Recruiter's Edge

Managing Locums

Compare locum vs. permanent costs and optimize your locum tenens staffing strategy.

Locum Costs

Hourly Rate ($)

Hours per Day

Days per Month

Agency Fee (%)

Travel/Housing ($/mo)

Malpractice ($/mo)

Permanent Costs ($K)

Annual Salary ($K)

Benefits (%)

Sign-On Bonus ($K)

Recruitment Cost ($K)

Malpractice ($K/yr)

Locum Annual

$636K

Perm Annual

$383K

Difference

+$253K

Cost Breakdown Comparison

Locum Costs

Base pay

$480K

Agency fees

$72K

Travel/Housing

$60K

Malpractice

$24K

Permanent Costs

Salary

$280K

Benefits

$70K

Sign-on (amort.)

$10K

Recruit (amort.)

$8K

Malpractice

$15K

Locums are more expensive

Locum coverage costs $253K more per year than a permanent hire. A permanent hire breaks even after 3 months when factoring in sign-on and recruitment costs.