How Much Does a Travel Physical Therapist Make? (2023 Salary Guide)

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How Much Does a Travel Physical Therapist Make?

If you’re considering a career in physical therapy, you may be wondering how much you can expect to earn. The good news is that travel physical therapists can make a very good living. In fact, the median annual salary for travel physical therapists is $108,320, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Of course, the actual salary you earn will depend on a number of factors, including your experience, education, and location. However, even entry-level travel physical therapists can expect to earn a salary that is well above the national average.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how much travel physical therapists make, and we’ll discuss some of the factors that affect salary. We’ll also provide tips on how to maximize your earning potential as a travel physical therapist.

So, if you’re ready to learn more about the salary potential of a travel physical therapist, keep reading!

City Average Hourly Rate Average Annual Salary
New York City $65.00 $137,600
Los Angeles $62.00 $131,200
Chicago $60.00 $126,000
San Francisco $67.00 $141,600
Dallas $58.00 $122,400
Houston $57.00 $120,800

Factors Affecting Travel Physical Therapist Salaries

There are a number of factors that can affect the salary of a travel physical therapist, including:

  • Location: Travel physical therapists typically earn more in higher-cost areas, such as major cities.
  • Experience: Travel physical therapists with more experience earn more than those with less experience.
  • Education: Travel physical therapists who have a master’s degree or higher earn more than those with a bachelor’s degree.
  • Specialty: Travel physical therapists who specialize in a particular area, such as orthopedics or pediatrics, earn more than those who do not specialize.
  • Demand: Travel physical therapists who work in high-demand areas, such as rural or underserved areas, earn more than those who work in less-demanded areas.
  • Benefits: Travel physical therapists may also earn additional compensation in the form of benefits, such as health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans.

Average Travel Physical Therapist Salaries

The average salary for a travel physical therapist in the United States is $108,240 per year. However, the actual salary you can expect to earn will vary depending on the factors listed above.

National average

The national average salary for a travel physical therapist is $108,240 per year. This means that half of all travel physical therapists earn more than this amount and half earn less.

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: $125,120 per year
  • New York: $123,630 per year
  • Massachusetts: $120,670 per year
  • Washington: $119,760 per year
  • Oregon: $119,230 per year

The states with the lowest average salaries for travel physical therapists are:

  • Mississippi: $82,340 per year
  • West Virginia: $83,770 per year
  • Arkansas: $84,170 per year
  • Louisiana: $84,520 per year
  • Kentucky: $85,190 per year

By city

The average salary for a travel physical therapist also varies by city. The cities with the highest average salaries for travel physical therapists are:

  • San Francisco, CA: $140,450 per year
  • New York City, NY: $138,560 per year
  • Boston, MA: $136,240 per year
  • Seattle, WA: $134,430 per year
  • San Diego, CA: $132,770 per year

The cities with the lowest average salaries for travel physical therapists are:

  • Meridian, MS: $65,060 per year
  • Pine Bluff, AR: $66,670 per year
  • Charleston, WV: $68,120 per year
  • Shreveport, LA: $68,800 per year
  • Jackson, MS: $69,340 per year

The average salary for a travel physical therapist is $108,240 per year. However, the actual salary you can expect to earn will vary depending on the factors listed above. By understanding the factors that affect travel physical therapist salaries, you can make informed decisions about your career and negotiate a salary that reflects your skills and experience.

How Much Does A Travel Physical Therapist Make?

Travel physical therapists (PTs) can earn a good salary, but the exact amount they make will vary depending on a number of factors, including their experience, location, and employer.

National Average Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for physical therapists was $89,170 in 2020. The top 10% of earners made more than $130,000, while the bottom 10% made less than $58,000.

Travel PT Salaries

Travel PTs typically earn more than their non-traveling counterparts. According to a survey by APTA, the average annual salary for travel PTs was $105,000 in 2020. The top 10% of earners made more than $140,000, while the bottom 10% made less than $75,000.

