With an estimated shortage of nearly 1,400 gastroenterologists across the country, health systems are facing early retirements, burnout-related departures, growing backlogs in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy and a growing demand for chronic disease management. For GIs considering locums, these conditions translate into leverage. With high demand, clinicians have greater say over when and where they work, assignment length and compensation.
Many of the states below are seeing sustained locums demand due to persistent coverage gaps and high volumes, each offering its own set of advantages. States with high patient volumes, like Georgia, Texas and Ohio, offer strong pay, while markets like California and New York offer steady volume and variety, and Michigan and Minnesota with predictable schedules and faster placement.
Whether you're looking for increased earning potential or greater flexibility, we’re breaking down the top 13 states hiring gastroenterology locums.
High demand
Listed below are the states seeing the highest volume of active gastroenterology locums requests in 2026, offering a mix of inpatient consults and procedures, outpatient scopes and clinic coverage and call coverage:
- Alabama
- California
- Colorado
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- New York
- Ohio
- South Carolina
- Texas
Top-paying states include Georgia, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and Texas. This is especially true for assignments requiring advanced procedural skills, particularly ERCP/EUS, which command rates up to $5,500 a day.
Fast start dates
If speed is your top priority and you want to pick up work in a matter of weeks, not months, a licensing strategy is key. The following states participate in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC), giving eligible physicians an expedited and streamlined pathway to obtain medical licenses in multiple U.S. states:
- Alabama
- Colorado
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Ohio
- Texas
If you qualify for the IMLC, starting your Letter of Qualification (LOQ) can immediately expand your access to nine of the most in-demand states in the country. And you don’t have to manage it alone. At LocumTenens.com, we handle the licensing, coordination, credentialing and paperwork by working directly with state boards and facilities so you can focus on patient care, not administrative hurdles.
With demand for gastroenterology jobs on the rise and showing no signs of slowing down, the 2026 market is set to favor prepared, equipped clinicians.
Explore your locums opportunities by connecting with one of our qualified recruiters today.
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