ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Locum Surgeon Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CompHealth

Orthopedic Surgeon

Crescent City, CA

$470K - $550K/yr

Join a community-based hospital in Northern California as a General Orthopedic Surgeon, working alongside an employed surgeon and a locum surgeon. This role offers a flexible 2 weeks on / 2 weeks off ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLocum Surgeon Jobs

Locum Surgeon information

See salary details

$38K

$339.2K

$400K

How much do locum surgeon jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for locum surgeon in the United States is $339,174.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $303,000.00 and $400,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paid locum tenens specialty?

In locum tenens staffing, orthopedic surgery is typically the highest paid specialty, with surgeons earning higher daily rates due to the complexity and demand for their skills. Other high-paying specialties include cardiology and radiology, which also command premium compensation for temporary positions. Salaries vary based on location, experience, and facility needs.

What is a locum surgeon?

A locum surgeon is a qualified medical doctor who temporarily fills in for another surgeon, often to cover staff shortages, leave, or increased workloads at hospitals or clinics. Locum surgeons have the same training and credentials as permanent surgeons and perform similar duties, such as conducting surgeries, consulting with patients, and collaborating with medical teams. This role offers flexibility and the opportunity to work in various healthcare settings, which can be appealing to many medical professionals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Locum Surgeon, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Locum Surgeon, you need board certification in surgery, extensive clinical experience, and a valid medical license. Familiarity with hospital information systems, electronic health records (EHRs), and current surgical techniques is essential, and some roles may require specific credentials such as Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) certification. Strong adaptability, communication, and teamwork skills are crucial for quickly integrating into new clinical environments and collaborating with different healthcare teams. These skills and qualifications ensure effective patient care, seamless workflow integration, and the ability to provide high-quality surgical services in diverse healthcare settings.

What are the disadvantages of locums work?

Locum surgeons often face challenges such as job insecurity due to short-term contracts and limited benefits like paid leave or retirement plans. They may also experience difficulty building long-term professional relationships and adapting to different hospital environments quickly. Additionally, frequent travel and irregular schedules can impact work-life balance.

Can surgeons do locums?

Yes, surgeons can work as locum tenens, which involves temporary or short-term assignments to fill staffing gaps. These roles require appropriate medical licenses, board certification, and often specific experience in the relevant surgical specialty. Locum surgeons must also adhere to hospital policies and maintain current certifications such as ACLS or ATLS.

What is the difference between Locum Surgeon vs General Surgeon?

AspectLocum SurgeonGeneral Surgeon
CredentialsMedical degree, surgical certification, licensingMedical degree, surgical certification, licensing
Work EnvironmentTemporary assignments in hospitals or clinicsPermanent or long-term hospital or surgical center roles
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, clinics, locum agenciesHospitals, surgical centers, private practices
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

In summary, a Locum Surgeon fills temporary surgical roles, often through agencies, while a General Surgeon typically holds a permanent position in hospitals or clinics. Both require similar credentials, but their employment arrangements differ significantly.

What healthcare jobs pay over $100k per year?

Locum surgeons often earn over $100,000 annually, especially those specializing in high-demand fields like orthopedic, neurosurgery, or cardiovascular surgery. These roles typically require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and the ability to work in high-pressure environments, often with flexible or irregular schedules.

What are some common challenges faced by locum surgeons when adapting to new hospital environments?

Locum surgeons often encounter the challenge of quickly adapting to different hospital protocols, electronic medical record systems, and team dynamics. Each assignment may have unique procedures, equipment, and support staff, requiring strong communication and adaptability skills. Building rapport with new colleagues and ensuring continuity of patient care in a short time frame can be demanding but also rewarding for those who enjoy variety and learning new practices.
More about Locum Surgeon jobs
What cities are hiring for Locum Surgeon jobs? Cities with the most Locum Surgeon job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Surgeon jobs? The most popular types of Surgeon jobs are:
What states have the most Locum Surgeon jobs? States with the most job openings for Locum Surgeon jobs include:
Locum Surgeon jobs near you
Infographic showing various Locum Surgeon job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 34% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 43% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $339,174 per year, or $163.1 per hour.
Orthopedic Surgeon

Orthopedic Surgeon

CompHealth

Crescent City, CA

$470K - $550K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Join a community-based hospital in Northern California as a General Orthopedic Surgeon, working alongside an employed surgeon and a locum surgeon. This role offers a flexible 2 weeks on / 2 weeks off schedule, focusing on major joint cases for an aging population with high orthopedic demand. Enjoy a stunning coastal setting where the Redwoods meet the sea, with abundant outdoor activities.

Practice Info

  • Join 1 employed surgeon and 1 locum surgeon in orthopedic team
  • All major joint cases with aging population and high orthopedic demand
  • Community-based hospital with comprehensive surgical services

Compensation

  • $470000 - $550000 annual
  • Sign-on bonus
  • Relocation assistance

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits

Shift & Schedule

  • Very flexible schedule - 2 weeks on / 2 weeks off available

Requirements

  • Board-certified or board-eligible general orthopedic surgeon
CompHealth logo

About CompHealth

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

CompHealth is a national leader in healthcare staffing, serving providers in more than 100 specialties. With available positions in all fifty states, we can help you find an opportunity in the area and type of facility that best fits your needs.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Midvale, UT, US

Year founded

1979

View All CompHealth Jobs

Apply