Locum Shifts in multiple states.
We're seeking assignments with top-of-market compensation.
Emergency Medicine Physicians
- Emergency Medicine-Licensed in Maryland-MD, MPH, FACEP -ABEM, ACEP
- Emergency Medicine-Multiple Candidates-Seeking Arizona and New Mexico shifts
- Emergency Medicine-Licensed Multiple States has IMLC
Hospitalist Physicians
- Hospitalist-Any IMLC state, ICU Intensivist/Procedures, 10-14 shifts/month, prefers EPIC EMR and Daytime admitting roles, 8-10 admits/12 hour shift
- Hospitalist-Licensed in MS, NM has IMLC-ABIM, ACLS, BLS ICU/Ventilator/Procedures wants 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off
- Hospitalist-Licensed in TX and LA ABIM: Board Eligible • SAS Certified Advanced Programmer for SAS 9 • ECFMG Certified • ACLS & BLS Certified • Healthcare Management, Yale School of Management Executive Education
Find Your Dream Job with GPI Consulting Group, LLC
Find Your Next Career Move with GPI Consulting Group, LLC
Definition of the Locums Market
The locums market refers to the segment of the healthcare staffing industry that provides temporary, short-term clinical coverage for licensed healthcare providers such as physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other clinicians. In this model, a “locum” is a qualified professional who temporarily fills a clinical position at a healthcare facility when there is a vacancy, a leave of absence, a seasonal surge in demand, or a position that is difficult to fill permanently.
How It Works
- Coverage Gap Identification – A hospital, clinic, health system, or private practice identifies a need for a clinician in a specific specialty or role.
- Staffing Agency Engagement – The facility contracts a staffing agency to source and place a qualified provider.
- Recruitment & Credentialing – The agency recruits a licensed provider, manages credentialing, compliance, and licensing requirements, and arranges travel, housing, and insurance.
- Placement – The provider works as an independent contractor through the agency, typically for a defined period (from a single day to several months)
Scope and Size
- In the U.S., the locum tenens market was valued at about $9.6 billion in 2025 and is the only temporary healthcare staffing segment that has grown every year since 2021
- Globally, the market is valued at $29.8 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $52.4 billion by 2033 at a 7.2% CAGR.
- The U.S. market is dominated by physicians (around 42–61% of staffing volume depending on the source) and is supported by advanced practice providers like nurse practitioners, who are the fastest-growing occupation in healthcare.
Key Drivers
- Physician shortages and high burnout rates are major drivers, with shortages projected to worsen through 2037.
- Flexible workforce demand — facilities avoid long-term payroll commitments by using locums instead of permanent hires.
- Technology adoption — credentialing automation, virtual marketplaces, and faster deployment reduce “days-to-fill” and improve competitiveness Staffing Industry Analysts+1.
- Specialty demand — psychiatry, emergency medicine, OB/GYN, orthopedic surgery, and behavioral health see especially high locum utilization.
In short, the locums market is the business of providing temporary, contract-based clinical staffing to maintain continuity of care in healthcare settings, and it has become a strategic, high-growth segment in response to workforce shortages, burnout, and operational flexibility needs.
"Driving synergy in the hiring process."
In the Rose Garden of changeless splendor a Flower hath begun to bloom. Bahai Writings
Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah