How does locum tenens pay work for OB-GYNs?

Physicians of all specialties have used locum tenens to get the most out of their practice on their terms. Since the 1970s, locum tenens physicians have been providing temporary care where it is most needed, often in rural areas or other places where hospitals don’t have the budget for full-time staff.

Since then, locum tenens has helped specialists bring their skill sets to communities that need them, providing them the unique opportunity to set their schedule, experience new places, and learn from different medical providers.

So, how does locum tenens work for OB-GYNs?

OB-GYNs are in high demand across the nation, due to a shortage in the specialty. This means there is also ample opportunity for locum tenens OB-GYNs to have a wide variety of places and work settings. There are many benefits to pursuing locum tenens work, no matter how long an OB-GYN physician has been practicing or their goals.

Some of the benefits of locum tenens:

What is the average salary and satisfaction level in permanent OB-GYN positions?

According to data from 2023, OB-GYNs made an average of $337,000 a year in the United States and report having to work harder and longer to earn their annual bonuses, which average $57,000.

In 2024, Medscape reported on the prior year’s OB-GYN salary trends, which showed steadiness across physician incomes. However, they noted that inflation could still undercut them. Cuts to Medicaid, too, have impacted how much OB-GYNs are taking home from patient visits.

According to this 2024 report on OB-GYN pay satisfaction, 58% of OB-GYNs felt that they were underpaid. Although that number is just over half, it puts them in the lowest quarter of pay satisfaction among specialists surveyed.

Factors impacting locum tenens OB-GYNs' opportunities

Thirty-three percent of OB-GYNs reported taking on other medical-related work to supplement income made in permanent positions. As is the case with many specialties, there is a shortage of OB-GYN practitioners, leaving plenty of jobs for locum tenens OB-GYNs to take on to get that extra income.

What is the average locum tenens OB-GYN salary?

Locum tenens OB-GYN pay averages between $150 and $200 per hour or $1,200 and $1,400 per day. Hourly positions are the most common for locum tenens OB-GYNs, and while pay varies by region, facility, and level of need, locum tenens often earn a more competitive wage compared to staff OB-GYNs. Assignment lengths average between three and six months, including shift work and weekends, although shorter stints are also available.

How locum tenens agencies can benefit OB-GYNs

Locum tenens agencies take the complexity out of finding locums work. The chief benefits of working with locum tenens agencies like CompHealth are:

• It's free to you

• They offer a wide variety of opportunities at facilities across the country

• Specialty-specific recruiters find jobs that match your preferences

• Knowledge of market trends

• Coaching for interviews

• Help with licensing and credentialing

• Contract negotiation assistance

• Pay, benefits, and negotiation assistance

Recruiters are also surrounded by a talented team of experts in payroll, malpractice insurance, travel insurance, housing, credentialing, and even relocation associated with a permanent role. All of whom are there to back you up 24/7.

What the agency pays for — and what OB-GYNs pay for

The agency is responsible for paying your hourly or daily rate, but they also pay for:

• Licensing, credentialing, and privileging

• Medical malpractice coverage

• Travel and housing

Independent contractors are responsible for paying their own state, federal, Medicare, and Social Security taxes. However, as contractors, they can also claim more work-related expenses to offset this cost, like travel, meals, housing, work supplies, and continuing education.

Physicians must also cover life, health, and retirement benefits.

How does the agency make money?

Locum tenens agencies make money from the facilities themselves, which pay for their services to find a provider to fill a position. They also pay them for the convenience of streamlining the licensing, credentialing, privileging, housing, and travel arrangements for the providers, so they can get there as soon as possible to fill the service gap.

Locum tenens work lets OB-GYNs earn competitive pay and enjoy the freedom that permanent roles often can’t provide.

Want to learn more about locum tenens opportunities for OB-GYNs? Give us a call at 800.453.3030 or view today's locum tenens OB-GYN job opportunities.