Emergency Medicine Locum Compensation Benchmarks
Survey data by region and facility setting. Source: BLS OEWS, AMN Healthcare, CHG Healthcare. For informational purposes only.
How does your offer compare?
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 | $195 | $215 | $240 | BLS OEWS 2024 + AMN Healthcare 2025 Survey |
| Rural Critical Access | $210 | $235 | $265 | BLS OEWS 2024 + CHG Healthcare 2025 Survey | |
| Midwest | Urban Hospital | $185 | $205 | $225 | BLS OEWS 2024 + AMN Healthcare 2025 Survey |
| Rural Critical Access | $200 | $220 | $250 | BLS OEWS 2024 + CHG Healthcare 2025 Survey | |
| South | Urban Hospital | $180 | $200 | $220 | BLS OEWS 2024 + AMN Healthcare 2025 Survey |
| Rural Critical Access | $195 | $215 | $245 | BLS OEWS 2024 + Weatherby Healthcare 2025 | |
| West | Urban Hospital | $200 | $225 | $255 | BLS OEWS 2024 + AMN Healthcare 2025 Survey |
| Rural Critical Access | $215 | $245 | $280 | BLS OEWS 2024 + CHG Healthcare 2025 Survey |
Market Overview
Emergency medicine is the highest-demand locum specialty nationally. Rural emergency departments face chronic staffing shortages, driving rates significantly above employed physician wages. Urban EDs compete for the same pool of board-certified emergency physicians, keeping rates elevated in metro markets as well.
Demand peaks in winter (flu season, trauma) and summer (outdoor injury season). Block scheduling in Q4 and Q1 commands premium rates at rural facilities.
Key Leverage Points
Urban Hospital
- Overnight and weekend availability commands a 15–20% premium
- Multi-shift block commitments (7+ days) attract higher base rates
- Scribes and APP support are standard negotiating points — get it in writing
- Ask about tail coverage inclusion before accepting any rate
Rural Critical Access
- Critical access hospitals have limited negotiating leverage — most pay market or above
- Travel and housing stipends are standard; negotiate these separately from hourly rate
- Providers willing to cover call or hold admissions command significant premiums
- Compact state license holders can negotiate a modest premium for reduced lead time
Contract Review Checklist
Items to review carefully before signing
- Daily rate with no overtime — effectively caps your hourly below market for busy shifts
- Non-compete clause in a locum contract — unusual and should be removed
- Tail coverage not included — malpractice tail can cost $20–50K; confirm who pays
- Call requirements beyond the shift — get exact call expectations in writing
- Charting expectations — understand EMR system and average chart time before accepting
Emergency Medicine Negotiation Toolkit
Expanded benchmark tables, sample negotiation language, contract review checklist, and state-by-state take-home comparisons. One-time purchase.
View Toolkit →