The Ultimate Locum Tenens Guide
Ready to begin your locum tenens journey? Are you currently on an assignment and looking for guidance? We’ve gathered the most frequently asked questions to help you navigate every step of the way.
If you’re interested in:
- Length & pay of assignments
- Types of facilities you can work in
- Health insurance options
- Credentialing process
- Tax obligations
Our free guide covers it all. Below is the link to our free guide and common FAQs you might have.

Hear From a Locum Tenens Expert Today!
Do you have any unanswered questions? Open to starting your locum journey? Let us assist.
Please complete our form and we'll get in touch with you soon!
Common Locum Tenens FAQs
We pulled the following questions directly from our free guide.
Where Would I Work as a Locum Tenens Provider?
Facilities that have a need for locum tenens providers can be hospitals, primary care centers, hospices, and dental offices. In general, there is a need across all 50 states, in all types of medical centers. The role of the recruiter is to find the right facility for you.
How Long Do Locum Tenens Assignments Last?
Depending on the need of the facility, contracts range from a couple days to over a year. If you find yourself eager to leave the facility or extend your stay, it is best to talk to your recruiter.
How Much Does Locum Tenens Pay?
Locum tenens can pay very well due to the negotiation advantage they have and the increasing demand for care across the United States. Providers who work locum tenens on a full-time basis can earn as much or more than those in permanent roles. Locum pay directly correlates to the amount of work the provider puts in, because you are paid on an hourly basis. As for a provider in a permanent position, they are generally not paid overtime and limited to their salary.
How can I get Health Insurance as a Locum Provider?
Self-employed individuals, such as locum providers, are free to choose the plan that best fits their situation. To get covered, start by reviewing state insurance exchanges, private insurance plans, or contacting an independent insurance agent.
What is the Credentialing Process Like?
To ensure you are credentialed and licensed before your first day on assignment, Barton’s team verifies your:
- Education
- Training
- Experience
- Medical Licensure
What Are My Tax Obligations as a Locum Tenens Provider?
As a 1099 locum tenens contractor, it is your responsibility to report your earnings to the IRS. Remember, you’ll owe federal taxes, state taxes and self-employment taxes on your earnings. In this case, we recommend saving up to 40% of your income.
What May I Deduct from my Taxes?
- Health insurance: Since locum ten are considered “independent contractors”, self-employed professionals can also deduct 100 percent of the health insurance premiums they pay throughout the year, with certain exceptions.
- Travel, lodging & meals: Unreimbursed travel, lodging, and 50 percent of meal costs incurred during a locum job outside the general vicinity of where you live are deductible. However, there are some exceptions. We recommend reviewing our in-depth guide for more information and reaching out to a tax professional.
- Automotive: With proper documentation, you can deduct travel between your home and a temporary job site, job interviews, and conferences.
- Education: Generally, costs incurred with improving your current skill set are deductible
Locum Tenens Jobs
REVIEW OUR JOB LISTINGS
Nurse Practitioner - Occupational Medicine
We are seeking a qualified Occupational Medicine Nurse Practitioner for an 8-day locum tenens assignment in New York, starting Sep 3, 2025. This role involves day shifts from Monday to Friday, focusing on assessing patients' physical capabilities for home health services. The Nurse Practitioner will be responsible for gathering medical... View This Job
We are seeking a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner for an 80-day locum tenens assignment in California. This crucial role begins on Sep 29, 2025, and will involve day shifts from Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. The ideal candidate will focus on providing outpatient procedures and examinations in women's health,... View This Job
We are seeking a Pediatric Hospitalist for a 20-day locum tenens assignment in Oregon, starting Nov 6, 2025. This role requires managing hospitalist services in a critical access setting with a schedule that includes continuous coverage, highlighting the need for a dedicated professional who can handle a dynamic environment.Job DetailsLocation:... View This Job
We are seeking a skilled Neurologist for a locum tenens position at a Mental Health facility in Ohio. This opportunity offers a flexible schedule of 4-7 hours per week, between Tuesday and Friday, from 10am-5pm. The assignment begins on 09/30/2025, and is expected to last for 52 days, with a... View This Job
We are seeking a Family Nurse Practitioner for a 60-day locum tenens assignment in California, starting on Sep 15, 2025. This role involves managing a diverse range of primary care cases across all ages, from newborns to geriatrics, including some pain management cases. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00... View This Job
We are seeking a Family Practice Physician Assistant for a 60-day locum tenens assignment in California, beginning on Sep 15, 2025. This role involves weekday shifts from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, focusing on a broad range of primary care duties across all age groups, from newborns to geriatric patients,... View This Job