How Much Do Travel Physical Therapists Make? (The Complete Guide)

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How Much Do Travel Physical Therapists Make?

As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, so too does the demand for travel physical therapists. With more and more people seeking out physical therapy services, travel PTs are in high demand and can command a higher salary than their stay-at-home counterparts.

In this article, we’ll explore the factors that affect travel PT salaries, including experience, location, and specialization. We’ll also provide tips on how to get started in this lucrative career path.

So if you’re thinking about becoming a travel physical therapist, read on for all the information you need to know!

City Average Salary Source
New York City $105,000 PayScale
Los Angeles $95,000 Indeed
Chicago $90,000 Glassdoor
San Francisco $95,000 Salary.com

Factors Affecting Travel Physical Therapist Salaries

The salary of a travel physical therapist can vary depending on a number of factors, including:

  • Geographic location: Travel physical therapists typically earn more in higher-cost areas, such as major cities or coastal states.
  • Years of experience: Travel physical therapists with more experience typically earn more than those with less experience.
  • Specialty: Travel physical therapists who specialize in a particular area, such as orthopedics or pediatrics, typically earn more than those who do not specialize.
  • Certifications: Travel physical therapists who hold additional certifications, such as a board certification or a specialty certification, typically earn more than those who do not have these certifications.
  • Demand for travel physical therapists: The demand for travel physical therapists can vary depending on the time of year and the location. During peak travel season, there is typically more demand for travel physical therapists, which can lead to higher salaries.

The Average Salary for Travel Physical Therapists

The average salary for a travel physical therapist varies depending on the factors listed above. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for physical therapists was $87,930 in 2020. The BLS also reports that the top 10% of physical therapists earned more than $136,380, while the bottom 10% earned less than $57,720.

  • National average: The national average salary for a travel physical therapist is $95,000 per year.
  • Average salary by state: The average salary for a travel physical therapist varies by state. The states with the highest average salaries for travel physical therapists are California, New York, and Massachusetts. The states with the lowest average salaries for travel physical therapists are Mississippi, West Virginia, and Arkansas.
  • Average salary by specialty: The average salary for a travel physical therapist also varies by specialty. Travel physical therapists who specialize in orthopedics typically earn the highest salaries, while those who specialize in pediatrics typically earn the lowest salaries.
  • Average salary by years of experience: Travel physical therapists typically earn more as they gain more experience. The average salary for a travel physical therapist with less than one year of experience is $75,000 per year. The average salary for a travel physical therapist with 10 or more years of experience is $115,000 per year.

The salary of a travel physical therapist can vary depending on a number of factors. However, travel physical therapists typically earn a higher salary than those who work in traditional settings. If you are interested in a career that offers flexibility and the opportunity to earn a high salary, travel physical therapy may be a good option for you.

How Much Do Travel Physical Therapists Make?

Travel physical therapists earn a higher salary than their non-traveling counterparts. The average annual salary for a travel physical therapist is $95,822, while the average annual salary for a physical therapist is $84,907.

There are a number of factors that contribute to the higher salary for travel physical therapists, including:

  • Higher demand. There is a higher demand for travel physical therapists than there is for non-traveling physical therapists. This is because travel physical therapists can fill in gaps in staffing at hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.
  • More experience. Travel physical therapists typically have more experience than non-traveling physical therapists. This is because they have worked in a variety of settings and have seen a wider range of patients.
  • Higher pay rates. Travel physical therapists typically receive higher pay rates than non-traveling physical therapists. This is because they are considered to be more flexible and willing to work in different locations.

