Cardiology Locum Compensation Benchmarks
Survey data by region and facility setting. Source: BLS OEWS, AMN Healthcare, CHG Healthcare. For informational purposes only.
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Enter your rate to see where it falls against these benchmarks.
Compare to Market Data →Regional Benchmark Data
P25 / Median / P75 hourly rates in $/hr
| Region | Setting | P25 | Median | P75 | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast | Urban Hospital | $265 | $312 | $365 | BLS OEWS 2024 + AMN Healthcare 2025 Survey |
| Rural Critical Access | $285 | $338 | $398 | BLS OEWS 2024 + CHG Healthcare 2025 Survey | |
| Midwest | Urban Hospital | $248 | $292 | $342 | BLS OEWS 2024 + AMN Healthcare 2025 Survey |
| Rural Critical Access | $268 | $315 | $368 | BLS OEWS 2024 + CHG Healthcare 2025 Survey | |
| South | Urban Hospital | $238 | $282 | $328 | BLS OEWS 2024 + AMN Healthcare 2025 Survey |
| Rural Critical Access | $258 | $305 | $358 | BLS OEWS 2024 + Weatherby Healthcare 2025 | |
| West | Urban Hospital | $278 | $328 | $385 | BLS OEWS 2024 + AMN Healthcare 2025 Survey |
| Rural Critical Access | $298 | $352 | $412 | BLS OEWS 2024 + CHG Healthcare 2025 Survey |
Market Overview
Cardiology locum rates vary significantly by subspecialty — interventional cardiology commands the highest rates of any medical subspecialty. General (non-interventional) cardiology covers inpatient consults, echocardiography, and clinic coverage. Rural critical access hospitals with cath labs are a separate, high-premium market.
Key Leverage Points
Urban Hospital
- Interventional cardiology (PCI, structural heart) commands 40–60% above general cards
- Electrophysiology capability (ablations, device management) is a separate high-rate market
- Echocardiography reading and performance capability expands available assignments
- Night and weekend STEMI call coverage is the single highest-leverage negotiating point
Rural Critical Access
- Any cardiology coverage is premium at rural hospitals — you have full negotiating leverage
- Cath lab capability at rural sites commands the highest cardiology locum premiums
- Cardiac rehab program medical director role can supplement coverage income
- Telemedicine cardiology consults have expanded rural coverage models significantly
Contract Review Checklist
Items to review carefully before signing
- Interventional credentialing not confirmed before rate negotiation — verify cath lab privileges
- On-call STEMI coverage without a separate call rate — standard is significant differential
- Device management responsibility not specified — remote monitoring can add significant time
- Read volume for echocardiography not capped — technical reads can add hours to your day
Cardiology Negotiation Toolkit
Expanded benchmark tables, sample negotiation language, contract review checklist, and state-by-state take-home comparisons. One-time purchase.
View Toolkit →