Between a worsening physician shortage and federal policy changes, 2026 is shaping up to be the year of locum tenens.
As patient volume and workforce gaps grow, healthcare organizations need flexible staffing options. These conditions have shifted locum tenens from an emergency, back-up plan to a long-term staffing strategy.
Active physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs) have noticed more opportunities to practice medicine. In fact, 50% of providers reported finding more job opportunities in 2025.
“Compared to a few years ago, there are noticeably more options and avenues to explore.”
With more opportunities every year, explore five high-demand specialties for locum tenens in 2026.
Top 5 High-Demand Specialties for 2026
Each specialty is experiencing strong demand due to retirements, burnout, and growing patient needs. Identifying high-demand specialties provides stability, informs income potential, and guides professional growth for locum providers.
1. Anesthesiology
The post-pandemic growth of outpatient surgical centers has created high demand for anesthesiologists (MD/DO) and CRNAs. While CRNAs make up more than 80% of anesthesiology professionals in rural counties, supervising physicians remain essential.
From outpatient procedures to hospital critical care, locum anesthesiologists step in to fill staffing gaps and support existing teams. Anesthesiologists can find no-call, no-weekend jobs to support the work-life balance they desire.
Best facilities: Outpatient care centers, general and specialty hospitals, home healthcare services, and physician offices
2. Family Medicine
Family medicine remains a high-demand specialty for locum tenens in 2026. Rural populations increase while the primary care workforce declines, limiting access to care.
Family medicine professionals have a significant impact on rural communities and even the lifespan of everyday Americans. For example, access to a family medicine physicians improves preventative medicine and reduces the mortality rate up to 1.4%.
With locum tenens, family medicine professionals can travel nearly anywhere in the United States. There are more practices setting options from urban community health centers to rural tribal communities.
Best facilities: Community health centers, tribal health clinics, urgent care centers, hospitalist programs, specialty offices for APPs
3. Neurology
An aging population has increased the prevalence of neurological conditions, from Alzheimer’s disease to stroke recovery. The American Academy of Neurology recorded that self-identifying general neurologists dropped from 46% to 28% in less than 10 years.
General neurologists are looking for better work conditions and flexibility through private practice ownership. While this migration creates openings in hospital jobs, neurologists miss the opportunity of locum tenens.
Locum tenens offers independence without the expenses of running a business. Also, locum neurologists experience more workplace appreciation. In 2025, 96% of locum providers reported a positive acceptance from on-site staff.
If you’re looking for a flexible career option that values your contribution, explore locum tenens as a neurologist.
Best facilities: Outpatient clinics, community health centers, freestanding emergency departments
4. Psychiatry
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that 6.2 million U.S. adults didn’t get treatment for their mental illnesses. Psychiatrists, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), and other mental health professionals have opportunities nationwide to change the narrative.
Working locum tenens allows you to treat patients faster while a flexible schedule gives you the time off you need to avoid burnout.
Best facilities: Community health centers, hospitals, outpatient mental health clinics, emergency departments
5. Emergency Medicine
Emergency medicine is one of the most reliable locum specialties heading into 2026. Hospitals and standalone departments use locums manage surges, cover vacancies, and stabilize schedules.
After a sharp decline in 2023, emergency medicine has made a strong comeback. This specialty reached a 97.9% residency fill rate in 2025.
For qualified providers, locum tenens in emergency medicine offers steady work and the freedom to shape your career.
Best facilities: rural critical access hospitals, community emergency departments, and high-volume trauma centers.
Why You Should Consider Locum Tenens in 2026
The top reasons providers leave traditional roles for locum tenens are pay, location, and diversity of practice settings.
Pay
On average, locum providers earn 30% more than their full-time salary. This higher rate is a reflection of costs and benefits that 1099 contractors do not qualify for, like health insurance. Learn more about how locum tenens pay works.
Location
Additionally, rural communities need more doctors who are willing to travel to their county and help. These communities often have higher mortality rates and more severe mental illness reports. Locum tenens helps change the narrative.
Some providers prefer working close to home; however, crossing state lines often leads to higher pay. Taking advantage of multi-state licensure through the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact helps doctors get licensed faster.
Diverse Practice Settings
With the rise of freestanding emergency rooms and outpatient clinics, specialists have more opportunities in various practice settings, not just hospitals.
Flexible schedules allow providers to work in high-need areas while maintaining work-life balance, without the administrative burden of a permanent practice.
Consilium Specializes Too!
Consilium Staffing focuses on specialty-aligned locum opportunities for doctors and APPs. Our recruiters drive results through a specialty focus, helping you find assignments that meet your professional goals. Our regional expertise keeps us up-to-date about healthcare needs where you want to practice.
Whether you’re seeking your first locum assignment or exploring new opportunities, we provide dedicated support every step of the way. Call Consilium today for your next locum assignment!