The following table provides a more detailed look at the average annual salary for travel physical therapists in different states:

| State | Average Annual Salary |
|—|—|
| California | $107,516 |
| New York | $103,576 |
| Texas | $99,737 |
| Florida | $98,656 |
| Illinois | $97,235 |

How to Get Started as a Travel Physical Therapist

If you’re interested in becoming a travel physical therapist, there are a few things you need to do to get started:

1. Get certified. To become a travel physical therapist, you must first be certified by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). You can become certified by completing a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program and passing the APTA’s national exam.
2. Build your resume. Once you’re certified, you need to build your resume so that you can attract the attention of travel physical therapy agencies. Your resume should highlight your education, experience, and skills.
3. Network with other travel physical therapists. Attend industry conferences and workshops, and connect with other travel physical therapists on social media. Networking can help you learn about job opportunities and get advice from experienced travel physical therapists.
4. Find a travel physical therapy agency. Once you’ve built your resume and networked with other travel physical therapists, you need to find a travel physical therapy agency to work with. Travel physical therapy agencies can help you find jobs, negotiate your salary, and provide support throughout your career.

Benefits of Being a Travel Physical Therapist

There are many benefits to being a travel physical therapist, including:

  • Higher pay. Travel physical therapists earn a higher salary than their non-traveling counterparts.
  • Variety of work experiences. Travel physical therapists have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. This can give you the chance to learn new skills and techniques.
  • Opportunity to travel. One of the biggest benefits of being a travel physical therapist is the opportunity to travel. You can work in different states or even different countries, which can give you a chance to experience new cultures and meet new people.
  • Flexibility. Travel physical therapists have more flexibility than their non-traveling counterparts. You can choose when and where you want to work, and you can set your own hours.

If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding career, then becoming a travel physical therapist may be the right choice for you. Travel physical therapists earn a higher salary, have a variety of work experiences, and the opportunity to travel.

How much do travel physical therapists make?

The average salary for a travel physical therapist is $102,161 per year. However, the actual salary you can earn will vary depending on a number of factors, including your experience, education, certifications, and the location where you work.

What are the benefits of being a travel physical therapist?

There are many benefits to being a travel physical therapist, including:

  • The opportunity to travel and see new places
  • The ability to work with a variety of patients and in a variety of settings
  • The chance to earn a higher salary than you would as a traditional physical therapist
  • The flexibility to choose your own schedule and work hours

What are the requirements to become a travel physical therapist?

To become a travel physical therapist, you must have the following:

  • A bachelor’s degree in physical therapy
  • A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree
  • A state license to practice physical therapy
  • A current CPR certification
  • A travel physical therapist certification (optional)

What is the best way to find travel physical therapist jobs?

There are a number of ways to find travel physical therapist jobs, including:

  • Online job boards
  • Travel physical therapist agencies
  • Networking with other physical therapists
  • Attending job fairs

What are the challenges of being a travel physical therapist?

There are a few challenges to being a travel physical therapist, including:

  • The need to be constantly on the move
  • The need to adapt to new settings and patients
  • The potential for loneliness and isolation
  • The need to be self-motivated and organized

Is being a travel physical therapist right for me?

Whether or not being a travel physical therapist is right for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a job that offers flexibility, travel, and the opportunity to earn a higher salary, then being a travel physical therapist may be a good fit for you. However, if you are not comfortable with being on the move and working in a variety of settings, then this may not be the right career for you.

In this article, we’ve discussed the average salary of travel physical therapists, the factors that affect pay, and the benefits of working as a travel physical therapist.

We’ve found that the average salary for a travel physical therapist is $103,891 per year. However, this can vary significantly depending on factors such as experience, location, and specialization.

Travel physical therapists can enjoy a number of benefits, including the opportunity to work in different settings, the chance to earn a higher salary, and the flexibility to choose their own schedule.

If you’re considering a career as a travel physical therapist, be sure to do your research and weigh the pros and cons carefully. With the right qualifications and experience, you can find a rewarding and lucrative career in travel physical therapy.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

  • The average salary for a travel physical therapist is $103,891 per year.
  • Factors that affect pay include experience, location, and specialization.
  • Travel physical therapists can enjoy a number of benefits, including the opportunity to work in different settings, the chance to earn a higher salary, and the flexibility to choose their own schedule.

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.