How do I compare locum pay with a W-2 job?

Compare annualized locum income with W-2 salary plus benefits, then adjust for travel, licensing, malpractice coverage, health insurance, unpaid time, self-employment tax, and assignment gaps.

Is locum tenens always 1099 income?

Not always. Locum arrangements vary by employer, agency, and contract structure. This page is a rough pay comparison guide, not tax or employment classification advice.

Healthcare contractor comparison

Locum vs W-2 Calculator

Compare locum tenens, travel, temporary healthcare contractor, or per-diem pay with a W-2 employee offer after benefits, tax reserves, travel costs, licensing expenses, and unpaid gaps.

Open locum comparison Estimate 1099 take-home pay

Quick estimate

Quick Locum vs W-2 Pay Estimate

Compare a locum hourly rate with a W-2 salary package after assignment expenses and a simplified self-employment tax estimate.

Locum gross pay$0Rate x hours x assignment weeks.

Locum value after SE tax$0After expenses and simplified SE tax.

W-2 package estimate$0Salary plus estimated benefits.

Locum vs W-2 gap$0Positive means locum is higher before income tax.

This quick calculator is a rough educational comparison only. Locum contracts, malpractice coverage, reimbursement, licensing, and classification details can materially change the result.

What to Include in a Locum vs W-2 Comparison

W-2 Compensation

Compare salary, shift differentials, paid leave, health benefits, retirement match, employer-paid taxes, and continuing education support.

Locum Gross Pay

Annualize hourly or daily locum pay using realistic assignment weeks, expected shifts, unpaid breaks, and likely utilization.

Assignment Costs

Include travel, lodging gaps, licensing, credentialing, malpractice coverage, agency terms, health insurance, and accounting support.

Locum Pay Formula

Planning formula

Estimated locum value = gross locum pay minus assignment expenses, insurance, tax reserves, unpaid time, and gaps between contracts, compared with W-2 salary plus benefits.

A high locum hourly rate can still be weaker than it looks if the role has unpaid credentialing time, inconsistent assignments, expensive travel, or benefits you must replace yourself.

This is an educational estimate only. It is not tax, legal, financial, accounting, healthcare employment, or credentialing advice.

FAQ

What locum expenses should I include?

Consider travel, lodging gaps, licensing, credentialing, malpractice coverage, health insurance, accounting, professional dues, and unpaid time between assignments.

Can this compare nurse, physician, or allied health locum work?

Yes, as a rough pay framework. The specific numbers vary by role, state, agency, specialty, contract terms, and tax situation.

Does this decide whether a role is W-2 or 1099?

No. Worker classification depends on the contract and applicable rules. Consult a qualified professional for classification questions.