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Locum Surgeon Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Department of Veterans Affairs

$200K/yr

Join Our Mission in Healthcare: Orthopedic Surgeon Position in Phoenix! Are you eager to make a significant difference in the lives of our nation's Veterans? Our organization, located in the vibrant ...

Watson Clinic

Orthopedic Surgeon We are excited to present a remarkable opportunity for an Orthopedic Surgeon, preferably with training in Total Joints or Trauma, to become part of a well-established private ...

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Locum Surgeon information

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$38K

$339.2K

$400K

How much do locum surgeon jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 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?

The highest paid locum surgeon specialties typically include neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, and cardiothoracic surgery, due to the complexity and demand for these procedures. These roles often require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and the ability to handle high-stakes environments, which contribute to higher compensation levels.

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 downsides of locum work?

Locum surgeons often face job insecurity due to short-term contracts and may experience inconsistent income. They also need to quickly adapt to different hospital environments and workflows, which can be challenging, and may have limited access to benefits like health insurance or retirement plans compared to permanent positions.

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.

How much do locums get paid?

Locum surgeons typically earn between $150 and $300 per hour, depending on their specialty, experience, and location. They often work on short-term assignments, which may include additional compensation for on-call or emergency duties.

Can surgeons do locums?

Yes, surgeons can work as locum tenens, which involves temporary or substitute positions to fill staffing gaps. These roles require appropriate medical licenses, board certification, and often involve flexible schedules and specific credentialing processes.

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 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.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $339,174 per year, or $163.1 per hour.
Locum Surgeon

Locum Surgeon

Department of Veterans Affairs

On-site

$200K/yr

Full-time, Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 646 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 275 rated public sector bodies

Job description

Join Our Mission in Healthcare: Orthopedic Surgeon Position in Phoenix!

Are you eager to make a significant difference in the lives of our nation's Veterans? Our organization, located in the vibrant city of Phoenix, Arizona, is on the lookout for a Board-Certified, highly skilled orthopedic surgeon to become part of our outstanding team.

Why Choose Us?
  • Purpose: Deliver exceptional musculoskeletal surgical care to all Veterans.
  • Mission: Provide high-quality, comprehensive musculoskeletal surgical services efficiently and promptly to enhance functionality and improve the quality of life for Veterans.
  • Vision: Actively seek the best evidence-based, cutting-edge musculoskeletal surgical practices through ongoing research, education, and innovation.
Your Responsibilities:

As an integral member of our team, you will carry out a variety of orthopedic surgical procedures, including:

  • Basic fracture stabilization
  • Soft tissue repair
  • Arthroscopy
  • Arthroplasty (with a current emphasis on primary and revision total hip and knee replacements)

Note: An adult joint reconstruction fellowship is highly preferred and will be given additional consideration.

Compensation and Benefits:
  • Salary: Competitive pay, along with an annual performance bonus and regular salary increases.
  • Paid Time Off: Enjoy 50-55 days of annual paid time off, which includes 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays, and a potential 5-day paid absence for continuing medical education (CME).
  • Retirement: Benefit from a traditional federal pension (with a 5-year vesting period) and a federal 401k plan with contributions of up to 5% from the organization.
  • Insurance: Access to federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance (many federal insurance options can be carried into retirement).
  • CME: Possible reimbursement of up to $1,000 per year.
  • Education Debt Reduction Program: Up to $200,000 in student loan repayment eligibility.
  • Malpractice: Enjoy free liability protection with tail coverage included.
  • Contract: No Physician Employment Contract and minimal restrictions on moonlighting.
Employment Requirements:
  • Possession of a Doctor of Medicine degree or an equivalent qualification from an accredited medical or osteopathic institution.
  • Licensure: Must hold one full and unrestricted medical license from any U.S. state or territory, maintaining a current, active status.
  • U.S. Citizenship is required (non-citizens may only be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited, in accordance with VA Policy).
Why Phoenix?

Phoenix, the capital of Arizona, is known for its year-round sunshine, stunning desert landscapes, and a wide array of outdoor and urban activities. As the fifth-largest city in the United States, Phoenix features world-class resorts, golf courses, and a lively culinary scene. The "Valley of the Sun" invites you to discover major attractions for recreation, relaxation, and cultural experiences.

Interested?

If you are ready to seize this rewarding opportunity, we encourage you to submit your CV. Make a meaningful impact while enjoying a fulfilling career and an unparalleled lifestyle in Phoenix! Join us, where your expertise will enhance the well-being of our heroes.

*This position qualifies for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which offers student loan repayment assistance. Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria and submit an EDRP application within four months of their start date. Approval, award amounts, and eligibility periods are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office.

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