Internal 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 | $155 | $175 | $198 | BLS OEWS 2024 + AMN Healthcare 2025 Survey |
| Rural Critical Access | $165 | $189 | $217 | BLS OEWS 2024 + CHG Healthcare 2025 Survey | |
| Midwest | Urban Hospital | $145 | $165 | $188 | BLS OEWS 2024 + AMN Healthcare 2025 Survey |
| Rural Critical Access | $155 | $178 | $206 | BLS OEWS 2024 + CHG Healthcare 2025 Survey | |
| South | Urban Hospital | $140 | $160 | $182 | BLS OEWS 2024 + AMN Healthcare 2025 Survey |
| Rural Critical Access | $149 | $172 | $200 | BLS OEWS 2024 + Weatherby Healthcare 2025 | |
| West | Urban Hospital | $165 | $185 | $210 | BLS OEWS 2024 + AMN Healthcare 2025 Survey |
| Rural Critical Access | $176 | $199 | $231 | BLS OEWS 2024 + CHG Healthcare 2025 Survey |
Market Overview
Internal Medicine is a high-demand locum specialty with active markets across urban hospital systems and rural critical access facilities. Rates reflect regional variation in physician supply, cost of living, and facility type. Rural settings consistently command a premium due to persistent staffing shortages.
Key Leverage Points
Urban Hospital
- Block scheduling (7+ consecutive days) typically yields a higher daily rate than per-diem
- Subspecialty training or procedural skills beyond the base requirement command a premium
- Overnight and weekend availability is undersubscribed — use this to negotiate higher rates
- Existing hospital credentialing that transfers reduces facility onboarding cost — leverage it
Rural Critical Access
- Rural facilities operate in a sellers market for Internal Medicine coverage — most will meet your rate
- Travel, housing, and malpractice tail are standard inclusions — always confirm in writing
- Solo coverage capability is required and commands a significant premium
- Long-term relationships with rural facilities (6+ months) can yield rate escalators
Contract Review Checklist
Items to review carefully before signing
- No daily minimum guarantee — exposes you to income volatility on low-census days
- Malpractice tail not included — confirm who pays and what the policy limits are
- Credentialing timeline not tied to rate start — delays before first shift cost you money
- Non-compete clause in a locum contract — unusual, should be removed
Internal Medicine Negotiation Toolkit
Expanded benchmark tables, sample negotiation language, contract review checklist, and state-by-state take-home comparisons. One-time purchase.
View Toolkit →