For many physicians and advanced practitioners, deciding where to practice is one of the most appealing aspects of locum tenens work. With the ability to move between locations throughout a career, a practical question often follows. Where are clinicians choosing to go?

To help answer that, we have compiled five states that continue to attract locum tenens physicians and advanced practitioners and offer diverse clinical environments and communities.

Massachusetts

Academic and community-based practice with easy access to Boston and the broader New England region.

Locum Tenens Jobs In Massachusetts

Many locum tenens clinicians are drawn to Massachusetts for its reputation, but stay for the opportunity to make a difference in its communities. While the state is home to 31 teaching hospitals, locum tenens jobs also span community hospitals, outpatient clinics, and regional health systems. As patient demand continues to grow in both urban and non-urban areas, organizations rely on locum tenens clinicians to support coverage and maintain access to care across the state.

Beyond the clinical setting, Massachusetts offers a quality of life that complements locum tenens jobs. A mix of culture, history, and seasonal change, paired with easy travel throughout the Northeast, supports balance during time away from work. This combination of practice environment and livability has earned Massachusetts recognition in Medscape's 2025 Best Places to Practice by Region, reinforcing its appeal for locum tenens clinicians considering where to work next.

North Carolina

Major health systems and community hospitals across cities, small towns, and coastal regions.

Locum Tenens Jobs In North Carolina

North Carolina offers a wide range of locum tenens jobs that reflect the scope of its healthcare system. Nationally recognized organizations such as Duke and UNC Medical Center sit alongside community hospitals and regional systems, creating opportunities across diverse care settings and patient populations. With the state ranking 28th in total physician supply, demand for locum tenens remains steady as healthcare organizations work to meet patient needs across both metropolitan and rural communities.

That variety extends beyond the clinical setting. North Carolina gives locum tenens clinicians the opportunity to experience different parts of the state, from established cities and historic towns to regions shaped by the mountains and the coast. Paired with a relatively affordable cost of living and access to 22 teaching hospitals, the state offers a balance between clinical scope and the ability to step away from work and engage with where you are practicing.

Oregon

Impactful regional care alongside vibrant Northwest cities and natural landscapes.

Locum Tenens Jobs In Oregon

Oregon continues to generate strong demand for locum tenens clinicians, particularly in areas where patient needs outpace local staffing. The state's healthcare system spans academic medicine, regional referral centers, and smaller community facilities, creating locum tenens jobs across a wide range of clinical environments. With two Level I trauma centers and a strong academic presence anchored by OHSU, Oregon offers a practice landscape that provides locum tenens clinicians with collaboration, consistency, and continuity of care.

Outside of work, Oregon offers a pace and balance that many clinicians find restorative. Time off is often spent along the coast, in forested areas, or in quieter inland communities. Oregon's inclusion in Medscape's 2025 Best Places to Practice by Region, along with its relatively low reported physician burnout, reflects a practice environment that many physicians and advanced practitioners find sustainable over time.

Ohio

Competitive compensation with diverse cities and cultures.

Locum Tenens Jobs In Ohio

Ohio continues to see strong demand for locum tenens physicians and advanced practitioners, with locum tenens compensation in the state averaging roughly 122% of the national median. Demand is especially concentrated in rural and Appalachian areas of Ohio. In these regions, locum tenens support coverage across community hospitals, regional systems, and outpatient settings, serving a wide geographic area.

Beyond the clinical setting, Ohio offers a practical, accessible environment for a locum tenens job. From established cities to smaller towns and outdoor spaces shaped by rivers, parks, and rolling countryside, the state provides opportunities to explore without the pace or cost often associated with larger coastal markets. For clinicians seeking locum tenens jobs that combine meaningful impact with competitive compensation and everyday livability, Ohio presents a well-rounded option.

Texas

Consistent, high-impact clinical work across diverse care settings and regions.

Locum Tenens Jobs In Texas

Texas continues to see strong demand for locum tenens clinicians as access to care remains uneven across the state. More than six million Texans live in Health Professional Shortage Areas, and workforce projections estimate a shortage of 10,330 physicians by 2032. For locum tenens clinicians, Texas presents the opportunity to step into active clinical settings where experience and flexibility directly support patient access across both urban and rural communities.

Outside of work, Texas offers a level of choice that few states can match. Locum tenens jobs can be found in major metropolitan areas with food, music, and professional sports, or in smaller communities that offer a slower pace and simpler day-to-day living. For clinicians who value flexibility not only in how they work but also where they spend their time, Texas offers locum tenens jobs that feel dynamic rather than repetitive.

Find the Right Locum Tenens Job with Medicus

Choosing where to practice is a central part of the locum tenens experience. Location influences the patients you serve, the care settings you work in, and how you spend your time away from work. However, navigating licensure, credentialing, and assignment availability across multiple states can add complexity to that decision.

Partnering with a locum tenens agency, such as Medicus, can make finding your next locum tenens job more straightforward. We take a personalized approach to understanding your goals and connecting you with locum tenens jobs that align with how and where you want to practice. From licensing and credentialing to contract coordination and logistics, our team helps create a smooth experience so you can move forward into your next locum tenens job with confidence.

If you are considering your next locum tenens location, view our open locum tenens jobs or connect with the Medicus team to continue the conversation by completing the short form below.