Why Work as a Locum on Airlocum? Benefits, Pay, and How It Works
✅ Quick answer Airlocum is a live, on-demand platform that connects locum dental professionals with practices — think Uber, but for dental shifts. You set your own rate, choose your own shifts, and get paid automatically. Airlocum handles invoicing, payment collection, mileage calculation, and compliance storage. Signing up and working through Airlocum is completely free for locums. Many locums combine Airlocum shifts with a part-time employed role. You don’t have to choose one or the other. |
Switching to self-employment — or combining it with a part-time employed role — can feel like a big step. This guide covers the practical benefits of working as a self-employed locum through Airlocum, what the platform handles for you, and how the whole thing works in practice.
1. Total Flexibility Over Your Schedule
Choose when and where you work — ideal if you’re working around childcare, study, or personal commitments.
Take time off when you want, without needing anyone’s permission.
No obligation to accept work you don’t want. Every shift is your choice.
No contracts, no commitments — pick the shifts you want, when you want.
2. Potential to Earn More
Set your own hourly rate. You decide what you charge — practices see your rate before they book you.
Take on extra shifts when you want to boost your income. No cap on how much you work.
See pay rates upfront before you accept. No surprises — you know exactly what you’ll earn before committing.
Always free for locums. Signing up and working through Airlocum costs you nothing. There are no subscription fees, no deductions from your pay, and no hidden charges.
3. More Variety, More Experience
Work in different practices, meet new teams, and see a range of equipment and clinical workflows.
Build your confidence and broaden your skills by adapting to different environments.
Avoid the “same four walls” feeling that comes with a single permanent role.
4. Zero Admin — Airlocum Handles It
The biggest concern most people have about self-employment is the admin. Airlocum removes almost all of it:
Invoicing and payment collection. We handle it all. You never send an invoice or chase a practice for money.
Automatic payment processing. Submit your timesheet online, get it approved digitally, and your pay is processed automatically via Stripe.
Automatic mileage calculation. Your travel is tracked via Google Maps and billed to practices when applicable — no manual logging.
Compliance document storage. Store all your certificates, GDC registration, indemnity cover, and compliance documents in one secure place on your profile.
💰 The only admin you handle yourself: your annual Self Assessment tax return. Everything else — invoicing, payment collection, mileage, compliance storage — is done for you. |
5. Guaranteed Pay and Cancellation Protection
Payment protection. If a practice doesn’t pay, Airlocum pays you from our own funds within 5 days. No locum has ever gone unpaid through Airlocum.
Late cancellation guarantee. If a practice cancels with less than 18 hours’ notice, you receive 100% of the booking fee. You’re protected even when plans change at the last minute.
No chasing payments. We handle all payment collection — no awkward messages, no unpaid shifts, no bad debt.
📊 Less than 0.1% of practices default on payment. And when they do, we pay you anyway. |
6. Tax Advantages of Self-Employment
As a self-employed professional, you can claim legitimate business expenses that reduce your taxable income. Common examples include:
Travel costs to and from practices
Uniform and clinical clothing
CPD courses and training
Professional registration and indemnity fees
Professional body memberships
For guidance on what you can claim and how to file your Self Assessment tax return, visit MoneyHelper (moneyhelper.org.uk) or speak to a qualified accountant. Everyone’s situation is different — professional advice ensures you’re making the most of what’s available to you. |
7. Faster Professional Development
Gain exposure to different procedures, software systems, and clinical approaches.
Learn from a variety of dentists and team members across different practices.
Choose shifts that help you progress towards specific career goals — sedation, orthodontics, implants, or any area you want to develop.
8. Professional Autonomy with Real Support Behind You
Self-employed doesn’t mean unsupported. You have full control over your career, with a team and platform behind you when you need it:
Decide which practices you work with — and which you don’t.
Build your personal reputation. Strong ratings and a growing Favourites list make you the first choice for practices in your area.
Live chat support in under 2 minutes. Real people, not bots.
Tools to help you find more work: Favourites lists, Unclaimed Shifts, the booking algorithm that prioritises reliable, highly-rated locums.
Payment Status tracker so you always know exactly where your money is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do locum work alongside a permanent or part-time employed role?
Yes. Many locums on Airlocum combine self-employed shifts with a part-time employed position — for example, working at an NHS practice three days a week and picking up Airlocum shifts on the other days. You’ll need to manage both through your Self Assessment tax return.
Do I need to register as self-employed?
Yes. You must register with HMRC as self-employed and file a Self Assessment tax return each year. This is straightforward — HMRC’s website walks you through the process.
How much can I earn as a locum?
It depends on your role, your hourly rate, and how many shifts you take. You set your own rate on Airlocum and can see exactly what each shift pays before accepting. Many locums earn more per hour than they did in permanent roles — with the flexibility to work the hours that suit them.
Does it cost anything to sign up or use Airlocum?
No. Signing up and working through Airlocum is completely free for locums. There are no subscription fees, no deductions from your pay, and no hidden charges.
What if I’m not sure self-employment is right for me?
There’s no commitment. Signing up is free, and you’re never obligated to accept a shift. Many locums start with one or two shifts alongside their current role to see how it feels before making any bigger changes.
Does Airlocum provide insurance or indemnity cover?
No. As a self-employed professional, you’re responsible for your own professional indemnity insurance. This is the same as any self-employed locum arrangement — it’s not specific to Airlocum.
What types of dental professionals can work on Airlocum?
Airlocum connects practices with locum dental nurses, hygienists, therapists, dentists, and receptionists. All clinical roles require GDC registration, which is verified automatically.
Related Articles
• How to Sign Up as a Locum on Airlocum
• Can I Be Employed and Self-Employed at the Same Time?
• Do You Offer a Pension?
• How to Get More Shifts on Airlocum
• How Ratings & Reviews Work on Airlocum — and How They Help You Get More Shifts
Ready to get started? Sign up free at airlocum.co.uk. Support is available via live chat — ask to speak to a person at any time.
Last updated: March 2026 | Category: For Locums — Getting Started