Neurology Locum Compensation Benchmarks

Based on BLS OEWS public data and CMS geographic adjustment factors, processed through a locum-adjusted model, calibrated and validated against publicly posted rates and observations.

Neurology — National Benchmark

Locum market rates, 2026.

P25

$239/hr

Median

$282/hr

P75

$334/hr

P90

$386/hr

Regional Estimates

Neurology hourly rate benchmarks by region and setting
Region	Setting	P25	Median	P75
Northeast	Urban Hospital	$215/hr	$253/hr	$300/hr
Northeast	Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH	$237/hr	$279/hr	$330/hr
Midwest	Urban Hospital	$255/hr	$301/hr	$356/hr
Midwest	Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH	$281/hr	$332/hr	$393/hr
South	Urban Hospital	$259/hr	$305/hr	$361/hr
South	Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH	$285/hr	$337/hr	$398/hr
Southeast	Urban Hospital	$252/hr	$298/hr	$352/hr
Southeast	Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH	$278/hr	$328/hr	$388/hr
West	Urban Hospital	$250/hr	$295/hr	$349/hr
West	Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH	$275/hr	$325/hr	$384/hr
Southwest	Urban Hospital	$297/hr	$351/hr	$415/hr
Southwest	Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH	$327/hr	$387/hr	$457/hr

Rate Evaluator

Compare your offer to market data

Specialty

State

Facility Setting

Your Hourly Rate

Loading rate data…

Market Overview

Neurology locum demand is driven primarily by acute stroke coverage requirements at hospitals seeking Joint Commission certification. Teleneurology has expanded coverage options, but on-site neurologists command a substantial premium. Rural hospitals increasingly rely on locum neurologists for 24/7 stroke coverage.

Acute stroke coverage is the dominant demand driver — Joint Commission certification requirements create predictable need
Teleneurology enables remote coverage, but on-site presence commands a substantial premium
Vascular neurology training commands 20–25% above general neurology rates at stroke centers
EEG reading capability expands coverage options beyond stroke to epilepsy monitoring programs

Get the full Neurology negotiation toolkit — 50-state rate tables, word-for-word recruiter scripts, and contract red flag checklist.

Get the Toolkit — $99 →

Key Leverage Points

Urban Hospital

Vascular neurology training commands a 20–25% premium at stroke centers
EEG reading capability significantly expands your available assignments
Teleneurology arrangements can supplement on-site coverage income
Academic-level subspecialty skills (epilepsy, movement disorders) open niche high-rate slots

Rural Critical Access

Stroke coverage is a core revenue driver for rural hospitals — your leverage is strong
Teleneurology hybrid (remote strokes, in-person consults) is now standard at many rural sites
General neurology breadth (not just stroke) makes you more valuable at isolated facilities
Travel and housing are standard; negotiate for a rental car given rural distances

Contract Review Checklist

Items to review carefully before signing

Stroke activation response time not defined — unreasonable response expectations must be documented
Teleneurology technology not provided by facility — confirm equipment responsibility
Unlimited consult volume without census cap — set a daily consult ceiling
Call coverage for weekends at weekday rate — nights and weekends should carry a differential

Neurology Negotiation Toolkit

Word-for-word scripts for every recruiter objection, 50-state rate tables at P25/50/75/90, leverage points by credential and shift type, and a contract red flag checklist. $99 one-time.