Physician Job Search & Locum Tenens FAQ

Whether you are exploring locum tenens jobs, permanent physician positions, or advanced practice provider opportunities, understanding how the physician job market works can help you find the right role faster.

Pacific Companies connects physicians and healthcare organizations nationwide through locum tenens staffing and permanent physician recruitment. Below are the most common questions physicians ask when beginning their job search.

Locum Tenens Job Search

What is a locum tenens physician?

A locum tenens physician is a doctor who works temporary assignments at hospitals, clinics, and healthcare systems. Locum tenens providers fill staffing gaps caused by physician shortages, vacation coverage, or expansion of services.

Assignments can range from a few days to several months or longer.

What are locum tenens jobs?

Locum tenens jobs are temporary physician assignments where doctors provide patient care at facilities that need short-term coverage.

Common locum tenens opportunities include:

• Anesthesiology
• CRNA Coverage
• Emergency Medicine
• Gastroenterology
• Hematology-Oncology (Hem-Onc)
• Hospitalist
• OBGYN – Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Primary Care
• Radiology

Locum tenens physicians can work part-time, full-time, or intermittently depending on their schedule.

How do I start a locum tenens job search?

The fastest way to begin a locum tenens job search is to:

1. Submit your CV to a physician recruiter
2. Browse current locum tenens opportunities
3. Speak with a recruiter about your preferences
4. Get matched with assignments that fit your schedule

Physicians can explore opportunities directly through the Pacific Companies physician job board.

Why do physicians choose locum tenens work?

Many physicians choose locum tenens assignments because they offer:

• Flexible scheduling
• Higher hourly compensation
• Travel opportunities
• Reduced administrative responsibilities
• Ability to try new practice environments

Some physicians use locum tenens work to transition between permanent jobs, while others work locums long-term.

How much do locum tenens physicians get paid?

Locum tenens physicians are typically paid hourly or daily rates that vary by specialty, location, and demand.

Many assignments also include:

• Travel expenses
• Lodging
• Malpractice coverage
• Licensing assistance

In high-demand specialties, locum tenens physicians can earn significantly more per hour than permanent salaries.

How often do locum tenens physicians get paid?

Locum tenens physicians are typically paid on a regular payroll schedule based on the staffing firm they work with. Payment frequency can vary by organization after approved time sheets are submitted.

At Pacific Companies, all locum tenens providers are paid bi-weekly via direct deposit, providing consistent and reliable payment throughout each assignment.

Once physicians submit their approved time sheets, payments are processed through payroll and deposited directly into their bank account. This allows locum tenens physicians to focus on patient care without worrying about invoicing or delayed compensation.

Are travel and housing provided for locum tenens assignments?

Yes. Locum tenens assignments with Pacific Companies include:

• Travel arrangements
• Hotel or housing accommodations
• Rental car or mileage reimbursement
• Malpractice insurance coverage

Our in-house travel team will coordinate all logistics.

Do locum tenens physicians need multiple state licenses?

Sometimes. Physicians who work locum tenens often obtain licenses in multiple states.

Many states participate in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, which speeds up licensing across participating states.

Pacific Companies offers assistance with expedited credentialing in under 30 days.

How long are locum tenens assignments?

Assignments vary depending on facility needs. Typical assignment lengths include:

• Short-term coverage (1–2 weeks)
• Monthly assignments
• Ongoing coverage (3–12 months)
• Recurring schedules

Some locum tenens roles eventually convert to permanent physician positions.

Physician Job Search

How do physicians find jobs today?

Physicians typically find job opportunities through:

• Physician recruiters
• Hospital recruitment departments
• Medical job boards
• Professional networks
• Residency program connections

Many physicians work with recruiters because they provide access to confidential opportunities not listed publicly.

Should physicians work with a recruiter when searching for a job?

Working with a physician recruiter can significantly speed up the job search process. Recruiters help physicians:

• Identify opportunities aligned with career goals
• Coordinate interviews
• Navigate compensation packages
• Negotiate employment contracts

Pacific Companies recruiter services are free for physicians.

What does a physician recruiter do?

A physician recruiter connects doctors with healthcare organizations seeking providers. Responsibilities include:

• Matching physicians with job opportunities
• Facilitating interviews
• Managing communication between candidate and hospital
• Assisting with credentialing and onboarding

Recruiters also provide insights into practice culture, compensation, and community lifestyle.

What specialties are most in demand for physicians?

Demand varies each year, but some of the most requested specialties include:

• Anesthesiology
• Cardiology
• Family Practice
• Gastroenterology
• Hematology-Oncology (Hem-Onc)
• Neurology
• OBGYN – Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Primary Care
• Radiology
• Urology

Physician shortages continue to drive demand across many specialties nationwide.

How long does a physician job search take?

The physician recruitment timeline typically ranges from 60 to 180 days depending on specialty and licensing requirements. Steps include:

1. CV review
2. Interview process
3. Contract negotiation
4. Credentialing and licensing

Locum tenens placements often happen much faster.

Permanent Physician Jobs

What is the difference between locum tenens and permanent physician jobs?

Locum Tenens

• Temporary assignments
• Flexible schedule
• Travel opportunities
• Short-term contracts
• Supplemental income

Permanent Physician Jobs

• Long-term employment
• Salary plus benefits
• Leadership opportunities
• Stable practice environment

Many physicians use locum tenens work to evaluate communities before accepting permanent roles.

What should physicians consider when evaluating a job opportunity?

