What Does it Cost to Fill Physician Vacancies with Locum Tenens?

According to our research of government contracts, the average cost of a contracted locum tenens physician is approximately $1,760 per day. This includes an 8-hour shift plus being on-call until the next shift begins. (Rates vary significantly based on physician specialty.) The $1,760 per diem does not include travel or lodging expenses.

These and many more findings are published in a BFMV report, Cost of Physician Staffing Services: 2021, which is available for sale in our shop here.

The study focuses on rates included in government contracts with 100 different physician staffing firms across the country. The data reflect 82 physician specialties and allied health positions and includes hourly rates for on-site services and hourly rates for after-hours on-call services. The summary below provides a more detailed overview.

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This article was updated from an earlier version published 04/21/2016.