If you're a physician or advanced practice provider looking for locum tenens work in emergency medicine, you need a staffing partner that understands the grind. Here are five firms that can get you into the right ER, with the right pay, and the right support.
The State of Emergency Medicine Locum Tenens
Emergency departments across the US are facing a persistent staffing crunch. Burnout rates among EM physicians hover around 42%, and the 2023 Match left 555 EM positions unfilled. That's where locum tenens firms step in, placing temporary physicians and APPs into open shifts to keep ERs running. The market is competitive, with firms vying for top talent by offering high pay, travel perks, and flexible schedules. For you, the clinician, this means more options than ever—but also more noise. Knowing which firms actually deliver on their promises is key to making the right move.
How We Evaluated These Firms
We looked at each firm's service scope, including whether they cover emergency medicine specifically and how broad their geographic reach is. We also considered pricing clarity—how transparent they are about compensation and any fees. Local fit mattered too, so we checked if they have a presence or focus in the US and whether they handle licensing and credentialing. Finally, we weighed the support they offer, from travel and lodging to malpractice coverage, because that's what makes a locums gig truly hassle-free. Each firm stood out in different ways, and we've highlighted those strengths below.
Here's a quick snapshot of the five firms we're covering, from the boutique to the giant.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| AMN Healthcare | Physicians seeking maximum job volume and high earning potential |
| GPI Consulting Group LLC | Physicians who want a personalized, boutique staffing experience |
| LocumTenens.com | Physicians who prefer to self-search and compare many EM locum jobs |
| Medicus Healthcare Solutions | Physicians who want a consultative, career-focused staffing partner |
| Global Medical Staffing | Physicians interested in international locum tenens opportunities |
The Five Firms, Up Close
#1 AMN Healthcare
A screenshot of the AMN Healthcare website.
AMN Healthcare is the 800-pound gorilla of healthcare staffing, and for good reason. They offer locum tenens emergency medicine positions with annual earning potential up to $1.5 million, which is a serious draw for any physician. Their platform is massive, with thousands of jobs across all 50 states, and they have dedicated recruiters who know the EM space inside out. They also handle licensing, credentialing, and travel logistics, so you can focus on patient care. If you want the widest range of options and the backing of a national leader, AMN is your starting point. Check out their physician career page to see the sheer volume of opportunities.
#2 GPI Consulting Group LLC
A screenshot of the GPI Consulting Group LLC website.
GPI Consulting Group is a boutique healthcare staffing firm that punches above its weight. They specialize in placing physicians and APPs in permanent family medicine roles and locum tenens shifts, with a sharp focus on emergency medicine and hospitalist positions. What sets them apart is their personal touch—they represent a curated roster of physicians, showcasing their credentials to facilities across multiple states. They also offer travel, lodging, and malpractice coverage, which takes the stress out of every assignment. If you're looking for a firm that treats you like a partner, not a number, GPI is worth a serious look. Their physician showcase is a unique feature that puts your profile in front of hiring managers directly.
#3 LocumTenens.com
A screenshot of the LocumTenens.com website.
LocumTenens.com is a dedicated locum tenens marketplace that's been around for decades, and it shows in their job board. They have over 4,000 emergency medicine positions listed at any given time, from rural ERs to urban trauma centers. Their search filters let you narrow down by state, shift type, and even call requirements, so you can find exactly what fits your lifestyle. They also provide a quick-apply feature that speeds up the process, which is a huge plus when you're trying to lock in a shift. For physicians who want to browse and compare options on their own terms, this platform is a goldmine. Their international listings also open doors if you're considering working abroad.
#4 Medicus Healthcare Solutions
A screenshot of the Medicus Healthcare Solutions website.
Medicus Healthcare Solutions is a full-service locum tenens agency that's particularly strong in emergency medicine. They don't just throw jobs at you—they take time to understand your preferences, from shift types to geographic regions, and then match you with opportunities that fit. Their team handles all the licensing and credentialing, and they have a dedicated portal, MedicusIQ, where you can track your assignments and documents. They also offer a transition program for residents and fellows, which is a nice touch if you're just starting out. If you value a consultative approach and a firm that invests in your career, Medicus is a solid choice. Their IMLC map is a handy tool for understanding which states you can work in with a compact license.
#5 Global Medical Staffing
A screenshot of the Global Medical Staffing website.
Global Medical Staffing is your ticket to locum tenens work not just across the US, but around the world. They have opportunities in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and the Caribbean, which is perfect if you're looking for adventure along with your paycheck. Their US operations are solid too, with a focus on rural and underserved areas where EM physicians are in high demand. They offer a revenue estimator on their site, so you can get a rough idea of what you might earn before you even apply. Their support team is known for being responsive and thorough, handling everything from travel to licensing. If you're open to international assignments, this firm opens doors you didn't know existed.
How to Choose the Right Locum Tenens Firm for You
Start by thinking about what matters most to you: Is it the highest pay, the widest variety of locations, or a more personal relationship with your recruiter? If you want to cast a wide net and have the biggest job board at your fingertips, AMN or LocumTenens.com are your best bets. If you prefer a boutique feel where the recruiter knows your name and your preferences, GPI Consulting Group is a standout. For those who want a consultative approach with career development support, Medicus is a strong contender. And if you're dreaming of working abroad, Global Medical Staffing is the only one on this list that can make that happen. Don't forget to ask about licensing support, travel stipends, and malpractice coverage—these can make or break your experience. Ultimately, the right firm is the one that aligns with your career goals and your lifestyle.
Streamlining Your Locum Tenens Search
You can automate your locum tenens job search by setting up alerts on platforms like LocumTenens.com, which will email you when new EM positions match your criteria. For a more hands-off approach, firms like AMN and Medicus use algorithms to match your profile with open shifts, and they'll reach out to you when something fits. GPI's physician showcase is a form of automation too—it puts your credentials in front of facilities without you having to apply to each one individually. Use these tools to save time and let the jobs come to you.
The Bottom Line
The locum tenens market is booming, and you have more choices than ever. Whether you go with a giant like AMN, a marketplace like LocumTenens.com, a boutique like GPI, a consultative firm like Medicus, or an international player like Global Medical Staffing, the key is to find a partner that fits your needs. Take the time to compare their offerings, talk to their recruiters, and read the fine print. Your next great assignment is out there—these five firms can help you find it.