Emergency Medicine Locum Tenens Rates
The national urban median for Emergency Medicine locum work is $256/hr. The middle 50% of benchmarked rates spans $227–$290/hr.
Emergency Medicine Locum Rate Benchmarks
Locum market rates, 2026.
Based on BLS OEWS public data and CMS geographic adjustments, processed through the LocumRates model.
Emergency Medicine Rates by Region and Setting
| Region | Setting | P25 | Median | P75 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast | Urban Hospital | $223/hr | $251/hr | $284/hr |
| Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH | $241/hr | $272/hr | $308/hr | |
| Midwest | Urban Hospital | $243/hr | $274/hr | $309/hr |
| Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH | $263/hr | $297/hr | $335/hr | |
| South | Urban Hospital | $246/hr | $278/hr | $314/hr |
| Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH | $267/hr | $301/hr | $340/hr | |
| Southeast | Urban Hospital | $231/hr | $260/hr | $294/hr |
| Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH | $250/hr | $282/hr | $319/hr | |
| West | Urban Hospital | $229/hr | $258/hr | $292/hr |
| Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH | $248/hr | $280/hr | $316/hr | |
| Southwest | Urban Hospital | $244/hr | $275/hr | $311/hr |
| Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH | $265/hr | $298/hr | $337/hr |
Emergency Medicine Locum Market Overview
Emergency medicine is the highest-demand locum specialty nationally. Rural emergency departments face chronic staffing shortages, driving rates significantly above employed physician wages. Urban EDs compete for the same pool of board-certified emergency physicians, keeping rates elevated in metro markets as well.
Demand peaks in winter (flu season, trauma) and summer (outdoor injury season). Block scheduling in Q4 and Q1 commands premium rates at rural facilities.
- One of the top 3 locum markets nationally — open positions in all 50 states year-round
- Overnight and rural CAH shifts pay $25–75/hr above standard rate; holiday coverage up to $100/hr above
- CMG consolidation fallout (Envision bankruptcy 2023, APP collapse 2023) has sustained structural demand
- Short-notice gap coverage commands the highest premiums — pre-credentialed physicians capture this
What Affects Emergency Medicine Locum Pay
- Overnight and weekend availability commands a 15–20% premium
- Multi-shift block commitments (7+ days) attract higher base rates
- Scribes and APP support are standard negotiating points — get it in writing
- Ask about tail coverage inclusion before accepting any rate
- Critical access hospitals have limited negotiating leverage — most pay market or above
- Travel and housing stipends are standard; negotiate these separately from hourly rate
- Providers willing to cover call or hold admissions command significant premiums
- Compact state license holders can negotiate a modest premium for reduced lead time
Emergency Medicine Contract Terms to Review
Items to review carefully before signing
- Daily rate with no overtime — effectively caps your hourly below market for busy shifts
- Non-compete clause in a locum contract — unusual and should be removed
- Tail coverage not included — malpractice tail can cost $20–50K; confirm who pays
- Call requirements beyond the shift — get exact call expectations in writing
- Charting expectations — understand EMR system and average chart time before accepting