10 Best States to Work in Urology 

Urology is seeing a surge in demand much like many other specialized fields of care. According to the American Urological Association, the urology workforce is aging and retiring while demand is increasing exponentially. As populations age, the number of physicians-in-training in specialized fields must increase to meet demand– but Urology is now facing a significant shortage.

This means you’ll have your pick of a wide open field as a Urology locum tenens. Whether you’re semi-retired or just starting out, you’re looking for a great place to practice. We’re here to help you survey the landscape and figure out exactly where you’d like to move. 

As in our previous deep dives in this series, we’ve taken a look at the data on annual and hourly pay, taxes, state medical hubs and travel access via major regional and international airports. 

Let’s dive into the top states for urology job growth.

A note on data: Employment rates, location quotients, and salaries come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries are based on full time employment data. Locums work may be higher. 

Best States to Work in Urology

• Texas
• Wisconsin
• Georgia
• North Carolina
• Arizona
• Colorado
• Tennessee
• Florida
• Pennsylvania
• Michigan

1. Texas

• Average Annual Salary: $279,590 (BLS)
• Average Hourly Pay: $134.42 (BLS)
• IMLC: Compact State
• Major Urological Centers: MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston), UT Southwestern (Dallas), Baylor College of Medicine (Houston), Scott Department of Urology at Baylor.
• Location Quotient: 1.8

Best For: The optimal blend of high demand, no state income tax, excellent airport hubs, and a top-tier, compact-friendly clinical landscape.

The Lone Star State stands out among the crowd for its exceptional balance. It offers strong pay and hourly locum rates that are highly competitive. The presence of world-renowned cancer and urology centers in Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio ensures great career options and constant demand at affiliated community hospitals. 

But it’s the absence of state income tax that remains so attractive to many physicians as it significantly increases take-home pay. With amazing amenities in Houston, Austin, Dallas and Fort Worth, you’ll never hurt for things to explore. And to top it off, you’ll have easy access to top airports (IAH, DFW, AUS) for assignments across the state.

2. Wisconsin

• Average Annual Salary: $311,110 (BLS - notably high)
• Average Hourly Pay: $149.57 (BLS)
• IMLC: Compact State
• Major Urological Centers: UW Health (Madison), Medical College of Wisconsin (Milwaukee).
• Location Quotient: 1.4

Best For: Maximizing earning potential in a compact state with a favorable malpractice climate and manageable cost of living.

Wisconsin ranks highly because it has some of the highest pay in the nation, indicating a strong underlying market for urology services. While it doesn’t have the sheer volume of mega-medical hubs as Texas, it has strong academic units that drive statewide standards and demand. The cost of living and tax burden are moderate compared to coastal states, and airports in Milwaukee and Madison are perfectly positioned for all your travel needs.

3. Georgia

• Average Annual Salary: $278,770 (BLS)
• Average Hourly Pay: $134.03 (BLS)
• IMLC: Compact State
• Major Urological Centers: Emory University Hospital (Atlanta), Winship Cancer Institute, Augusta University Medical Center.
• Location Quotient: 1.5

Best For: Rapid market access via the world's busiest airport, strong southeastern demand, and compact licensing.

Georgia is a top contender for locums on the go. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is a premier travel hub, making assignments and amenities across the state easily accessible. But Georgia also stands out as a compact State with competitive compensation– a great combination of licensing efficiency and high pay. 

Atlanta hosts Emory, a nationally ranked urology and transplant center, creating a hub of high-level care and associated community demand. The state income tax is a moderate ~5.75%, but Georgia’s overall affordability and its proximity to other hubs on the eastern seaboard are major benefits.

4. North Carolina

• Average Annual Salary: $278,690 (BLS)
• Average Hourly Pay: $133.99 (BLS)
• IMLC: Compact State
• Major Urological Centers: Duke University Hospital (Durham), UNC Medical Center (Chapel Hill), Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center (Winston-Salem).
• Location Quotient: 1.6

Best For: Practicing in the heart of "Research Triangle" medicine with a high density of academic opportunities and predictable licensing.

