Weatherby Locums, a staffing company specializing in matching physicians with short-term coverage needs, is set to relocate its Triangle operations from Durham to Raleigh. This strategic shift promises to generate a significant number of jobs, with the company planning to create 155 new positions that will offer an average salary of over $204,000. Currently, Weatherby operates out of a leased office space in South Durham, which is situated near the airport and east of the Research Triangle Park, maintaining a total workforce of 374 employees across North Carolina. The relocation aims to enhance their operational capacity and accessibility within the expanding Raleigh market.
On Tuesday, the North Carolina Economic Investment Committee approved an incentive package for Weatherby, potentially worth up to $1.8 million contingent upon the company’s adherence to specific hiring and investment commitments. These commitments include not only retaining their existing workforce but also expanding their employee base in Wake County by the end of the decade. Furthermore, Weatherby has pledged to invest approximately $7.6 million in establishing a new 45,000-square-foot office space in Raleigh by the end of next year, indicating a robust growth trajectory supported by fiscal incentives.
The locum tenens industry, which refers to healthcare providers temporarily substituting for unavailable clinicians, has existed since the 1970s, initially serving rural communities. Weatherby Locums is a recognized leader within this sector and is part of CHG Healthcare, which is headquartered in Utah and claims to be the largest physician staffing firm in the United States. This substantial industry presence is bolstered by the private equity acquisition of CHG Healthcare in 2012 by firms Ares and Leonard Green and Partners, further supporting its growth and operational capabilities.
Most of the new positions created in Wake County are expected to be sales-related, according to the North Carolina Department of Commerce. Weatherby has expressed a preference for hiring up to 15 of these new employees as remote workers from other locations within North Carolina, showcasing a flexible approach to workforce integration. While the precise median salaries for these positions have not been disclosed, the average salary of $204,000 stands in stark contrast to Wake County’s average wage of $74,866, highlighting the competitive nature of roles being offered by Weatherby.
In addition to the state-level incentive package, Weatherby has also received combined grants amounting to $120,000 from Wake County and the city of Raleigh. These additional funds serve to further sweeten the deal for the company as it seeks to incentivize its relocation and new hiring initiatives. This collaborative effort from local government entities reflects a concerted strategy to attract and retain high-paying jobs within the region, particularly in light of the ongoing economic transformations influenced by the healthcare sector.
As the Triangle continues to evolve as a hub for technology and innovation, Weatherby Locums’ expansion in Raleigh underscores the importance of aligning workforce capabilities with urban growth trends. The company’s commitment to investing in local human capital and infrastructure aligns with broader economic goals in North Carolina, reaffirming the region’s relevance in the competitive landscape of healthcare staffing. The ongoing developments signal a promising future for both Weatherby and the local economy, as they work together to meet the healthcare needs of communities across the state.
