Locum optometrist rates have become a key discussion point within the UK optometry sector in recent years.

A combination of factors, including increased demand for eyecare services and a shortage of qualified professionals, has led to a surge in the need for locum optometrists, which is directly influencing locum rates.

Methodology

We analysed over 100,000 locum optometrist shifts posted on the Locate a Locum platform between the 1st September 2023 and 31st August 2024. With this data, we were able to analyse the average locum optometrist rate of posted shifts.

These findings were sorted by city and region across the UK. In the interest of complete accuracy, the below shift rates were taken from posted shifts for locum optometrists over one year.

What factors influence shift rate?

There are many different factors that influence the shift rate. However to put it simply it is typically a result of supply versus demand.

For example, if there are fewer locums available to work in a particular area or on a particular day the rate tends to increase. On the other hand on an average day where there are many locums applying for shifts in that area shifts or on that day the shift rate will not fluctuate drastically and may stay the same for long periods of time.

Who decides the shift rate?

This is a question we get asked all the time and the answer is really simple. The opticians sets the rate.

We at Locate a Locum have never been responsible for setting the rate of shifts on our site. Locate a Locum is a technology platform that connects locums with opticians to help facilitate shift bookings but in no way do we set the rate.

What do you think?

What did you think of the top rates? Have you encountered any similar rates? Let us know the top rate you saw in 2023-24 - did time of year or location play a part in it?