Locum doctor rates, October to December 2025

During the October to December quarter, locum staffing demand eased across several specialties following the winter surge, though it remained elevated overall and higher than Q4 2024. This seasonal softening was expected, however areas such as Intensive Care remained resilient, with consultant demand rising 150% quarter-on-quarter and pay rates increasing 13% to an average of $2,808. Emergency Medicine and Psychiatry also continued to see steady demand, particularly across regional services.

Pay rates were largely stable but mixed across specialties. Anaesthetics consultants saw a 13% decrease to $2,895, though the specialty remained one of the highest paid overall. Psychiatry consultants experienced modest growth, while registrars and residents saw slight declines in several fields, including Medicine. Hospitals also continued to tighten requirements around completed paperwork and credentialing, with doctors who were fully compliant securing work faster. Ongoing pressure on public health budgets has meant some services are asking doctors or agencies to contribute toward travel, accommodation and car hire, which is influencing where doctors choose to work and limiting supply to a small number of hospitals.

This quarter’s data suggests locum demand is likely to remain resilient into 2026 as workforce pressures continue. Doctors who keep credentials up to date and remain flexible will be best placed to secure opportunities.

Zeep continues to invest in streamlined credentialing and logistics support to reduce delays and allow doctors to focus on patient care while we manage the admin.

The data is compiled from information sent to Zeep by hospitals and is indicative only. All daily rates are an average of 8 hours worked. Zeep Medical makes no warranty, representation or statement, express or implied, about the accuracy, availability, completeness or usefulness of the information, and accepts no legal liability or responsibility for any loss or damage arising from its supply or use.