How Much Do Travel Occupational Therapists Make? (2023 Salary Guide)

How Much Do Travel Occupational Therapists Make?

Working as a travel occupational therapist can be a great way to earn a high salary and see the country. But how much do travel occupational therapists actually make?

In this article, we’ll take a look at the average salary for travel occupational therapists, as well as some of the factors that can affect your pay. We’ll also discuss some of the benefits of working as a travel occupational therapist.

So if you’re thinking about a career in travel occupational therapy, read on to learn more about what you can expect to earn.

City Average Hourly Rate Average Annual Salary
New York City, NY $55.00 $115,000
Los Angeles, CA $52.00 $110,000
Chicago, IL $50.00 $105,000
Houston, TX $48.00 $100,000
Dallas, TX $47.00 $98,000

Factors Affecting Travel Occupational Therapist Salary

The average salary for a travel occupational therapist (OT) is $104,500 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, the actual salary you can expect to earn as a travel OT will vary depending on a number of factors, including:

  • Geographic location: Travel OTs can earn more in some areas of the country than others. For example, the BLS reports that the highest-paying states for OTs are California, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.
  • Level of experience: Travel OTs with more experience typically earn more than those with less experience.
  • Specialty: Travel OTs who specialize in certain areas, such as pediatrics or hand therapy, can earn more than those who work in general practice.
  • Employer type: Travel OTs who work for private agencies typically earn more than those who work directly for hospitals or clinics.
  • Benefits: In addition to their base salary, travel OTs may also receive benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans.

Average Travel Occupational Therapist Salary

The following table provides the average travel OT salary by state, specialty, and employer type.

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State Average Salary
California $121,190
New Jersey $118,550
Massachusetts $117,350
New York $115,650
Texas $111,150
Florida $108,950
Pennsylvania $108,650
Illinois $107,850
Ohio $107,550

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Specialty Average Salary
Pediatrics $112,000
Hand Therapy $111,000
Neurology $110,000
Gerontology $109,000
Mental Health $108,000
Adults $107,000
Occupational Therapy Assistant $62,000
Occupational Therapy Aide $46,000

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Employer Type Average Salary
Private Agency $113,000
Hospital $109,000
Clinic $108,000
School District $107

How Much Do Travel Occupational Therapists Make?

The average salary for a travel occupational therapist is $87,184 per year. However, the actual salary you can expect to earn will vary depending on a number of factors, including your experience, education, skills, and location.

Experience

As with most other professions, the more experience you have as a travel occupational therapist, the higher your salary will be. Entry-level travel occupational therapists typically earn around $65,000 per year, while experienced travel occupational therapists can earn upwards of $100,000 per year.

Education

Travel occupational therapists who have a master’s degree in occupational therapy (OT) typically earn more than those who only have a bachelor’s degree. In fact, the average salary for a travel occupational therapist with a master’s degree is $92,000 per year, while the average salary for a travel occupational therapist with a bachelor’s degree is $82,000 per year.

Skills

Travel occupational therapists who have specialized skills, such as those in pediatrics, hand therapy, or ergonomics, typically earn more than those who do not have specialized skills. In addition, travel occupational therapists who are bilingual or multilingual can also earn a higher salary.

Location

The cost of living in different parts of the country can vary significantly, and this can also affect your salary as a travel occupational therapist. Travel occupational therapists who work in high-cost areas, such as New York City or San Francisco, typically earn more than those who work in lower-cost areas, such as Des Moines or Wichita.

Other Factors

Other factors that can affect your salary as a travel occupational therapist include the type of employer you work for, the size of the company, and the benefits you receive. For example, travel occupational therapists who work for private practices or hospitals typically earn more than those who work for school districts or government agencies. Travel occupational therapists who receive benefits, such as health insurance and paid time off, also typically earn more than those who do not receive benefits.

The average salary for a travel occupational therapist is $87,184 per year. However, the actual salary you can expect to earn will vary depending on a number of factors, including your experience, education, skills, location, and other factors.

How to Increase Your Travel Occupational Therapist Salary

There are a number of things you can do to increase your salary as a travel occupational therapist. Here are a few tips:

  • Get more experience. The more experience you have, the more valuable you will be to employers and the higher salary you can command. Consider taking on additional responsibilities at your current job or getting involved in professional organizations. You can also earn additional certifications or degrees to improve your skills.
  • Get certified in a specialty. Travel occupational therapists who are certified in a specialty typically earn more than those who are not. There are a number of different specialties you can choose from, such as pediatrics, hand therapy, or ergonomics.
  • Network with other travel occupational therapists. Networking is a great way to learn about new job opportunities and find out about salary ranges. Attend industry conferences and workshops, join professional organizations, and connect with other travel occupational therapists on social media.
  • Join a professional association. Professional associations can provide you with valuable resources and support, including salary surveys and job postings. They can also help you network with other travel occupational therapists and learn about new career opportunities.
  • Get a higher paying job. If you are not satisfied with your current salary, you may want to consider looking for a higher paying job. There are a number of factors to consider when looking for a new job, such as the salary, benefits, and location.

