Most locum physicians compare their gross 1099 revenue to an employed salary and call it even. That comparison is misleading. A $400,000 locum year and a $400,000 employed salary produce very different net take-home figures once you account for self-employment taxes, business expenses, the QBI deduction, and state income tax on each side.
This calculator runs the full comparison using verified 2026 tax parameters — so you can see exactly what your locum income actually nets versus an equivalent W-2 position, before you make any career or contract decisions.
Planning tool only: Results are estimates based on simplified 2026 tax parameters. Consult a CPA for personalized tax advice before making any financial decisions.
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Related Guides
The calculator gives you the numbers. These guides explain the mechanics behind them:
- How to Set Your Locum Tenens Rate — the step-by-step rate formula with worked example
- Locum Tenens Tax Deductions 2026 — what goes in the business expenses field
- S-Corp Election for Locum Physicians — when entity structure changes the comparison
- Retirement Accounts for 1099 Physicians — how retirement contributions affect your net