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Locum Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Locum information

See California salary details

$45.9K

$304.3K

$394.8K

How much do locum jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for locum in California is $304,294.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $218,600.00 and $394,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a locum?

Locum jobs are temporary positions where professionals, often in the medical or healthcare field, fill in for regular staff who are absent, on leave, or when there is a staffing shortage. Locum workers provide essential coverage to ensure that services continue without interruption. These roles can range from a single day to several months and offer flexibility for both employers and workers. Locum positions are common among doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare providers, allowing them to gain diverse experience and sometimes higher pay rates compared to permanent roles.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a locum?

To thrive as a Locum, you generally need a relevant medical or healthcare qualification, active professional registration, and substantial clinical experience. Familiarity with diverse electronic health record (EHR) systems, local protocols, and sometimes agency-specific compliance training or certifications is important. Outstanding adaptability, strong communication, and the ability to quickly integrate into new teams are critical soft skills. These competencies ensure Locums deliver consistent, high-quality care while seamlessly filling staffing gaps in various healthcare settings.

What are common challenges locum professionals face when integrating into new workplaces?

Locum professionals often encounter challenges such as adapting quickly to different workplace cultures, learning new systems and procedures, and building rapport with permanent staff in a short timeframe. Each assignment may have unique expectations and workflows, so flexibility and strong communication skills are essential. Successful locums usually prepare by researching the facility in advance and staying organized to ensure seamless patient care and teamwork.

What is the difference between Locum vs Nurse?

AspectLocumNurse
CredentialsVaries by role, often requires relevant licensing and certificationsRegistered Nurse license, certifications like BLS, ACLS
Work EnvironmentTemporary assignments in hospitals, clinics, or healthcare facilitiesHospitals, clinics, community health settings
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare agencies, hospitals, clinicsHospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities
Search & Comparison IntentTemporary healthcare staffing, short-term rolesFull-time, part-time, or per diem nursing roles

In summary, a Locum is a temporary healthcare professional filling short-term staffing needs, often across various healthcare settings, while a Nurse is a licensed healthcare provider working in permanent or long-term roles. Both roles require relevant certifications, but their work environments and employment types differ significantly.

What are the disadvantages of locum work?

Locum work can involve inconsistent income due to temporary assignments and lack of job security. It may also require frequent travel, adapting to different work environments, and limited benefits such as health insurance or paid leave compared to permanent positions.

What cities in California are hiring for Locum jobs?

Cities in California with the most Locum job openings:

Infographic showing various Locum job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 29% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 34% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 26% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $304,294 per year, or $146.3 per hour.

Locum Physician (MD/DO) - Psychiatry - General/Other in Union City, CA

Locum Jobs Online

Commerce, CA โ€ข On-site

$204K - $257K/yr

Other

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Doctor of Medicine | Psychiatry - General/Other Location: Union City, CA Employer: CompHealth Pay: Competitive weekly pay (inquire for details) Start Date: ASAP

About the Position

LocumJobsOnline is working with CompHealth to find a qualified Psychiatry MD in Union City, California, 94587!
CompHealth exists to make the locums process easier. Not only will we search for jobs that fit your interests, we'll be here to handle all the details like credentialing, housing, travel arrangements, and so much more. So, relax and get back to helping patients, and let us do the heavy lifting.

  • Three days per week flexible schedule at each location
  • 8:30am - 5pm daily with no flexibility on timing
  • 8 - 12 patients per day typically
  • Ages 6 - 75 years old with 70% children and 30% adults
  • Child and adolescent psychiatry board certification required
  • Outpatient clinic setting
  • Staff support provided during busy periods
  • Hospital privileges required
  • We negotiate better pay and deposit it weekly
  • We arrange complimentary housing and travel and comprehensive malpractice coverage
  • We simplify the credentialing and privileging process
  • Access to online portal for assignment details and time entry
  • Your specialized recruiter takes care of every detail

Top Reasons to Choose a Locum Tenens Assignment

  1. Benefit from steady income streams and potentially higher rates, mitigating financial uncertainties and instability.
  2. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and specialists across various healthcare settings, gaining insights and perspectives that enrich your professional practice.
  3. Explore telemedicine or remote healthcare opportunities through locum assignments, leveraging technology to deliver care to patients in underserved or remote areas.
  4. Navigate career transitions or specialty changes with greater ease by gaining exposure to different practice settings and patient populations through locum work.
  5. Reinvent your career by exploring new specialties or transitioning to different healthcare sectors, seizing opportunities for personal and professional growth.

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PandoLogic. Keywords: Medical Doctor (MD), Location: Los Angeles, CA - 90040 , PL: 603158630