1. What is a locum radiology role?
A locum radiology role is a short-term contract position where you work at a hospital or private practice to cover leave, vacancies, or service gaps. Contracts can range from a few days to several months, across metro, regional, and remote Australia.
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2. Why are locum radiologists in such high demand?
Australia continues to experience workforce shortages across both public and private imaging providers. Organisations such as RANZCR regularly report strong demand for radiology services nationwide, particularly in regional and outer-metro areas.
This demand translates into:
Premium daily rates
Flexible booking options
Strong negotiating power for radiologists
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3. How much can I earn as a locum radiologist?
Daily rates typically range from $3,500 to $4,500+ per day, depending on:
Location (regional often higher)
Modality mix
Urgency of coverage
Subspecialty expertise
Many roles also include:
Return airfares
Self-contained accommodation
Hire car
Mileage reimbursement
For many radiologists, locum work significantly increases short-term earning capacity compared to salaried roles.
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4. What are the main benefits of locum work?
Financial Upside
Higher daily rates with minimal overheads.
Flexibility
Choose when and where you work which includes remote reporting (teleradiology) options. Ideal if you:
Want breaks between contracts
Are transitioning between roles
Prefer school-holiday flexibility
Are easing toward retirement
Lifestyle Freedom
Work coastal one month, regional the next. Popular destinations include:
Gold Coast
Brisbane
Canberra
Melbourne
Variety of Clinical Exposure
Experience different reporting systems, workflows, and case mixes — valuable for early-career consultants building breadth.
Reduced Administrative Burden
Most locum roles are purely clinical, without long-term committee work, governance, or management responsibilities.
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5. Is locum work suitable for new Fellows?
Yes — many newly qualified Fellows choose to locum for 6–12 months after exams to:
Decompress after training
Build financial reserves
Trial different practice environments before committing permanently
It’s also an excellent way to explore metro vs regional practice styles.
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6. Can I locum part-time?
Absolutely. Some radiologists:
Work 1–2 weeks per month
Book contracts around school holidays
Combine locum work with tele-reporting
Supplement part-time permanent roles
You control your availability.
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7. What about credentialing and registration?
To locum in Australia you’ll need:
AHPRA specialist registration
Fellowship of Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (FRANZCR) or specialist recognition
Most recruitment agencies assist with credentialing paperwork and onboarding.
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8. Do I need my own indemnity insurance?
In most cases:
Public hospitals provide cover under state indemnity
Private practices may include indemnity or require personal cover
Always confirm before starting — your recruiter should clarify this.
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9. Is regional locum work very different from metro?
Regional roles often offer:
Higher daily rates
Broader modality exposure
Greater clinical autonomy
Metro roles typically provide:
Subspecialty focus
Larger teams
High-end imaging equipment
Both can be professionally rewarding — it depends on your career goals.
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10. Does locum work impact long-term career progression?
Not negatively — in fact, it can:
Broaden experience
Strengthen confidence
Expand professional networks
Provide exposure to multiple practice models
Many locum radiologists later convert into permanent roles at sites they’ve trialled.
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11. Who is locum radiology best suited for?
Locum work is particularly attractive for:
Registrars finishing exams
New Fellows exploring options
Consultants wanting higher earnings
Radiologists seeking flexibility
Those transitioning toward retirement
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12. What are the potential downsides?
Balanced considerations include:
Income variability if you take long breaks
Less continuity with clinical teams
Travel fatigue (if doing frequent interstate work)
However, most radiologists mitigate this by booking structured blocks in advance.
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Final Thoughts
Locum radiology offers a rare combination of:
Excellent income
Lifestyle flexibility
Clinical variety
Geographic freedom
In today’s Australian market, it’s no longer just a short-term stopgap — it’s a strategic career pathway.
If you're considering locum work — whether you're finishing training, exploring a lifestyle change, or looking to significantly increase your earnings — now is an excellent time to explore the market. I work with radiology departments and private imaging providers across metro and regional Australia. Contact me at any time to understand your options.
Jason Ahmad
Senior Recruitment Consultant - Radiology
T: 0413 742 703
F: (02) 9641 2499
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