Locum Cardiology vs Permanent Cardiology in Michigan
Real numbers, state-adjusted. See what permanent doesn't show you — and what locum doesn't get.
Direct Answer
Locum cardiology in Michigan earn $289–$394/hr (annualized $559,504–$762,784 at 44 working weeks). Permanent cardiology in Michigan earn $399,000–$504,000 base salary plus benefits worth ~$71,820–$90,720. Locum total comp tops permanent by $0–$291,964 in 2026.
Pay rates per LocumOS Physician Freedom Project 2026, AMN Healthcare 2026, and NALTO benchmarks. Physician take-home, 1099. Updated May 2026.
Side-by-Side: Locum vs Permanent Cardiology
| Factor | Locum (1099) | Permanent (W-2) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Compensation | $559,504–$762,784 (gross, 1099) | $470,820–$594,720 (salary + benefits) |
| Hourly Equivalent | $289–$394/hr | $192–$242/hr equivalent |
| Benefits | Malpractice, travel, lodging bundled. Solo 401(k) to $69K. No employer match. | Health insurance, 401(k) match (~3–6%), PTO, CME stipend. Tail usually not included. |
| Schedule Control | Clinic, nocturnist, or consult-only. No partner obligations, no panel growth requirements. | Fixed schedule, call obligations, committee duties, admin meetings. |
| Tax Structure | 1099 with S-Corp election. Deduct travel, lodging, CME conferences. Solo 401(k) maxed. | W-2. Standard deductions only. FICA split with employer. Limited retirement options. |
| Lifestyle | Choose clinic-only for work-life balance, or nocturnist for premium pay. Full control over patient volume. | 2–4 weeks PTO per year. Call obligations. EMR inbox. Hospital politics. |
| Career Risk | No partnership track means no equity. But also no buy-in debt and no golden handcuffs. | Partnership track or employment model. Non-compete clauses. Golden handcuffs. |
What Permanent Doesn't Show You
FICA/SS Hidden Cost
Employer pays 7.65% FICA match (~$32,775) that never hits your W-2. As 1099, you pay both halves — but deduct the employer half.
Malpractice Tail
When you leave perm, tail coverage costs $20,000+. Locums One includes tail in every assignment.
Vacation Buy-In
4 weeks PTO = $38,000 in deferred earnings. Locum: take time off between assignments, no unpaid gap.
License & CME Fees
~$6,500/year in license renewals, DEA, board fees, CME travel. Often out-of-pocket even with "CME stipend."
What Locum Doesn't Get
Employer Health Insurance
No default group health plan. You buy on the marketplace or through a spouse. Cost: $8K–$18K/year for family coverage.
Retirement Match
No employer 401(k) match (~$22,800 value). You max Solo 401(k) to $69K — but it's all your money.
Annualized Math for Michigan Cardiology
Locum 1099
Permanent W-2
Locum net tops permanent net by:
$0–$291,964
At 44 working weeks. Work 8 weeks off per year.
Your Locum Career, Managed End-to-End
The biggest objection to switching from permanent to locum is career management. Who handles your next assignment? Your licensing? Your tax strategy?
Locums One does. Same recruiter every assignment. State licensing handled. Malpractice verified. Travel booked. We do not just place you — we manage your locum career so you can focus on medicine.