Locum Vet Rates 2025/26: Managing Costs in the UK

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Locum Vet Rates in the UK

As the landscape of veterinary care continues to evolve, it’s essential for both locum vets and practices to have a realistic understanding of locum vet rates in 2025/26. The current market presents a complex situation, so we’ve put together this guide for employers to provide you with an up-to-date view on what practices are typically paying across the country and how to stay on budget.

1. Why Locum Vet Rates Matter in 2025/26

The past couple of years have significantly changed the veterinary sector. Inflation, rising operational costs, and ongoing staffing shortages have all influenced locum vet rates. Demand for locum cover is high, but practices are facing their own financial pressures.

Setting fair rates is critical not just for maintaining financial sustainability but for ensuring job satisfaction and staff retention. For practices, offering competitive but realistic rates is essential to creating a more stable working environment, which benefits locums and practices alike.

2. UK Average Locum Vet Rates by Region

Rates for locum vets in the UK still vary by region, with areas such as London and the South East typically seeing higher rates, due to the higher cost of living. However, there’s been some pushback across the board, as practices work to adjust their budgets. Below is a breakdown of average locum vet rates for 2025/2026 (typical day rates £).

London & South East: 400-500

Midlands & East England: 380-520

North England, North Wales & Scotland: 350-480

Wales (outside Cardiff): 330-460

Northern Ireland: 360-500

Note: These figures are based on 8–10 hour days, excluding travel. Rates can fluctuate based on local demand and specific practice needs.

3. Key Factors Affecting Locum Vet Rates

Understanding these factors will help you navigate locum vet expectations more realistically.

  • Experience and Specialisation: Vets with specialised skills, such as orthopaedics or exotics, are likely to earn higher rates, with some niche areas seeing a 20-40% increase compared to general small-animal locums.
  • Shift Type: Working weekends, nights, or emergency shifts often commands a premium — typically 1.5x to 2x the standard hourly rate.
  • Practice Type and Caseload: Larger hospitals or referral centres, which tend to have higher-stress, high-complexity caseloads, often offer higher rates compared to small rural clinics.
  • Contract Length: Long-term locum contracts may come with slightly lower daily rates, but they provide stability and reduce the need for frequent travel, which some vets find attractive.

4. Navigating Rates for Locum Vets

Here are some tips for navigating conversations about salary expectations:

  • Do Your Research: Understand local market rates by reviewing job boards and talking to specialist recruitment agencies. This will help you propose a fair rate that aligns with industry standards.
  • Be Clear About What’s Included: Make sure to clearly outline your base rate, as well as any additional benefits you might be able to offer, such as travel, accommodation, and out-of-hours work.
  • Highlight Your Value: Make sure to communicate why your practice’s rate is justified.
  • Get Everything in Writing: Whether you’re agreeing to a short-term or long-term contract, make sure to confirm all terms in writing to avoid misunderstandings down the line.

5. Budgeting for Locums: Tips for Practices

If you’re managing a practice, planning ahead is crucial to maintaining financial health while still providing top-quality care. Here are some ways to ensure that locum costs are manageable:

  • Review Market Rates Regularly: Stay updated on current locum rates and adjust your budget accordingly. If you’re using outdated rates, you may find yourself unable to attract the right locums. Ideally, locum rates should be reviewed every six to twelve months or as inflation or market demand shifts.
  • Factor in Additional Costs: Travel, accommodation, and agency fees can add to the cost of locum cover, so make sure you budget for these expenses as well.
  • Book Locums Early: Last-minute bookings often come with a premium. Try to secure locums well in advance, particularly during peak periods.
  • Consider Long-Term Arrangements: Offering a longer contract could give you more control over costs, and some locums may offer discounts for ongoing work.
  • Track Annual Spending: Keep records of how much you’re spending on locums each year to help you plan and adjust future budgets.

6. Rate Trends: 2023–2025 Comparison

Locum vet rates in the UK have seen significant increases over the past few years, reflecting both inflation and rising demand. Here’s a comparison of average rates over the last three years:

  • 2023: £35–£55/hr for daytime work.
  • 2024: £38–£60/hr, influenced by inflation and rising demand.
  • 2025: £38–£70/hr, depending on region, specialisation, and contract length.

The average increase over the past two years has been approximately 10–25%. Practices operating on older budgets may find themselves underprepared for these changes.

Stay Fair, Stay Competitive

The veterinary sector in the UK is evolving rapidly, and so too are locum vet rates. While practices face financial challenges, it’s crucial that rates reflect the increasing costs of living and working to ensure the welfare of your workforce whilst keeping on budget. By staying informed, being transparent, and planning ahead, practices can strike the right balance.

Whether you’re a locum vet looking to set or review your rates, or a practice owner budgeting for cover, make sure to stay on top of market trends. A quick review now could help save or earn you hundreds in the coming year.

Want tailored advice on setting or reviewing your locum rates? Reach out today! A quick conversation could help you stay on budget.

FAQs About Locum Vet Rates in the UK

Q: What’s the average locum vet rate in the UK for 2025?
 A: Locum vet rates in the UK range from £38 to £75 per hour, depending on region, experience, and workload.

Q: How much should I pay a locum vet in London?
 A: Expect rates to be between £55 and £75 per hour, or £480–£600 per day, plus potential travel or accommodation costs.

Q: Can locum vets set their own rates?
 A: While locums may have some flexibility, rates are typically influenced by the financial constraints and expectations of the practice.

Q: Are travel and accommodation included in locum rates?
 A: Travel and accommodation costs are generally separate and should be agreed upon in advance.

Q: How often should I review locum rates?
 A: Ideally, locum rates should be reviewed every six to twelve months or as inflation or market demand shifts.