Retirement Plans for Locum Tenens Physicians

You’re independent. Your retirement strategy should be too.

You move where the work takes you — filling critical gaps and choosing your own schedule. But as a locum tenens physician, you’re also responsible for your own benefits and retirement.

That flexibility gives you a powerful opportunity: to design a retirement plan that can save six figures in taxes and build long-term wealth on your terms.

At Saber Pension & Actuarial Services, we help independent physicians use Cash Balance and Defined Benefit Plans to maximize tax deductions and retirement savings — backed by actuarial precision and flat, transparent pricing.

Why Locum Tenens Physicians Have a Unique Advantage

Being a 1099 worker doesn’t mean going without benefits. Your flexible income and independence actually open doors that most W-2 physicians can’t access.

In fact, you can:

• Contribute far more than a 401(k) allows — often $100K–$250K+ per year
• Deduct large contributions to reduce your tax burden
• Structure a plan to fit your income — contributions can be adjusted within IRS rules
• Keep full control over how and where assets are invested

You already manage your own schedule. We’ll help you manage your retirement with the same freedom and control.

What A Defined Benefit Plan Can Do for You

A properly designed Cash Balance or Defined Benefit Plan can:

• Cut your taxes dramatically — often by $40K–$100K+ per year
• Accelerate savings with up to six-figure annual contributions
• Provide flexibility: Annual contribution range, adjustable within IRS rules
• Offer peace of mind through professional actuarial oversight

Compare Your Options

Solo 401(k) / SEP-IRA

• Annual Contribution Potential: Up to ~$70K–$80K
• Contribution Limit: Limited to 25% of plan compensation
• Compensation Used: Must be based on current pay
• Flexibility: Optional contributions each year, but lower limits
• Complexity: Low to moderate
• Fees: Usually minimal
• Best For: Seeking low to medium retirement savings

Cash Balance / Defined Benefit Plan

• Annual Contribution Potential: $100K–$250K+
• Contribution Limit: Not limited to 25% of compensation
• Compensation Used: Utilize the highest historical pays
• Flexibility: Contributions generally required, but with much higher limits
• Complexity: Moderate to high
• Fees: Flat fee. We do not sell other products or have asset-based fees
• Best For: Seeking maximum retirement savings

How It Works

1. Schedule a Consultation
Book your free call and start planning your optimal retirement strategy.

2. Personalized Contribution Estimate
We will review your situation and provide an instant estimate of your maximum deductible contribution over the phone — no waiting for an illustration.

3. Plan Implementation
We take care of plan design, prepare all required documents, and guide you on the next steps.

4. Ongoing Administration
Annual actuarial administration ensures your plan is compliant and contributions are optimized.

Examples of What’s Possible

Locum Physician (Age 52)
In business for 3 years | W-2 Income: $290,000
Annual Plan Contribution: $295,000
Illustrative Annual Tax Savings: ~$100,000

Locum Physician (Age 38)
In business for 1 year | W-2 Income: $120,000
Annual Plan Contribution: $145,000
Illustrative Annual Tax Savings: ~$50,000

*Annual Plan Contribution assumes that the plan exists for 10 years, the owner has a 3-year consecutive average equal to the W-2 Income, the plan assets earn a 5% investment return, and contributions are deposited at the end of each plan year. Illustrative Annual Tax Savings uses a hypothetical tax rate of 35%. Saber Pension does not provide tax advice, so contact your tax advisor to determine your annual tax savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I adjust contributions?
Yes — Cash Balance and Defined Benefit Plans allow contribution adjustments within IRS rules.

2. Do I need a high current plan compensation to maximize contributions?
No — contributions can be based on your highest historical business W-2s, not just your current year’s business W-2 wages.

3. Are there annual funding requirements?
Yes — Defined Benefit and Cash Balance plans have actuarially determined funding ranges each year. However, the contribution range can be reduced if you amend the plan by May 1 of the current year.

4. What are the risks if contributions are not made on time?
Failing to meet funding requirements can result in IRS penalties or excise taxes.

5. Does a plan like this mean I must provide benefits to employees?
If it is just you (or you and your spouse) in the business, you avoid substantial employee benefit obligations.

6. Can I combine this plan with a 401(k) or similar arrangement?
Yes — pairing a Defined Benefit Plan / Cash Balance Plan with a 401(k) or SEP-IRA can further increase your deductible contributions.

7. How quickly can I implement a plan?
Once you engage us as your provider and send us the data, a plan can be adopted within a couple of weeks.

8. How do IRS rules affect my plan?
Saber Pension designs your plan to comply fully with IRS regulations, including contribution limits, funding rules, and reporting requirements.

9. What are the fees? Are there any conflicts of interest?
Flat fee with no asset-based fees. We focus exclusively on Defined Benefit and Cash Balance Plans, ensuring our advice is always in your best interest — no upselling of investments, annuities, or insurance.

10. Who do I work with directly?
You work exclusively with our founder and Enrolled Actuary.

11. How much can I contribute each year?
Contributions depend on your age, income, and plan type. For many locum-tenens physicians, annual contributions can range from $100K to $250K+, far exceeding the 401(k) Plan limits.

12. How much can I accumulate in plan assets?
You can accumulate up to $3.7 million. This limit is adjusted for age, plan compensation, and years of service.

Client Testimonials

“After interviewing 9 different providers from across the country (I put a lot of effort into decision-making!) I chose Saber Pension to set up my Defined Benefit Plan. I selected Saber because they were the most honest, non-sales-y, non-pushy, professional, and responsive when compared with the other firms. And I’m glad I did!” -Sarah D.

“I was referred to Brent by a friend and am so lucky I was. He was AMAZING to work with and was always there to answer all our questions, give guidance and support however he could. Couldn’t be happier and will definitely recommend him moving forward.” -Kirk L.

“Bar none, Brent is one the best professionals that I have worked with and I have recommended his services to anyone who might benefit from it.” -Geralda P.

“Have referred many friends to his services. Every single one of them has had a positive experience, and I continue to hear outstanding feedback. I highly recommend Saber Pension and Brent for their top-notch service.” -Jalel H.

“First of all, Brent is awesome! He is very knowledgeable, patient and made the process of setting up Defined Benefit Plan for our company extremely easy. I also love that he is super quick in replying to our emails, sometimes we get a reply within minutes/hours, at night and on weekends.” -Shikha C.

Why Locum Tenens Physicians Choose Saber Pension

• We work exclusively with owner-only retirement plans — we are specialists, not generalists.
• You work exclusively with our founder and Enrolled Actuary — no call centers, no middlemen.
• We manage everything: plan design, actuarial certification, annual filings, and compliance monitoring.
• Flat fee, no asset-based fees, no product sales.
• You get personalized guidance for tax-efficient retirement planning.

About Saber Pension & Actuarial Services

At Saber Pension, every client works directly with our founder, who is an Enrolled Actuary with deep expertise in retirement plans for physicians and business owners.

He designs and certifies plans that maximize tax savings, comply with IRS rules, and help you achieve your retirement goals — all with personalized guidance and no call centers or middlemen.

When you work with Saber Pension, you’re not just getting a plan; you’re getting a trusted advisor who works to understand your long-term financial objectives.

Ready to Learn More?

Schedule a free call to find the right plan for you and your potential contributions.