North Carolina's outstanding academic urology programs (Duke, UNC, Wake Forest) are its most critical asset. The density of opportunities ranging from rural to metropolitan locations ensures you’ll see consistent urology demand and coverage.

The cost of living is affordable, and on the rise but still favorable compared to the Northeast or California. And as a key travel hub in the South, North Carolina’s airports (RDU, CLT) provide excellent connectivity to destinations in and out of state. Look no further for a great launchpad!

5. Arizona

• Average Annual Salary: $268,670 (BLS)
• Average Hourly Pay: $129.17 (BLS)
• IMLC: Compact State
• Major Urological Centers: Mayo Clinic Arizona (Phoenix), University of Arizona Cancer Center (Tucson), Banner – University Medical Center.
• Location Quotient: 1.7

Best For: High-demand assignments in a growing, compact state with major destination centers and a traveler-friendly climate.

Arizona has seen unprecedented growth in the past few years and a large retiree population, driving consistent urology demand. The presence of the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix anchors the state as a major clinical destination. As a Compact State with a favorable climate, it’s a straightforward win for locums. 

Phoenix (PHX) and Tucson (TUS) airports are well-connected. The lack of a state income tax on locum work (for non-residents) and sunny climate are significant perks for locums-on-the-go ready to enjoy all the amenities the state has to offer.

6. Colorado

• Average Annual Salary: $266,494 (BLS)
• Average Hourly Pay: $128.12 (BLS)
• IMLC: Compact State
• Major Urological Centers: UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital (Aurora/Denver), Anschutz Medical Campus.
• Location Quotient: 1.3

Best For: Combining a robust academic practice environment in Denver with unparalleled outdoor quality of life for time off.

Colorado is for nature lovers and locums seeking a great mix of academic and clinical environments. The Anschutz Medical Campus is a massive healthcare hub, that continues to have significant locum needs within the Denver metro and across the state's rural and mountain communities. As a Compact State with competitive pay, Colorado’s primary draw is quality of life, with immediate access to world-class recreation, making it ideal for locums seeking adventure between assignments.

The flat 4.4% state income tax is a reasonable bonus on top. And with access to Denver International Airport (DEN), you’ll find a gateway to the west and travel destinations for your time off.

7. Tennessee

• Average Annual Salary: $252,230 (BLS)
• Average Hourly Pay: $121.26 (BLS)
• IMLC: Compact State
• Major Urological Centers: Vanderbilt University Medical Center (Nashville), West Cancer Center (Memphis).
• Location Quotient: 1.4

Best For: A low-tax, central location with strong urban centers (Nashville, Memphis) and high demand in surrounding rural areas.

Tennessee is a great home base. It has no state income tax, ensuring your take-home pay goes much farther. With access to Nashville (BNA) you’ll find a growing airport hub within reach. Top-tier academic medical centers like Vanderbilt ensure both a high standard of urologic care and demand for consistent locum coverage. While wages are slightly lower than others on this list, the favorable tax environment and lower cost of living mean your dollar goes further in the Volunteer State.

8. Florida

• Average Annual Salary: $242,840 (BLS)
• Average Hourly Pay: $116.75 (BLS)
• IMLC: Compact State
• Major Urological Centers: Moffitt Cancer Center (Tampa), Mayo Clinic Florida (Jacksonville), Cleveland Clinic Florida (Weston), AdventHealth Orlando.
• Location Quotient: 2.0

Best For: Unmatched patient demand volume due to demographics, with many major healthcare systems and no state income tax.

Florida is a key destination for many locums, especially those in fields with a high level of geriatric patients. While its salary data appears lower, this is heavily influenced by the mix of employed physicians and doesn’t reflect the extremely high locum tenens demand and rates driven by the largest senior population in the U.S. The clinical environment is dense with national cancer centers and major health systems competing for talent. As a Compact State with no state income tax, it’s a favorable environment for locums working throughout the south and on the coast. Here you’ll have access to major airports throughout (MIA, FLL, MCO, TPA). 

