Otolaryngology (ENT) 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.

Otolaryngology (ENT) — National Benchmark

Locum market rates, 2026.

P25

$304/hr

Median

$361/hr

P75

$428/hr

P90

$495/hr

Regional Estimates

Otolaryngology (ENT) hourly rate benchmarks by region and setting
Region	Setting	P25	Median	P75
Northeast	Urban Hospital	$294/hr	$349/hr	$414/hr
Northeast	Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH	$308/hr	$366/hr	$433/hr
Midwest	Urban Hospital	$279/hr	$331/hr	$392/hr
Midwest	Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH	$291/hr	$346/hr	$410/hr
South	Urban Hospital	$332/hr	$394/hr	$466/hr
South	Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH	$347/hr	$412/hr	$488/hr
Southeast	Urban Hospital	$337/hr	$400/hr	$474/hr
Southeast	Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH	$352/hr	$419/hr	$496/hr
West	Urban Hospital	$295/hr	$351/hr	$415/hr
West	Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH	$309/hr	$367/hr	$435/hr
Southwest	Urban Hospital	$253/hr	$300/hr	$355/hr
Southwest	Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH	$264/hr	$314/hr	$372/hr

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Market Overview

Otolaryngology locum demand spans surgical OR coverage, outpatient clinic (rhinology, otology, laryngology, head and neck), and call coverage for airway emergencies and post-operative complications. Rural CAH assignments often require general ENT breadth — all subspecialties combined — rather than focused subspecialty practice. Urban academic assignments may be more subspecialty-specific. Both formats are active in the locum market.

General ENT breadth enables coverage at both rural CAH and community hospital settings
Head and neck oncology expertise commands a significant premium at cancer center assignments
Airway management capability is the highest-leverage credential for urgent/emergency coverage placements
Pediatric ENT certification opens assignments at general pediatric and children's hospital programs

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Key Leverage Points

Urban Hospital

Head and neck surgical oncology experience commands a premium at cancer center assignments
Laryngology and airway management capability is the highest-demand subspecialty in urban hospital settings
Pediatric ENT credentialing expands assignment eligibility at children's hospitals and general pediatric coverage sites
Comprehensive general ENT (all subspecialties) is preferred by most community hospital assignments

Rural Critical Access

General ENT breadth is required at rural CAH assignments — subspecialty-only practice significantly limits eligibility
Airway emergency management and tracheostomy capability is expected at rural hospital assignments
Travel, housing, and malpractice tail are standard inclusions at rural sites; confirm all three before signing
Combined OR and clinic coverage is the norm at rural sites — confirm case mix and clinic volume before accepting

Contract Review Checklist

Items to review carefully before signing

Call coverage for airway emergencies not defined — ENT emergency call is time-sensitive; confirm response expectations
Malpractice tail not included — confirm coverage scope for surgical complications and head/neck procedures
Scope of practice not specified — confirm whether facial plastics or head/neck oncology are included in expectations
Clinic volume not capped — confirm daily patient volume for outpatient clinic days

Otolaryngology (ENT) 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.