Earnings & Payments
Understand how you earn money on OnLocum and withdraw your funds.
Earnings & Payments
This guide explains how you earn money on OnLocum, when you get paid, and how to withdraw your funds.
How Earnings Are Calculated
Hourly Rate Shifts
Most shifts pay an hourly rate:
- Base Rate - The facility's posted hourly rate (e.g., KSh 800/hour)
- Hours Worked - Based on check-in/check-out times, with location recorded when you allow it
- Total Earnings = Base Rate x Hours Worked
Example:
- Shift: 8 hours at KSh 800/hour
- Earnings: KSh 6,400 (8 x KSh 800)
- On open-market shifts OnLocum sources for a facility, a tier-based platform fee is deducted first (Standard 7%, Pro 4%, Elite 2%). On your own facility's staff and float-pool shifts there is no platform fee. The result is the amount credited to your wallet, less any deductions listed below
Flat Rate Shifts
Some shifts pay a fixed amount regardless of hours:
- Posted Amount - The total shift payment (e.g., KSh 5,000)
- No overtime - Flat rate covers the entire shift
- Early completion - You still receive the full posted amount, less any platform fee that applies to the shift
Note
Flat rate shifts clearly display "Flat Rate" on the listing. The posted amount is the shift rate; any platform fee that applies is shown as your net pay before you accept.
Understanding Deductions
On open-market shifts OnLocum sources for a facility, a platform fee that depends on your trust tier is deducted from your rate: Standard 7%, Pro 4%, Elite 2%. On your own facility's staff and float-pool shifts there is no platform fee. Your earnings may also have these deductions:
| Deduction | Description | Typical Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Platform fee (open-market shifts only) | Set by your trust tier | Standard 7%, Pro 4%, Elite 2% |
| Withholding Tax | Government requirement | 5% (where applicable) |
| Insurance | If applicable | Varies |
Your earnings breakdown shows all deductions clearly before you accept a shift.
Payment Schedule
When You Get Paid
Payments are processed after shift completion:
- Shift Ends - You complete the shift and check out
- Facility Review - The facility approves your timesheet
- Processing - Payment is processed to your wallet
- Available - Funds appear in your OnLocum wallet
Typical Timeline
| Scenario | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Standard shifts | Paid to your OnLocum wallet when the facility approves your timesheet, then withdraw to M-Pesa |
| Same-day withdrawal | Available once funds are in wallet |
Your OnLocum Wallet
Viewing Your Balance
- Open the OnLocum app
- Tap the Wallet icon (or go to Profile > Wallet)
- See your:
- Available Balance (ready to withdraw)
- Pending Earnings (awaiting facility confirmation)
- Total Earnings (all-time)
Transaction History
View all your financial activity:
- Earnings from completed shifts
- Withdrawals
- Bonuses and incentives
- Any adjustments
Tap any transaction to see full details including:
- Shift information
- Hours worked
- Rate breakdown
- Deductions applied
Withdrawal Methods
M-Pesa (Recommended)
The fastest way to get your money:
- Go to Wallet > Withdraw
- Select M-Pesa
- Confirm your phone number (or enter a different one)
- Enter the amount
- Tap Withdraw
- Receive funds within minutes
Tip
Ensure your M-Pesa registered phone number is correct in your profile. Withdrawals to unregistered numbers will fail.
Withdrawal Limits
The minimum and maximum you can withdraw are shown on the Withdraw screen before you confirm. Limits can change, so check that screen rather than relying on a figure written here.
Warning
Daily limits may apply to your account. If a withdrawal is declined for a limit, contact support.
Payment History and Receipts
Viewing Payment History
- Go to Wallet > History
- Filter by:
- Date range
- Transaction type (earnings, withdrawals)
- Status (completed, pending, failed)
Downloading Receipts
For each completed shift or withdrawal:
- Find the transaction in your history
- Tap to open details
- Tap Download Receipt or Share
- Save as PDF or share via email/WhatsApp
Monthly Statements
Get a summary of all your earnings:
- Go to Wallet > Statements
- Select the month
- Download PDF statement
Statements include:
- Total earnings
- All completed shifts
- Deductions and fees
- Withdrawals
- Running balance
Tax Considerations
Income Reporting
Your OnLocum earnings are taxable income. Keep records of:
- All earnings received
- Expenses related to your work
- Monthly statements from OnLocum
Tax Documents
OnLocum provides:
- Annual earnings summary (available in January)
- Withholding tax certificates (where applicable)
- Transaction records for your accountant
Note
OnLocum does not provide tax advice. Consult a tax professional about your obligations based on your total income and circumstances.
Deductible Expenses
You may be able to deduct work-related expenses:
- Transportation to shifts
- Professional certifications
- Uniform costs
- Mobile data for the app
Keep receipts for all work-related expenses.
Bonuses and Incentives
Referral Bonuses
Earn extra by inviting colleagues:
- Share your referral code
- Bonus paid when they complete their first shift
- Check Profile > Referrals for current offers
Performance Bonuses
High performers may receive:
- Shift completion bonuses
- Rating milestone rewards
- Loyalty bonuses for consistent work
Surge Pay
During high-demand periods:
- Some shifts offer increased rates
- Look for "Surge" or "Premium Rate" badges
- Great opportunity for extra earnings
Troubleshooting Payments
Payment Not Received
If your payment is delayed:
- Check Wallet > Pending for status
- Verify the facility has confirmed your hours
- If the facility has approved your timesheet and you have not been paid, contact support
Incorrect Amount
If your payment seems wrong:
- Review the shift details in your history
- Check the rate and hours worked
- Review deductions applied
- Use the Dispute option to report discrepancies
Failed Withdrawal
If a withdrawal fails:
- Check your payment method details
- Ensure sufficient balance
- Try a smaller amount
- Contact support with the transaction ID
Common Withdrawal Issues
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| "Invalid phone number" | Verify M-Pesa registration |
| "Insufficient funds" | Check available balance (not pending) |
| "Daily limit exceeded" | Wait 24 hours or contact support |
Best Practices
Managing Your Earnings
- Withdraw regularly - Don't let large balances sit
- Keep records - Download monthly statements
- Track deductions - Understand what's taken out
- Budget for taxes - Set aside a portion for tax obligations
Maximizing Earnings
- Complete your profile - Get access to higher-paying shifts
- Maintain high ratings - Premium shifts prefer top workers
- Be flexible - Evening/weekend shifts often pay more
- Watch for surge pricing - Take advantage of high-demand periods
Contact Support
For payment issues:
- In-app: Wallet > Help
- Email: payments@onlocum.com
- Phone: +254 768 214 401 (business hours)
Include your:
- Account email/phone
- Transaction ID (if applicable)
- Description of the issue
- Screenshots if helpful
Next Steps
- Finding Shifts - Discover more opportunities
- Your Trust Score - Improve for better shifts
- Managing Documents - Keep credentials current