Pediatrics 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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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 | $140 | $165 | $192 | BLS OEWS 2024 + AMN Healthcare 2025 Survey |
| Rural Critical Access | $152 | $180 | $210 | BLS OEWS 2024 + CHG Healthcare 2025 Survey | |
| Midwest | Urban Hospital | $128 | $152 | $178 | BLS OEWS 2024 + AMN Healthcare 2025 Survey |
| Rural Critical Access | $140 | $165 | $195 | BLS OEWS 2024 + CHG Healthcare 2025 Survey | |
| South | Urban Hospital | $122 | $145 | $170 | BLS OEWS 2024 + AMN Healthcare 2025 Survey |
| Rural Critical Access | $135 | $160 | $188 | BLS OEWS 2024 + Weatherby Healthcare 2025 | |
| West | Urban Hospital | $148 | $175 | $205 | BLS OEWS 2024 + AMN Healthcare 2025 Survey |
| Rural Critical Access | $160 | $190 | $222 | BLS OEWS 2024 + CHG Healthcare 2025 Survey |
Market Overview
Pediatric locum demand peaks seasonally (RSV and influenza season, October–March) and is driven by children's hospital coverage needs during census surges. General pediatricians cover inpatient, outpatient, and urgent care settings. Subspecialty pediatricians (PICU, neonatology) are a separate, higher-rate market.
Key Leverage Points
Urban Hospital
- Pediatric hospitalist experience in a high-volume children's hospital commands a premium
- PICU coverage capability significantly increases your leverage and rate options
- Newborn nursery coverage is in perpetual shortage at community hospitals
- Bilingual capability (especially Spanish) opens additional urban assignment options
Rural Critical Access
- General pediatrics breadth is required at rural sites — subspecialty limitations reduce options
- Newborn resuscitation capability (NRP current) is required at all rural delivery hospitals
- Pediatric trauma experience expands coverage options at rural trauma centers
- Housing and travel are standard rural benefits; negotiate for family accommodation if needed
Contract Review Checklist
Items to review carefully before signing
- Census-based shift cancellation without a show-up guarantee — secure a minimum daily rate
- Newborn hearing screen and other nursing-delegated tasks listed as physician responsibilities
- Overnight coverage without a night differential — standard is 10–15% above day rate
- Seasonal contract with no rate escalation clause for surge periods
Pediatrics Negotiation Toolkit
Expanded benchmark tables, sample negotiation language, contract review checklist, and state-by-state take-home comparisons. One-time purchase.
View Toolkit →