Pediatrics 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.

Pediatrics — National Benchmark

Locum market rates, 2026.

P25

$134/hr

Median

$155/hr

P75

$180/hr

P90

$206/hr

Regional Estimates

Pediatrics hourly rate benchmarks by region and setting
Region	Setting	P25	Median	P75
Northeast	Urban Hospital	$135/hr	$156/hr	$182/hr
Northeast	Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH	$149/hr	$172/hr	$201/hr
Midwest	Urban Hospital	$134/hr	$155/hr	$180/hr
Midwest	Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH	$148/hr	$171/hr	$199/hr
South	Urban Hospital	$134/hr	$156/hr	$181/hr
South	Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH	$148/hr	$171/hr	$200/hr
Southeast	Urban Hospital	$132/hr	$153/hr	$178/hr
Southeast	Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH	$146/hr	$169/hr	$196/hr
West	Urban Hospital	$132/hr	$152/hr	$177/hr
West	Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH	$145/hr	$168/hr	$195/hr
Southwest	Urban Hospital	$138/hr	$160/hr	$186/hr
Southwest	Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH	$153/hr	$177/hr	$205/hr

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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.

Seasonal demand peaks October–March (RSV, influenza season) drive the strongest premiums
PICU coverage capability is a separate higher-rate market from general inpatient pediatrics
Children's hospital vacation and parental leave coverage is the dominant assignment type
Newborn nursery coverage expands rural and community hospital eligibility significantly

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

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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

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.