Neonatology 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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Compare to Market Data →Regional Benchmark Data
P25 / Median / P75 hourly rates in $/hr
| Region | Setting | P25 | Median | P75 | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast | Urban Hospital | $310 | $368 | $430 | BLS OEWS 2024 + AMN Healthcare 2025 Survey |
| Rural Critical Access | $335 | $398 | $468 | BLS OEWS 2024 + CHG Healthcare 2025 Survey | |
| Midwest | Urban Hospital | $285 | $338 | $398 | BLS OEWS 2024 + AMN Healthcare 2025 Survey |
| Rural Critical Access | $310 | $368 | $432 | BLS OEWS 2024 + CHG Healthcare 2025 Survey | |
| South | Urban Hospital | $272 | $325 | $382 | BLS OEWS 2024 + AMN Healthcare 2025 Survey |
| Rural Critical Access | $298 | $355 | $418 | BLS OEWS 2024 + Weatherby Healthcare 2025 | |
| West | Urban Hospital | $325 | $385 | $452 | BLS OEWS 2024 + AMN Healthcare 2025 Survey |
| Rural Critical Access | $350 | $415 | $488 | BLS OEWS 2024 + CHG Healthcare 2025 Survey |
Market Overview
Neonatology commands some of the highest locum rates in medicine due to the specialist shortage and the 24/7 critical care nature of NICU coverage. Level III and IV NICUs depend on continuous neonatologist coverage. Rural hospitals with Level I/II nurseries use locum neonatologists for surge coverage and call relief.
Key Leverage Points
Urban Hospital
- Level IV NICU experience with ECMO and surgical NICU exposure commands the highest rates
- Night float coverage in Level III/IV NICUs is the highest-demand, highest-rate assignment
- Transport team leadership experience adds value at regional NICU hubs
- Procedural skill breadth (UAC/UVC, intubation, LP, LP, chest tubes) is expected and assumed
Rural Critical Access
- Any neonatology or advanced newborn care coverage commands a premium at Level I/II nurseries
- Resuscitation protocol leadership and staff training adds non-clinical value — leverage it
- Stabilization and transport experience for sick newborns is critical in rural settings
- Block scheduling (week-on) is standard — negotiate a rate for the full week not per-diem
Contract Review Checklist
Items to review carefully before signing
- NICU level not specified in contract — Level II coverage is very different from Level IV
- On-call structure after in-house shift not defined — back-to-back call is a patient safety issue
- Transport team coverage not explicitly excluded or included — clarify scope
- Malpractice tail not included — neonatology malpractice tail is among the highest in medicine
Neonatology 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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