Top In‑Demand Locum Specialties in 2026
The specialties shaping the locum market- and the opportunities they unlock in 2026
If you’re thinking about locum tenens in 2026, you’re not alone, and for good reason. More hospitals are planning locum coverage as part of their core strategy. The high demand isn’t random. It’s driven by real shifts in care delivery, workforce dynamics, an aging population, and uneven physician distribution. But here’s the truth: Some specialties are seeing even more market need in the locum space with sustainable openings and better leverage. Physicians who know where demand is in 2026 are leveraging their skills to maximize autonomy and career success.
Joanna McCarthy
The Physician Expert
