3 Ways to Increase Your Locum Tenens Salary

When considering a locum tenens position, salary is often top-of-mind for providers. Some may think a permanent position offers higher compensation, but the truth is there is more room for a higher salary in the locums industry. Working as a locum tenens provider allows you to work in areas that pay more, provides the chance to negotiate and affords you many opportunities to gain experience.

Explore outside the city limits:

While cities are usually desirable for those who want the experience of traveling to cool places for their locums job, they often do not offer the best locum tenens salary. In fact, better pay can be found outside of cities. The cost of living in rural areas is cheaper, resulting in a surplus of extra money you can add to your bank account.

Ask for what you want:

You never know what you can get if you don't ask for it. Negotiating pay may not come easy for everyone, but it is something anyone can do. You cannot blindly throw out the amount you want to be paid; there is a method to becoming a great negotiator. First, research the assignment you want. Next, know the average salary for doctors in your specialty. Lastly, have confidence. The worst case scenario is you are told no, but that's better than never trying to get a higher locum tenens salary.

Continue to build your resume:

It's no secret that the more experience you have, the more valuable you are to employers. Luckily, locum tenens providers are able to gain experience in multiple facilities across the country. Instead of being stuck in the same role at the same facility, these providers have the opportunity to gain knowledge in various work environments. Once again,  working in rural areas adds another benefit - experience. Locum providers in rural areas are exposed to a more diverse patient population, which helps them develop a well-rounded skill set.

Ready to increase your locum tenens salary? Contact a recruiter today.