Take a look at top trends and opportunities that locums should know heading into 2026.

As 2026 begins, the locum landscape for physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs) is evolving faster than ever. From rising demand in underserved areas to telehealth expansion, the opportunities for locums are expanding—but staying informed is key to maximizing your career. Here’s a look at the top trends and opportunities that locum providers should know heading into the new year.<h2>Increased Demand Across Specialties</h2>Healthcare facilities continue to rely on locum providers to fill staffing gaps, particularly in high-demand specialties:<ul><li>Emergency Medicine, Hospital Medicine, and Critical Care remain in high demand nationwide.</li><li>Primary Care &amp; Family Practice are seeing growth in underserved and rural areas.</li><li>Specialty Care such as psychiatry, cardiology, and anesthesiology is increasingly turning to locums to manage fluctuating patient loads.</li></ul> Being aware of where demand is highest can help you secure assignments with better pay and flexibility.<h2>Telehealth &amp; Remote Assignments Are Here to Stay</h2>The rise of telehealth isn’t slowing down. Locum providers now have opportunities to:<ul><li>Manage patient visits remotely for primary care, psychiatry, radiology, and urgent care.</li><li>Combine on-site assignments with telehealth shifts for more flexibility.</li><li>Expand their patient reach and maintain work-life balance without relocating.</li></ul> Providers who gain telehealth competencies and certifications will likely have an edge in 2026.<h2>Competitive Pay and Incentives</h2>With staffing shortages persisting in many regions, locum physicians and APPs can expect:<ul><li>Higher hourly or daily rates, especially for specialty or rural assignments.</li><li>Sign-on bonuses or completion bonuses to attract providers to high-need areas.</li><li>Short-term contracts with flexibility that accommodate personal and professional goals.</li></ul> Negotiating assignments strategically can maximize both income and career satisfaction.<h2>Licensure and Credentialing Flexibility</h2>Many states and facilities are streamlining licensing and credentialing processes, making it easier for locums to:<ul><li>Work across state lines, particularly with telehealth opportunities.</li><li>Transition quickly between assignments without long delays.</li><li>Access locum platforms that consolidate credentialing verification.</li></ul> Keeping licenses up to date and exploring multi-state options will be increasingly valuable in 2026.<h2>Professional Growth and Skill Diversification</h2>The most successful locum providers are those who continue to grow:<ul><li>Pursue CME, specialty certifications, and procedural skills relevant to high-demand assignments.</li><li>Explore teaching, mentoring, or leadership roles within locum assignments.</li><li>Position themselves as versatile providers capable of adapting to multiple clinical environments.</li></ul> Skill diversification isn’t just about pay—it’s about resilience and career longevity in a dynamic healthcare market.2026 promises to be a year of opportunity for locum physicians and APPs. By staying informed about industry trends, leveraging telehealth and hybrid roles, negotiating competitive contracts, and continuing to grow professionally, you can ensure a year full of rewarding assignments and career advancement.<a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/locums/hotjobs?utm_source=Website&amp;&amp;utm_campaign=Blog" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ready to take advantage of 2026’s locum opportunities?</a> Browse our latest assignments and discover roles that match your skills, specialty, and lifestyle.

What’s Next for Locum Physicians and APPs in 2026: Trends, Opportunities, and Insights