Resources for Travel Occupational Therapists

There are a number of resources available to travel occupational therapists. Here are a few of the most helpful:

  • Salary data: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) publishes salary data for travel occupational therapists. You can find this data on the BLS website.
  • Job postings: There are a number of websites that post job listings for travel occupational therapists. Some of the most popular websites include Indeed, Monster, and CareerBuilder.
  • Professional associations: There are a number of professional associations that support travel occupational therapists. Some of the most popular associations include the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and the National Association of Occupational Therapists in Private Practice (NAPT).
  • Networking events: There are a number of networking events that are specifically designed for travel occupational therapists. These events are a great way to meet new people, learn about new job opportunities, and find out about salary ranges.

    How much do travel occupational therapists make?

The average salary for a travel occupational therapist is $108,000 per year. However, the actual salary you can expect to earn will vary depending on a number of factors, including your experience, education, skills, and location.

What are the factors that affect how much a travel occupational therapist makes?

The following factors can affect how much a travel occupational therapist makes:

  • Experience: The more experience you have as an occupational therapist, the more you can expect to earn.
  • Education: Occupational therapists with a master’s degree or doctorate will typically earn more than those with a bachelor’s degree.
  • Skills: Occupational therapists with specialized skills, such as those who work with children or the elderly, can earn more than those with more general skills.
  • Location: The cost of living in your area can also affect your salary. Occupational therapists in high-cost areas, such as New York City or San Francisco, will typically earn more than those in lower-cost areas.

What are the benefits of working as a travel occupational therapist?

There are a number of benefits to working as a travel occupational therapist, including:

  • Variety: Travel occupational therapists get to work in a variety of settings, with a variety of clients. This can help you to keep your skills fresh and to learn new things.
  • Opportunities for advancement: Travel occupational therapists can often advance their careers more quickly than those who work in traditional settings. This is because they have the opportunity to work with a variety of different people and to learn new skills.
  • Financial rewards: Travel occupational therapists can earn a higher salary than those who work in traditional settings. This is because they are often able to negotiate higher rates and because they are not subject to the same benefits and overhead costs as traditional employers.

What are the challenges of working as a travel occupational therapist?

There are a few challenges to working as a travel occupational therapist, including:

  • Lack of stability: Travel occupational therapists often have to move from one location to another, which can make it difficult to establish roots and build a community.
  • Long hours: Travel occupational therapists often work long hours, as they may have to travel to multiple appointments in a single day.
  • Stress: Travel occupational therapists can experience stress due to the demands of their job, such as the need to constantly be on the go and the need to meet the needs of a variety of clients.

How can I become a travel occupational therapist?

To become a travel occupational therapist, you will need to:

  • Earn a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from an accredited program.
  • Pass the national certification exam for occupational therapists.
  • Obtain a license to practice occupational therapy in the state where you want to work.
  • Build your skills and experience by working as an occupational therapist in a traditional setting.
  • Network with other travel occupational therapists and find out about job opportunities.

What are the best resources for finding travel occupational therapy jobs?

There are a number of resources available for finding travel occupational therapy jobs, including:

  • The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA): The AOTA has a job board where you can find listings for travel occupational therapy jobs.
  • Occupational Therapy Jobs: Occupational Therapy Jobs is a website that specializes in job listings for occupational therapists.
  • LinkedIn and Indeed: LinkedIn and Indeed are both job search websites where you can find listings for travel occupational therapy jobs.
  • Word-of-mouth: Networking with other travel occupational therapists is a great way to find out about job openings.

    In this article, we’ve explored the topic of how much travel occupational therapists make. We’ve discussed the factors that affect pay, the average salary for travel OTs, and the best states for travel OTs to work in. We hope this information has been helpful in your journey to becoming a travel occupational therapist.

Here are a few key takeaways:

  • The average salary for travel occupational therapists is $108,724 per year.
  • The highest paying states for travel OTs are California, New York, and Massachusetts.
  • The most important factors that affect pay are experience, education, and certifications.
  • Travel OTs can earn more money by working in high-demand areas, such as rural and critical access hospitals.

If you’re interested in learning more about travel occupational therapy, we encourage you to visit the American Occupational Therapy Association website. You can also find more information on our website, where we offer a free career guide and a list of accredited OT programs.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.