Explore endocrinologist salary ranges, hourly rates, and how locum tenens work shapes earning potential in 2026.
Endocrinology compensation reflects the specialty’s outpatient-heavy model and the growing prevalence of diabetes, thyroid disease, and metabolic disorders. Most endocrinologists earn between $290,000 and $360,000 annually, with panel size, practice ownership, and locum assignments driving variation above the median.
| Source | What it Measures | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Medscape Physician Compensation Report (2025) | Average total compensation | $290,606 |
| Doximity Physician Compensation Report (2025) | Median total compensation | $290,606 |
| SalaryDr (April 2026, 59 verified submissions) | Median verified compensation | $360,000 |
Note: Medscape and Doximity reflect employed compensation. SalaryDr captures physician-reported figures including practice ownership and performance bonuses.
Panel size and patient continuity drive endocrinology compensation more than procedures. Physicians who build large, well-managed panels consistently earn above the benchmark median.
| Compensation Type | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| W-2 employed (derived from Medscape/Doximity avg) | ~$140 /hr |
| Locum tenens — lower band | $150 /hr |
| Locum tenens — upper band | $200 /hr |
Sources: Medscape/Doximity 2025; Barton Associates market data 2025–2026.
HRSA projects 109% national adequacy for endocrinology by 2038, but regional gaps persist in rural and underserved markets where locum demand remains strong.
Endocrinology pay varies significantly by geography, with rural and underserved markets offering the highest locum premiums. States with high rates of diabetes and metabolic disease — particularly in the South and Midwest — face the most acute access gaps and drive the strongest locum demand.
Regional gaps in endocrinology access are structural. Markets with high diabetes prevalence and low endocrinologist density consistently pay locum premiums above the national rate band.
A standard full-time endocrinologist manages a panel of 800 to 1,200 patients, seeing 20 to 25 patients per day in an outpatient setting. Diabetes management, thyroid disease, and metabolic disorders make up the majority of visit volume. Procedures such as thyroid ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration add incremental revenue but are not the primary income driver.
Locum rates range from $150 to $200 per hour. The four scenarios below use representative rates from within that band.
To exceed $400,000: combine employed income with regular locum days targeting rural and HRSA-designated shortage areas at the top of the rate band.
Endocrinology locum income scales with market scarcity. Rural and underserved markets with high metabolic disease burden consistently command the highest rates.
A $175/hr locum rate versus a $140/hr W-2 equivalent is a meaningful structural advantage. 1099 endocrinologists unlock business deductions across licensing, CME, travel, and equipment; higher retirement contributions through a SEP-IRA or Solo 401(k); the Qualified Business Income deduction of up to 20%; and S-corp structuring at higher income levels. Barton partners with Earned to help locum physicians navigate these decisions.
Barton coordinates your job search from start to finish!
We’ll schedule a phone consultation to discuss your interests, goals, and work history to find the right opportunities.
Your Barton rep will submit your information to the facility you want to take an assignment at and work on next steps.
Barton handles licensing, credentialing, and travel arrangements before you arrive so you’re ready on day one.
Most earn between $290,606 (Medscape/Doximity) and $360,000 (SalaryDr median). Practice ownership and locum assignments can push total compensation above $400,000.
W-2 employed endocrinologists average approximately $140 per hour. Locum tenens rates range from $150 to $200 per hour, with the top of the band reserved for rural and underserved market coverage.
Yes. Hybrid models combining employed income with regular locum days can push total compensation above $361,000. Full-time locum at $185/hr working 20 days per month yields approximately $355,200 annually.
Rural and HRSA-designated shortage areas pay the highest locum premiums. States with high rates of diabetes and metabolic disease — particularly in the South and Midwest — face the most acute access gaps.
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