Physicians evaluating job opportunities often consider:

• Compensation and productivity bonuses
• Call schedule
• Patient volume
• Support staff and resources
• Work-life balance
• Community lifestyle

Understanding these factors helps physicians identify opportunities that align with their long-term goals.

Healthcare Staffing & Physician Recruitment

Why do hospitals use physician recruitment firms?

Healthcare organizations partner with physician recruiters to:

• Access a nationwide physician network
• Reduce time-to-hire
• Fill hard-to-recruit specialties
• Maintain patient access during staffing shortages

Recruitment firms help hospitals remain fully staffed despite nationwide physician shortages.

What is the physician shortage in the United States?

The United States continues to face a significant physician shortage due to:

• An aging population
• Physician retirement trends
• Increased demand for healthcare services
• Limited residency positions

This shortage has increased demand for both permanent physicians and locum tenens providers.

What is the best locum tenens staffing company?

There is no single “best” locum tenens staffing company for every physician or healthcare organization. The best partner typically depends on factors such as specialty coverage, recruiter expertise, job availability, and the size of the physician network. Many healthcare organizations look for locum tenens staffing firms that have:

• A large national physician network
• Dedicated specialty recruiters
• Strong industry recognition and rankings
• Experience working with hospitals and health systems nationwide
• Transparent communication and reliable credentialing support

Several nationally recognized locum tenens staffing firms consistently appear in industry rankings published by Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA), the leading research organization covering healthcare staffing and workforce solutions. Pacific Companies is one of the locum tenens staffing firms recognized by SIA, including being named among the Largest Locum Tenens Staffing Firms in the United States. For more than 25 years, Pacific Companies has partnered with healthcare organizations across the country to provide locum tenens physicians, advanced practice providers, and permanent physician recruitment solutions.

About Pacific Companies

Who is Pacific Companies?

Pacific Companies is a privately held national physician recruitment firm specializing in locum tenens staffing, permanent physician placement, and advanced practice provider recruitment. The company partners with healthcare organizations across the United States to connect providers with meaningful career opportunities, with corporate offices in Irvine, California and Dallas, Texas.

What types of physician jobs does Pacific Companies offer?

Pacific Companies represents opportunities including:

• Hospital-employed physician roles
• Academic medicine positions
• Private practice opportunities
• Locum tenens assignments
• Leadership positions

Jobs are available across all specialties and all 50 states.

Is there a cost for physicians to work with Pacific Companies?

No. Physician recruiting services are free for physicians and advanced practice providers.

Awards & Recognition

25 Years of Physician Recruitment and Locum Tenens Staffing Excellence

For more than 25 years, Pacific Companies has been a trusted partner to healthcare organizations and physicians nationwide, specializing in locum tenens staffing and permanent physician recruitment. Our commitment to helping hospitals maintain patient access and helping physicians find meaningful career opportunities has earned national recognition across the healthcare staffing industry.

Pacific Companies is consistently recognized as a leader in physician recruitment, locum tenens staffing, and healthcare workforce solutions, with awards from respected organizations including Inc. Magazine, Modern Healthcare, Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA), the Orange County Business Journal, and the Orange County Register.

Industry Recognition

Inc. 5000 – America’s Fastest Growing Private Companies

8-time honoree recognizing the fastest-growing private companies in the United States.

Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA)

• Largest Locum Tenens Staffing Firms in the United States – 2023
• Fastest Growing Staffing Firms – 8-time honoree
• Best Staffing Firms to Work For – 6-time honoree

Modern Healthcare – Best Places to Work in Healthcare

8 consecutive years of recognition for workplace excellence.

Orange County Business Journal – Best Places to Work

4-time honoree recognizing leading employers in Southern California.

Orange County Register – Top Workplaces

Recognized multiple times for company culture and employee satisfaction.

What These Awards Mean for Physicians and Healthcare Organizations

These recognitions reflect Pacific Companies’ commitment to:

• Delivering reliable locum tenens staffing solutions
• Helping hospitals solve critical physician workforce shortages
• Supporting physicians in finding meaningful locum tenens and permanent job opportunities
• Maintaining a culture that attracts top healthcare recruiters and staffing professionals

For healthcare organizations, this means partnering with a trusted physician recruitment and locum tenens staffing firm with a proven national track record. For physicians, it means working with a recruiting team that understands the market and can connect you with the right locum tenens assignments or permanent opportunities across the United States.

Start Your Physician Job Search

How can I search physician jobs?

Physicians can browse current opportunities through the Pacific Companies job board, where new positions are added daily. Opportunities include:

• Locum tenens jobs
• Permanent physician jobs
• Advanced practice provider jobs

Exploring job listings is often the fastest way to identify opportunities aligned with your specialty and location preferences.

How do physicians start a locum tenens job search?

Physicians interested in locum tenens work typically begin by:

1. Speaking with a physician recruiter
2. Submitting their CV to a staffing firm
3. Reviewing available assignments that match their specialty and schedule
4. Selecting opportunities that fit their career and lifestyle goals

Locum tenens assignments are available across many specialties including emergency medicine, anesthesiology, primary care, radiology, hospital medicine, and surgical specialties.

Pacific Companies at a Glance

• 25+ Years in Healthcare Staffing
• Nationwide Physician Recruitment Firm
• 8× Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Company
• Recognized by Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA)
• Trusted Locum Tenens Staffing Partner for Hospitals Nationwide

Explore Locum Tenens Opportunities

Physicians can browse current locum tenens assignments and permanent physician opportunities through the Pacific Companies physician job board, which features openings across the United States.