Explore oncologist and hematologist salary ranges, hourly rates, and how locum work shapes earning potential in 2026.
Oncology and hematology compensation reflects the specialty’s combination of complex patient management, chemotherapy administration, and growing cancer incidence driving sustained demand. Most oncologists and hematologists earn between $472,000 and $502,465 annually across major benchmarks.
| Source | What it Measures | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Medscape Physician Compensation Report (2025) | Average total compensation | $472,000 |
| Merritt Hawkins 2024 | Average starting salary | $490,000 |
| Doximity Physician Compensation Report (2025) | Median total compensation | $502,465 |
| SalaryDr (April 2026, 25 verified submissions) | Median verified compensation | $500,000 |
Cancer care demand is rising while the training pipeline remains constrained. The AAMC projects a shortage of 2,200 to 2,400 oncologists by 2030, creating structural locum demand that will persist for decades.
| Compensation Type | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| W-2 employed (derived from Medscape avg, ~2,080 hrs) | ~$227 /hr |
| Locum tenens — lower band | $275 /hr |
| Locum tenens — upper band | $400 /hr |
Sources: Medscape 2025; Barton Associates market data 2025–2026.
Oncology locum rates are among the highest in medicine. The structural driver is the combination of rising cancer incidence, a constrained fellowship pipeline, and the complexity of coverage transitions in active treatment settings.
Oncology pay is driven by supply-demand imbalance across the country, with rural and community cancer centers facing the most acute coverage gaps. The AAMC projects a shortage of 2,200 to 2,400 oncologists by 2030 — a structural driver of sustained locum demand in markets that cannot recruit permanent physicians quickly enough.
Community cancer centers in rural and underserved markets pay the highest locum premiums because they have the fewest alternatives for coverage and the most urgent patient care needs.
A standard full-time oncologist manages 200 to 300 active patients, sees 15 to 20 patients per day in clinic, and oversees chemotherapy infusion schedules. Hematologists add bone marrow biopsy and blood disorder management to the clinical mix. The combination of complex patient relationships and active treatment protocols makes coverage transitions particularly challenging — and locum demand particularly persistent.
Locum rates range from $275 to $400 per hour. The four scenarios below use representative rates from within that band.
To exceed $700,000: focus on community cancer center coverage, active treatment protocol management, and markets with the most acute oncologist shortages.
Oncology locum income scales with market scarcity and treatment complexity. Community cancer centers in underserved markets consistently pay at the top of the rate band.
A $400/hr locum rate versus a $227/hr W-2 equivalent is a transformative structural advantage. 1099 oncologists 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 $472,000 (Medscape) and $502,465 (Doximity median). Merritt Hawkins reports an average starting salary of $490,000. SalaryDr reports a median of $500,000 from 25 verified submissions.
W-2 employed oncologists average approximately $227 per hour. Locum tenens rates range from $275 to $400 per hour — among the highest in medicine.
Yes. Full-time locum at $400/hr working 44 weeks per year yields approximately $704,000 annually. Hybrid models combining employed income with locum coverage can push total compensation above $536,000.
Community cancer centers in rural and underserved markets pay the highest locum premiums. The AAMC projects a shortage of 2,200 to 2,400 oncologists by 2030, with the most acute gaps in markets that cannot recruit permanent physicians quickly enough.
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