Locum vs Permanent Calculator
Thinking about going locum? This calculator shows the day rate you need to match your current permanent take-home — factoring in lost NHS pension, holiday pay, sick pay, and accountancy costs.
Your Details
1 day3 days5 days
36 wks43 wks50 wks
Typical Ltd company accountant: £1,000–£1,500/yr
Permanent role (annual)
Gross salary
Income tax
National Insurance
NHS pension (employee)
Take-home pay
Benefits included in employment
NHS pension (employer ~20.5%)
Holiday pay (5.6 weeks)
Sick pay (est.)
Required locum rate to break even
Day rate needed
Working 4 days/wk × 46 weeks = 184 days/yr
Hourly rate needed
Based on 7.5-hour locum day
What you need to replace
Permanent take-home
NHS employer pension lost
Holiday pay lost
Sick pay lost (est.)
Accountancy costs
Total locum revenue needed
Market day rates for reference
Community locum: £20–£30/hr (£150–£225/day)
NHS bank (band 7): £25–£40/hr (£190–£300/day)
PCN/primary care: £35–£55/hr (£260–£415/day)
This calculator estimates the locum day rate required to match your permanent take-home, accounting for lost benefits. It assumes self-employed / Ltd company status. Actual figures depend on your tax situation, expenses, and contract type. Consult a financial adviser or specialist pharmacy accountant before making career decisions.