Explore hematology/oncology NP and PA salary ranges, hourly rates, and how specialty certification and locum work shape earning potential in 2026.
Hematology/oncology NPs and PAs occupy a high-acuity, high-complexity niche within advanced practice. Managing chemotherapy protocols, clinical trial coordination, and complex symptom management places these APPs among the most specialized in the market. Most earn between $132,000 and $140,000 annually, with infusion management responsibilities, clinical trial experience, and geographic demand pushing compensation higher.
| Source | What it Measures | NP Compensation | PA Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| AANP Compensation Report (2025) | Median annual NP compensation | ~$135,000 | N/A |
| AAPA Salary Report (2025) | Median annual PA compensation | N/A | ~$138,000 |
| Medscape APRN Compensation Report (2025) | Average total NP/PA compensation | ~$132,000 | ~$140,000 |
| Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS (2025) | Mean annual wage (all-specialty proxy) | ~$133K–$136K | ~$130K–$135K |
Hematology/oncology APPs who take on infusion management responsibilities, clinical trial coordination, or symptom management program leadership consistently earn at the top of the compensation range.
| Compensation Type | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| W-2 employed NP (BLS mean, ~2,080 hrs) | ~$62–$68 /hr |
| W-2 employed PA (BLS mean, ~2,080 hrs) | ~$65–$72 /hr |
| Locum tenens — lower band | $65 /hr |
| Locum tenens — upper band | $110 /hr |
Sources: BLS OEWS 2025; Barton Associates market data 2025–2026.
The locum premium in hematology/oncology reflects the difficulty of finding APPs with active chemotherapy certification, protocol familiarity, and clinical trial experience on short notice.
Compensation peaks in markets where oncology program growth outpaces APP supply. Academic cancer centers, comprehensive cancer programs, and rural oncology access initiatives all create locum demand. States with full practice authority for NPs expand assignment availability and typically pay higher locum premiums.
Oncology program expansion continues outpacing APP supply in many regional markets, creating persistent locum demand and rate premiums for APPs with active chemotherapy certification.
A full-time hematology/oncology APP typically manages a panel of 15 to 25 patients per day in an outpatient infusion or clinic setting. Responsibilities span chemotherapy administration oversight, symptom management, toxicity monitoring, and clinical trial protocol adherence. The combination of protocol complexity and patient acuity makes this one of the most cognitively demanding APP roles in the market.
Locum rates range from $65 to $110 per hour. The four scenarios below use representative rates from within that band.
To exceed $200,000: target infusion management responsibilities, underserved oncology markets, and clinical trial experience at the top of the rate band.
The highest-earning hematology/oncology APPs combine clinical expertise with protocol leadership and willingness to work in markets where oncology access gaps are most acute.
A $95/hr locum rate versus a $65/hr W-2 equivalent is a meaningful structural advantage. 1099 hematology/oncology APPs 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 APPs 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.
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Most earn between $132,000 (Medscape NP) and $140,000 (Medscape PA). Infusion management responsibilities, clinical trial experience, and geographic demand push compensation higher.
W-2 employed NPs average approximately $62 to $68 per hour and PAs $65 to $72 per hour based on BLS data. Locum tenens rates range from $65 to $110 per hour.
Hybrid models combining employed income with regular locum shifts can push total compensation above $169,000. Full-time locum at $105/hr working 14 shifts per month yields approximately $176,000 annually.
Academic cancer centers, comprehensive cancer programs, and rural oncology access initiatives pay the highest locum premiums. Full-practice-authority states expand the range of assignments available.
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