Call Pay in 2026: Understanding the Market Through Physician-Sourced Data

The 2026 BFMV Physician Call Coverage Burden and Compensation Survey, which surveyed physicians directly, highlights several important considerations for organizations evaluating call compensation.

Key Takeaways

1. Employment status matters. Non-employed physicians were more likely to receive separate call compensation than employed physicians — 65% compared with 38%. For non-employed physicians, call coverage may represent an incremental service provided outside their primary relationship with the organization and may therefore warrant a separate stipend. For employed physicians, standard call obligations may be considered part of expected clinical responsibilities and reflected in overall compensation.

2. Non-employed physicians reported higher weekday call rates. The average weekday rate was $1,534 per diem for non-employed physicians, compared with $1,296 for employed physicians. This gap narrows on weekends, where non-employed physicians averaged $1,651 per diem versus $1,612 for their employed colleagues.

3. Weekend call often commands a premium. Among employed physicians, the average weekend rate was $1,612 per diem versus $1,296 on weekdays — a 24% differential. For non-employed physicians, the average weekend rate was $1,651 versus $1,534 on weekdays, an 8% differential.

	Employed	Non-Employed
Receives Call Pay	38%	65%
No Call Pay	62%	35%
Average Weekday Rate	$1,296	$1,534
Average Weekend Rate	$1,612	$1,651
Weekend/Holiday Differential	24%	8%
Standard Call Obligations Included in Clinical Compensation	27%	14%

Call Pay Should Be Evaluated in Context

While a call rate provides an important benchmark, the rate alone does not tell the full story. The appropriate compensation arrangement depends on the actual burden and requirements associated with coverage, including:

• Frequency and duration of call coverage

• Weekday versus weekend and holiday coverage

• Number of physicians sharing the call schedule

• Frequency of calls and trips to the hospital

• Response-time requirements

• Restricted on-site versus unrestricted off-site call

• Whether clinical services performed while on call are separately compensated

These factors are particularly important when applying survey data to a specific arrangement. A benchmark should be used as a reference point — not as a substitute for understanding the actual services and obligations being compensated for.

Looking Forward

As hospitals and health systems continue to evaluate physician coverage models, call compensation remains an important consideration in recruiting, retaining, and maintaining access to specialty services. The 2026 BFMV survey demonstrates that there is no single “market rate” for physician call. Compensation varies based on employment status, coverage requirements, coverage timing, and how call responsibilities fit within a physician’s overall compensation structure.