9. Pennsylvania

• Average Annual Salary: $268,290 (BLS)
• Average Hourly Pay: $128.99 (BLS)
• IMLC: NOT a Compact State
• Major Urological Centers: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia), UPMC (Pittsburgh), Fox Chase Cancer Center (Philadelphia).
• Location Quotient: 1.5

Best For: Clinicians prioritizing access to elite, Ivy League academic medicine and high base compensation, who are willing to navigate a non-compact license.

Pennsylvania makes the list because of the quality and quantity of its urological centers, including Penn and UPMC, which are consistently nationally ranked. The state has an immense demand for locums coverage across its many hospital networks. The strong pay and flat 3.07% state income tax are certainly a draw for many physicians. With major airports (PHL, PIT) you’ll have solid access to travel destinations.

Something to note: it’s not yet a Compact State, meaning locums should budget extra time for licensing into their application process. The Keystone State’s central location and strong demand provides a rewarding mix of rural and metropolitan opportunities.

10. Michigan

• Average Annual Salary: $241,560 (BLS)
• Average Hourly Pay: $116.14 (BLS)
• IMLC: Compact State
• Major Urological Centers: University of Michigan Hospitals (Ann Arbor), Henry Ford Health System (Detroit), Karmanos Cancer Institute.
• Location Quotient: 1.5

Best For: High-volume opportunities across diverse settings (urban Detroit, rural Upper Peninsula) with the efficiency of compact licensing.

Michigan rounds out the list due to its very high demand for locum coverage across a wide spectrum. It has major academic centers, large integrated systems like Henry Ford, and vast rural areas. Given the volume of need, you’ll find many opportunities here. The cost of living in many parts of the state is very reasonable, and locum rates are competitive. In combination with the flat 4.2% tax rate, this is a state for the locum physician in pursuit of financial independence.

While it has fewer travel access points, you’ll find Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) is a major hub for easy movement throughout the Midwest. 

How We Chose the Best States for Locum Tenens

Curating a list of the top states for locum tenens physicians requires balancing quantitative data with qualitative factors that impact career satisfaction and quality of life. Our method focused on four key pillars:

1. Compensation & Job Market: We analyzed average salaries, hourly wages, and employment data to identify states where locum tenens are competitively compensated. Location quotients helped determine market saturation—whether a state has higher demand (quotient >1) or fewer opportunities (quotient <1) relative to national averages.
2. Hospital Systems & Academic Opportunities: States with nationally ranked medical schools scored higher, as these institutions offer career growth, research opportunities, and cutting-edge practice environments.
3. Quality of Life & Cost of Living: We considered taxes, housing affordability, and lifestyle perks (e.g., outdoor recreation, urban amenities). States with no income tax (Florida) or high salary-to-cost-of-living ratios (Wisconsin, Ohio) gained an edge.
4. Legislation & Practice Environment: Malpractice climates, physician-friendly tort reforms, and state healthcare policies were factored in. 

Salary and employment numbers were critical to our understanding of the state of the job market, but we also incorporated insights from physician recruiters and regional trends (e.g., aging populations in rural areas and competitive metropolitan environments) to ensure our recommendations reflect real-world desirability. The result is a carefully assembled list designed to both reflect current patterns and support you as you make decisions about your locum tenens journey.

Find Your Next Locum Tenens Role

Ready to find your ideal landing spot as a Urology locum? Maybe you’re looking to bring in a little extra for a more comfortable retirement or you’re just getting started and want to set yourself up right—we’re here to help you go the distance.

We specialize in providing concierge support to locum tenens physicians. With decades of experience working with close-knit community practices to major medical centers, we’re here to facilitate your next big career moves. Find that role you’ve been looking for. Let us help you get there.