Hospitalist 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 | $120 | $140 | $160 | BLS OEWS 2024 + AMN Healthcare 2025 Survey |
| Rural Critical Access | $130 | $152 | $175 | BLS OEWS 2024 + CHG Healthcare 2025 Survey | |
| Midwest | Urban Hospital | $110 | $130 | $148 | BLS OEWS 2024 + AMN Healthcare 2025 Survey |
| Rural Critical Access | $120 | $142 | $165 | BLS OEWS 2024 + CHG Healthcare 2025 Survey | |
| South | Urban Hospital | $105 | $125 | $143 | BLS OEWS 2024 + AMN Healthcare 2025 Survey |
| Rural Critical Access | $115 | $138 | $160 | BLS OEWS 2024 + Weatherby Healthcare 2025 | |
| West | Urban Hospital | $125 | $148 | $170 | BLS OEWS 2024 + AMN Healthcare 2025 Survey |
| Rural Critical Access | $135 | $160 | $185 | BLS OEWS 2024 + CHG Healthcare 2025 Survey |
Market Overview
Hospitalist medicine has the largest locum volume by headcount of any specialty — virtually every hospital system uses locum hospitalists for coverage gaps. The market is competitive and well-established, with multiple national agencies competing for the same physician pool. Night and weekend coverage commands the strongest premiums.
Key Leverage Points
Urban Hospital
- Night and weekend shifts command a 10–15% premium over standard day rates
- Rapid onboarding (credentialing already in process) is worth negotiating — ask for a sign-on day rate
- Nocturnist-only commitments can command an additional 5–8% given the smaller available pool
- Census guarantees (minimum daily patients) protect income in lower-volume months
Rural Critical Access
- Critical access hospitals often pay above the urban rate to attract any coverage at all
- Housing and travel stipends are non-negotiable standard benefits — always ask
- Week-long block scheduling is the norm; per-diem rates at rural facilities are rare
- Subspecialty skill set (cardiology, nephrology background) commands a premium in rural settings
Contract Review Checklist
Items to review carefully before signing
- Census-based pay without a daily minimum guarantee — exposes you to unpredictable income
- Overnight shifts listed as 'day rate' — clarify shift differential in writing
- Unlimited admission obligation without census cap — common at rural sites, often unsustainable
- Credentialing start date not tied to rate start date — delays cost you money
Hospitalist Negotiation Toolkit
Expanded benchmark tables, sample negotiation language, contract review checklist, and state-by-state take-home comparisons. One-time purchase.
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