What can physicians, NPs and PAs find in these answers?
These answers cover job searches, credentialing, licensing, flexible work and pay-source context. Follow the linked guide for the topic and your professional role.
Clinician questions and answers for physicians, NPs and PAs
Direct answers on clinician wages, locum tenens classification, credentialing and physician Compact licensing, drawn from the cited sources.
Questions and answers
- How much do physicians make?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $275,930 ($132.66 per hour) for physicians and surgeons in May 2025. This figure covers the whole occupation; pay varies by specialty, setting and location.
- How much do nurse practitioners make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $134,920 ($64.87 per hour) in 2025 for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners combined. This is a combined APRN figure, not a nurse-practitioner-only wage.
- How much do physician assistants make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $135,880 ($65.33 per hour) in 2025 for physician assistants.
- Is locum tenens W-2 or 1099?
It depends on the specific arrangement; there is no single rule for locum tenens work. The IRS says businesses must weigh all evidence of control and independence under common-law rules.
- How long does physician credentialing take?
Timelines vary by organization. An AMA and NAMSS presentation shows the traditional path from application and hiring through credentialing, privileging and payer enrollment as roughly 90 to 120 days, and describes improvements that condense it.
- Does the IMLC cover NPs and PAs?
No. The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact is a pathway for physicians through MD and DO boards; it does not cover nurse practitioners or physician assistants.
Side gigs and flexible work
- Where can physicians find side gigs?
- Where can nurse practitioners find side gigs?
- Where can physician assistants find side gigs?
- What is moonlighting and who can do it?
- Can residents moonlight?
- Do I need a new license to moonlight in another state?
- How do I start per diem clinical work?
- Is part-time work possible for physicians?
- Can NPs work part time for more than one employer?
- Does my malpractice cover side gigs?
- Can a non-compete stop me from side work?
- What non-clinical side gigs exist for physicians?
Telemedicine
Jobs after training
Locums
Credentialing and licensing
- What is physician credentialing?
- What is privileging and how is it different from credentialing?
- How long does credentialing take?
- What documents do I need for credentialing?
- What is primary source verification?
- What is the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact?
- Is there a licensure compact for NPs?
- What is the PA Compact?
- How do I renew a medical license without missing a deadline?
- Do I need a DEA number in every state?
- Board certified vs board eligible: what is the difference?
Offers
Sources
- BLS: Physicians and surgeons
- BLS: Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners
- BLS: Physician assistants
- IRS: Independent contractor or employee
- AMA and NAMSS: Credentialing, privileging and enrollment
- IMLCC: Information for physicians
Figures are from the cited source as published; check it for the latest.
General information, not legal, tax or insurance advice.
Frequently asked questions
Does a verified credential file authorize clinical work?
No. State practice authority and facility credentialing or privileges are separate decisions. Confirm requirements with the responsible board and facility.
Do public salary figures establish my offer?
No. Public occupational wage figures provide source context, not an individual offer or total compensation. Confirm duties and written terms with the employer.
Explore Saile
Saile is a free clinician profile for physicians, NPs and PAs, with one verified credential file, flexible and permanent work, and tools for employers. Pay data is one part of it.