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Locum Surgeon Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This Orthopedic Surgeon will be joining a well-respected team of 6 Orthopedic Surgeons and 7 Advanced Practice Providers. They should expect to be busy immediately as they will be joining the ...

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Orthopedic Surgeon - Federal Way, WA Francis Hospital is part of Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, one of the largest health care systems in the Puget Sound area. Francis Hospital is licensed for 158 ...

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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 13, 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:
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

Full-time, Temporary

Posted yesterday


CommonSpirit Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 505 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

404th of 872 rated healthcare providers


Job description

As a part of Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Franciscan Orthopedics - Silverdale is seeking a full-time Orthopedic Surgeon – Generalist / Total Joint Surgeon to join our team. This Orthopedic Surgeon will be joining a well-respected team of 6 Orthopedic Surgeons and 7 Advanced Practice Providers. They should expect to be busy immediately as they will be joining the practice of a busy, reputable, retiring surgeon.

Our new surgeon should anticipate the opportunity to build an elective general orthopedics and total joints practice, and should be comfortable with community trauma. Group consists of 6 Orthopedic Surgeons ~Dedicated Orthopedic Center / ORs within brand new regional Level 3 community hospital -Total Joints Center of Excellence ~ Support from nearby major metropolitan area and Level I trauma center ~ Excellent APPs to assist with pre-ops, hospital rounding, post-ops, and more ~ EPIC EMR Board Certification or Board Eligible in Orthopedic Surgery Unrestricted WA State Medical License Fellowship training or career experience in Total Joints, ability and interest in managing community trauma and general orthopedics Training or Experience in EPIC EMR Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has a rich history of providing exceptional healthcare, dating back to 1891. Building upon a legacy of compassionate care and innovation, our organization has evolved over the years through strategic partnerships and integrations to expand our reach and services across the Puget Sound area.

Today, as Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we remain deeply committed to healing the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – in the communities we serve. Our dedicated providers offer a full spectrum of health care services, from routine wellness to complex disease management, all grounded in rigorous research and education. Our comprehensive network of 10 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites strategically located across the greater Puget Sound region reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and comprehensive care.

We are proud of our pioneering medical advances and numerous awards and accreditations that reflect our dedication to excellence. When you join Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you become part of a team that delivers top-quality, professional healthcare in modern, well-equipped facilities, and contributes to a legacy of service built on collaboration and shared purpose. Our community: Michael Medical Center in Kitsap County.

It is on the Peninsula where you'll be surrounded by water in every direction, mountains, beautiful landscapes, and fresh air! This is a great place to visit or live for those outdoor enthusiasts. Lots of outdoor activities that include hiking, biking, kayaking, and whale watching!

The hospital is on a beautiful campus built in 2020. If you prefer to venture off into the city on your days off Seattle is just a ferry ride away. #


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