Locum vs Permanent Doctor Jobs: Which Career Path Suits You Best?

14 Jul 2026

Choosing between locum and permanent work is one of the bigger decisions a doctor may face at some point in their career. Each path comes with its own rhythm and set of trade-offs, which is why what suits one doctor may not suit another. Your stage of life and your appetite for change both feed into the choice. To help you weigh it up, 1Medical compares locum and permanent doctor jobs so you can decide which path could suit you best.

What Permanent Roles Offer

Permanent positions appeal to doctors who value a steady routine and a clear sense of belonging. You become part of a team and grow within one organisation over time. The income may be more predictable than ad hoc work, which some doctors find useful when planning ongoing financial commitments. Some permanent roles may also offer clearer progression and seniority pathways, depending on the employer and position. For many, that stability outweighs the appeal of variety. 1Medical sources permanent roles across Australia, including training posts for doctors looking to settle into one place.

Why Doctors Choose Locum Work

Locum work pulls in a different direction, trading some of that certainty for freedom. It tends to attract doctors who want more say over when and where they work. A locum doctor might pick up a single shift one week and a longer placement the next.

Locum work tends to suit you if you value things like:

• More control over your schedule
• Exposure to different hospitals and ways of working
• The chance to travel and see more of the country
• Potential for higher earnings during busy periods
• Less involvement in administrative responsibilities

1Medical advertises a range of locum doctor roles, from single shifts through to longer placements, allowing eligible doctors to explore locum work before committing more fully.

Weighing Income and Workload

Money naturally plays a part, although the comparison is not as clear-cut as it might first look. Locum rates can sometimes be higher per shift, but leave, benefits and other entitlements may not apply. Permanent roles may offer stable salary and employment entitlements, which should be considered when comparing overall remuneration. Workload can differ too, as locums can step back between placements while permanent staff carry ongoing responsibilities. Neither is harder across the board; it simply depends on how you like to work. When you look at doctor jobs in Australia this way, the right fit may become clearer.

Which Path Supports Your Long-Term Goals

The bigger question is where you want to be in five or ten years. Permanent work may support progression within a system over time, depending on the role and specialty pathway. Locum work, by contrast, can broaden your experience quickly and keep your options open if you’re still deciding. Some doctors even blend the two, taking permanent roles for stability and locuming on the side for extra income or variety where possible. It may help to consider your long-term goals alongside short-term pay when making the decision.

Explore Your Options With 1Medical

Still weighing up which path is right for you? 1Medical works with doctors at every stage and can help you compare your options without any pressure. You can also set up a job alert so relevant doctor jobs can be sent to your inbox. Reach out today and let us help you explore available paths.