Frequently asked questions

1. What does "locum tenens" actually mean?

Latin for “placeholder.” It refers to a healthcare provider who temporarily fills in for another provider or covers a staffing gap.

  • Physicians: $1,000–$4,000+ per day ($120–$450+/hour), depending on specialty, location, urgency, and shift type

  • NPs/PAs: $75–$150/hour

  • CRNAs: $150–$250+/hour

Pay is usually 20–100% higher than permanent roles because it’s 1099 contract income with no benefits.

Anesthesiology, radiology, cardiology, general surgery, emergency medicine, and psychiatry (especially in underserved areas).

Yes. You’re paid as an independent contractor (1099). No taxes are withheld, so you’ll owe quarterly estimated taxes and self-employment (Social Security/Medicare) tax. You can deduct travel, housing, meals, CME, home office, health insurance, and retirement contributions—many locums providers end up with a lower effective tax rate than W-2 employees.

Almost always 1099 (independent contractor). A few agencies offer W-2 with slightly lower rates.

The agency or facility pays. 99% of assignments come with claims-made based malpractice insurance that includes tail coverage.

The agency or facility pays (sometimes reimbursed, sometimes direct-billed). Legitimate agencies never make you pay upfront.

Yes. Some states belong to the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) or have special locum licenses, but you must be licensed in the state where you practice.

2–8 weeks for fast states (AZ, NV, TX, IMLC states); 3–6+ months for slow states (CA, NY, FL, MI).

30–120 days after licensing is complete.

Yes. The best agencies pay all fees and have in-house teams that handle the paperwork for you.

Anywhere from next week (emergency coverage) to 6–12 months out. Most common is 2–6 months ahead.

If you already hold multiple state licenses: 1–4 weeks. First-time locums with one license: usually 2–6 months.

  • Physicians: 1 week to 12 months (most common: 2 weeks–3 months)

  • NPs/PAs/CRNAs: Usually 3–6 months, sometimes locum-to-perm

Absolutely. Many providers work only long weekends, 7-on/7-off, or 1–2 weeks per month.

16. How many hours a week do most locum providers work?

Average is 2–3 weeks per month. Many aim for 120–150 days per year to maximize pay and time off.

Usually yes. Most contracts guarantee the full shift or day rate even if you’re sent home early.

No traditional benefits or PTO. You trade them for much higher pay and total schedule control.

Yes. Agencies routinely provide 2–3 bedroom housing and allow pets and family.

No. It’s now viewed positively by nearly all employers. Many permanent jobs start as locums assignments (“try before you buy”).

Very common—30–50% of locums assignments convert to permanent offers.

Yes (moonlighting locums), but check your current employment contract for non-compete and moonlighting clauses.

Yes. Moonlighting locums is common as long as your program allows it.

Almost never. Locums contracts rarely include non-competes.

Yes, especially in primary care, hospital medicine, emergency medicine, and psychiatry.

NPs, PAs, and CRNAs have huge locums markets—often easier placement and faster licensing.

No. Increasingly popular with millennials and Gen Z for work-life balance, paying off loans faster, or trying different practice settings before committing.

You usually don’t get paid for missed days (no sick leave), but agencies will almost always re-book you later.

99% go through agencies because facilities rarely handle credentialing, payroll, housing, and malpractice themselves.

Contact ConnectHealth. Submit CV → phone interview → submit documents → receive assignment options.