Is locum work right for you?

Here's your guide to working as a locum doctor in Australia

Looking for more variety in your medical career? Want the freedom to choose when and where you work as a doctor?

Locum work offers doctors in Australia and New Zealand the chance to gain new experiences, enjoy greater flexibility, and boost their earnings.

But is locum work the right fit for you? Here’s what you need to know about locuming; the good bits, the hard bits, the qualifications required, and how Wavelength medical recruiters can help you find the best locum opportunities.

Why Do Doctors Choose to Locum?

Locuming can be a great career move, but understanding what you want to achieve will help you decide if it’s the right path. Are you looking for a better work-life balance, higher pay, or the chance to travel? Here's what you need to consider:

The Perks of Locum Work

✅ Set your own schedule – Choose when and where you work.
✅ Earn more – Locum rates are often higher than permanent salaries.
✅ Avoid burnout – Take breaks between placements to recharge.
✅ Make a difference - work in communities that are in need of expert care.
✅ Gain new experiences – Explore Australia while you work, learn new skills, and connect with new colleagues.

Challenges of Locuming

❌ Less stability – Locum work isn’t always as predictable as a permanent role.
❌ Adapting to new systems – Each placement comes with a learning curve, both with technology and team processes.
❌ Building relationships – You won’t always have long-term patient continuity - unless you regularly revisit the same hospitals or clinics.
❌ Fitting into new teams – Professionalism and adaptability are key to settling in quickly.

What Do You Need to Become a Locum Doctor?

To locum in Australia, you must hold general or specialist registration. Other types of registration don’t typically allow for locum work due to its independent nature.

Can International Doctors Locum?

Yes, if you have the right visa and you're praciticing medicine. Some visas, such as the Skills in Demand visa, exempt medical professionals from full-time, permanent roles to pursue locum work. A medical recruitment agency like Wavelength can help with visa requirements and finding suitable placements.

How Much Experience Do You Need?

Many doctors start locuming from PGY-3 or PGY-4 onwards, with higher pay rates often linked to experience. Hospitals and clinics will usually specify the skills or fellowships required for each role, and they'll be listed on all Wavelength vacancies.

How to Maintain CPD as a Locum

Locuming gives you more control over your schedule, which can make it easier to stay on top of Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Here’s how:

Plan ahead
Identify the skills you want to develop and book relevant courses in advance

Seek out opportunities
Let employers and colleagues know you're keen to upskill

Track your progress
Keep copies of feedback forms and documentation for easy CPD activity lodgment and signoff.

Make time for learning
Use flexible work periods for workshops, webinars, training, research and other projects.

What’s the Best Way to Find Locum Work?

Some doctors rely on their professional networks, word of mouth, or public job boards, but most choose to work with a medical recruitment agency like Wavelength to simplify the process.

Why Work with a Locum Agency?

✔ Find the right roles – Experienced Medical Recruiters match you with placements suited to your skills and goals.
✔ Save time – No need to search for jobs, negotiate contracts and struggle to organise travel and logistics.
✔ Financial support – Agencies handle invoicing and admin.
✔ More opportunities – Work with a recruiter to explore roles in new locations or specialties.

At Wavelength, we make locum work easy. Whether you’re looking for short-term flexibility or a long-term locum career, we’ll find the right opportunities to suit your needs.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re eligible to locum, your next role is just a conversation away. Get in touch with our team today and let’s find the perfect locum position for you.