Compare staff positions vs locums contracts. Model income, taxes, and net pay before you decide -- not after.
Try Free CalculatorThe gross rate looks great. The real question is what's left after taxes, insurance, and expenses.
Locums rates look good on paper. But what about self-employment tax, malpractice, health insurance, and the weeks you won't work?
Self-employment tax plus federal plus state. Estimating this wrong is one of the most common and expensive mistakes new 1099 providers make.
It can save thousands in SE tax, but there are real costs and complexity involved. The answer depends on your income level and how you structure your work.
LocumsLab shows you what you will actually take home after taxes, insurance, and business costs. Compare offers side by side and run scenarios before you commit to anything.
Going locums means trading your employer's tax withholding, benefits, and paycheck predictability for a higher gross rate and self-employment taxes. The Quick Start calculator walks you through it step by step, built for physicians, CRNAs, NPs, PAs, and nurses.
Real data for physicians, CRNAs, NPs, and PAs sourced from BLS May 2024 and industry surveys. Know what the market pays before you negotiate.
| Profession | BLS Median Salary | Malpractice/yr | CME Allowance | Max Retirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hospitalist MD | $294,300 | $10,000–$30,000 | $3,000–$5,000 | $70,000 |
| CRNA | $214,500 | $3,000–$8,000 | $2,000–$4,000 | $70,000 |
| Emergency Medicine MD | $310,640 | $15,000–$50,000 | $3,000–$5,000 | $70,000 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $126,260 | $1,500–$4,000 | $1,500–$3,000 | $70,000 |
| Physician Assistant | $130,020 | $2,000–$5,000 | $1,500–$3,000 | $70,000 |
| Anesthesiologist MD | $331,190 | $20,000–$60,000 | $3,000–$6,000 | $70,000 |
| Psychiatrist MD | $247,350 | $5,000–$15,000 | $2,500–$5,000 | $70,000 |
| Registered Nurse | $93,600 | $500–$2,000 | $500–$1,500 | $23,500 |
4 more professions + tax burden comparison + retirement projections included in Pro.
See Full Benchmarks in the App →Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024 (published April 2025) · Malpractice: Medical Liability Monitor 2025 · Retirement limits: IRS Rev. Proc. 2024-40
Not sure where to start with going 1099? This guide covers what you need to know before you make the switch: LLC setup, taxes, malpractice, and how to put up to $70,000 a year into retirement.
No credit card. No spam. Instant download.
Try free. Upgrade when you’re ready.
We use simplified tax rates for estimates. For precise tax planning, work with a CPA. LocumsLab is designed to give you directional accuracy so you can make informed decisions, not replace professional tax advice.
Salary benchmarks use BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (May 2024, published April 2025). Malpractice ranges are sourced from Medical Liability Monitor 2025 and MGMA specialty surveys. Retirement contribution limits reflect IRS 2025 figures.
The S-Corp Evaluator compares sole proprietorship vs S-Corporation structures, showing tax savings, optimal salary and distribution splits, retirement contribution differences, and whether forming an S-Corp makes sense for your income level.
Pro users can export any scenario or comparison as a PDF report -- useful for sharing with a CPA, financial advisor, or spouse who wants to see the actual numbers.
No. LocumsLab works for physicians, CRNAs, NPs, PAs, nurses, and any healthcare professional comparing a staff position vs a locums or travel contract.
Email us at [email protected] and we’ll respond within 24 hours.
Free calculators and contract review for healthcare providers making the move to locums.
Try Free Calculator