How Much Can a Locum Doctor Make in 2025?

The demand for locum doctors in Ireland continues to grow in 2025, as healthcare facilities adapt to seasonal fluctuations, staff shortages, and increasing patient needs. If you’re considering working as a locum doctor, one of the first questions you may have is, “How much can I earn?” Let’s break down the earning potential, factors influencing pay rates, and why locum doctor jobs offer both financial rewards and flexibility.

Locum Doctor Pay Rates in 2025

The earning potential of locum doctor jobs in Ireland varies depending on factors like specialty, experience, location, and contract type. On average, locum doctors in Ireland can earn between €49 to €133 per hour, with some specialists earning significantly more. Here’s a closer look at potential pay scales:

• Junior Doctors: Starting locum doctors typically earn €49 to €62 per hour, depending on the healthcare setting and region.
• Registrars typically earn €54 to €71 per hour depending on the shifts, healthcare setting and region.
• General Practitioners (GPs): GPs in locum roles can earn between €100 to €150 per hour, with rural areas often offering higher rates due to increased demand.
• Specialist Consultants: These roles typically offer €133 per hour, particularly for in-demand specialities like anaesthesiology or emergency medicine.

For those working full-time as locum doctors, annual earnings can range from €80,000 to over €250,000, depending on the number of shifts and the rate of pay.

Factors Influencing Locum Doctor Earnings

Several factors affect how much you can earn in locum doctor jobs:

• Specialty: Specialist trained Doctors typically earn more than junior doctors due to their expertise and demand.
• Healthcare setting: Private sector locums would generally offer higher rates.
• Experience: More experienced doctors command higher rates, as they bring valuable skills and knowledge to their roles.
• Shift Type: Evening, overnight, or weekend shifts often come with premium pay.
• Contract Type: Short-notice assignments or urgent cover needs may include higher rates to ensure positions are filled quickly.

Benefits Beyond Earnings

While financial rewards are a significant draw, locum doctor jobs also offer benefits that go beyond the pay cheque:

• Flexibility: Locum work allows doctors to create their schedules, offering an improved work-life balance.
• Diverse Experience: Working in various healthcare settings exposes locum doctors to different challenges and enhances their skills.
• Networking Opportunities: Locum roles enable doctors to connect with other healthcare professionals and build a robust professional network.
• Tax Advantages: Locum doctors can often deduct business expenses, such as travel and accommodation, from their taxable income, maximising their take-home pay.

How to Find the Best Locum Doctor Jobs

Locum doctor jobs in Ireland are plentiful in 2025, but finding the right roles requires careful consideration. Partnering with a reputable agency like Locum Express can help streamline your job search. Agencies offer access to exclusive opportunities, guidance on negotiating rates, and support with paperwork, ensuring you focus on what matters most—providing excellent patient care.

Is Locum Work Right for You?

If you’re seeking a flexible, well-compensated career path, locum doctor jobs are worth exploring. Whether you’re a junior doctor looking to gain experience or an established professional seeking variety, locum roles can align with your career goals. With competitive pay rates and the opportunity to tailor your schedule, locum work is a lucrative option for doctors in Ireland.

Conclusion

In 2025, the earning potential for locum doctors in Ireland remains highly competitive, with hourly rates that reflect the growing demand for flexible healthcare staffing solutions. Whether you’re seeking financial stability, professional development, or a better work-life balance, locum doctor jobs offer an excellent pathway to achieving your goals. Explore opportunities with Locum Express to take the first step toward a rewarding locum career.

For more information on any of our roles contact a member of our Locum Express team on +353 (0)21 4297901 or email us at info@locumexpress.ie. You can also register online here.