31/08/2026
A higher hourly rate doesnβt always tell the whole story. π
When comparing SG Rehab and direct locum work, itβs natural to look at the hourly rate first. And yes, working directly with an organisation may sometimes offer a higher rate.
But thereβs another question worth considering:
What happens when that placement ends?
Finding your next locum opportunity takes time. When working independently, there may be periods between engagements while you search, apply and make arrangements with another organisation. That means time spent looking for work, and potentially, time without locum income.
SG Rehab works with multiple organisations and has first-hand knowledge of current and upcoming staffing needs. This allows us to help you plan ahead, connect you with suitable opportunities and reduce potential gaps between placements.
The hourly rate is only one part of your overall earnings. Spending less time searching for placements and reducing downtime between engagements can mean more time earning. In the long run, greater continuity of work may contribute to more consistent income and greater overall earning potential, even when each individual placement offers a different hourly rate.
Thereβs also the work happening behind every placement: sourcing opportunities, communicating with organisations, coordinating schedules and requirements, managing contracts, invoicing and providing ongoing administrative support.
Thatβs part of why SG Rehab and direct rates arenβt always directly comparable.
Of course, there is no one βrightβ way to work.
Some therapists prefer the independence of sourcing and managing their own engagements. Others value having an agency like SG Rehab help maintain a pipeline of opportunities while taking care of much of the coordination behind the scenes.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Consider not only the hourly rate, but also your working hours, continuity, time spent searching for opportunities and overall earning potential when deciding what works best for your locum career. π
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Interested in current or upcoming locum opportunities? Connect with us today π«Ά