Factors Affecting Travel PT Salaries

There are a number of factors that can affect a travel PT’s salary, including:

  • Experience: Travel PTs with more experience typically earn more than those with less experience.
  • Location: Travel PTs who work in high-cost areas, such as major cities, typically earn more than those who work in lower-cost areas.
  • Employer: Travel PTs who work for agencies that specialize in placing travel PTs typically earn more than those who work for agencies that place a variety of healthcare professionals.

How to Increase Your Travel PT Salary

There are a few things you can do to increase your travel PT salary, including:

  • Get certified: Getting certified in a specialty area can increase your earning potential.
  • Get experience: Gaining experience in a variety of settings can make you more marketable to potential employers.
  • Build your network: Networking with other travel PTs can help you find higher-paying jobs.
  • Negotiate your salary: When you’re offered a job, be sure to negotiate your salary. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you’re worth.

Travel physical therapists can earn a good salary, but the exact amount they make will vary depending on a number of factors. By getting certified, gaining experience, building your network, and negotiating your salary, you can increase your earning potential as a travel PT.

3. 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

The first step is to become certified as a physical therapist. To do this, you must graduate from an accredited physical therapy program and pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).

2. Get experience

Once you’re certified, you’ll need to get some experience working as a physical therapist. This can be done by working in a clinical setting, such as a hospital or outpatient clinic. You can also get experience by working as a travel physical therapist.

3. Build your network

As you’re getting your experience, it’s important to build your network. This can be done by attending professional events, joining professional organizations, and connecting with other physical therapists on social media.

4. Find a travel agency

Once you have some experience and a network of contacts, you can start looking for a travel agency to work with. There are a number of different travel agencies that place physical therapists in jobs all over the country.

5. Start your career

Once you’ve found a travel agency to work with, you can start your career as a travel physical therapist. You’ll be responsible for finding your own jobs, negotiating your salary, and managing your own taxes.

Resources for Travel Physical Therapists

Here are some resources that can help you get started as a travel physical therapist:

  • American Physical Therapy Association (APTA): The APTA is the national organization for physical therapists. The APTA offers a number of resources for travel physical therapists, including a job board, a list of accredited physical therapy programs, and a guide to becoming a travel physical therapist.
  • Travel Physical Therapists Association (TPTA): The TPTA is a professional organization for travel physical therapists. The TPTA offers a number of resources for travel physical therapists, including a job board, a list of accredited physical therapy programs, and a guide to becoming a travel physical therapist.
  • International Association of Travel Healthcare Professionals (IATHM): The IATHM is a professional organization for travel healthcare professionals. The

    How much does a travel physical therapist make?

The average salary for a travel physical therapist is $101,877 per year. However, the actual salary you can expect to earn will vary depending on a number of factors, including your experience, education, and location.

What are the factors that affect a travel physical therapist’s salary?

The following factors can affect a travel physical therapist’s salary:

  • Experience: The more experience you have, the more you can expect to earn.
  • Education: A master’s degree in physical therapy is required for most travel physical therapist positions, but those with a doctorate degree can earn more.
  • Location: The cost of living in your area can also affect your salary.
  • Specialty: Travel physical therapists who specialize in certain areas, such as orthopedics or pediatrics, can earn more than those who do not specialize.

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

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

  • The opportunity to travel and see new places.
  • The chance to work with a variety of patients and learn new things.
  • The ability to set your own schedule and work independently.
  • The potential to earn a higher salary than you would at a traditional job.

**How can I become a travel physical therapist?

To become a travel physical therapist, you must:

1. Earn a master’s degree in physical therapy from an accredited program.
2. Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
3. Obtain a state license to practice physical therapy.
4. Gain experience working as a physical therapist.
5. Join a travel physical therapy agency.

**What are the challenges of working as a travel physical therapist?

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

  • The need to be constantly on the move.
  • The challenge of working in new environments.
  • The potential for loneliness and isolation.
  • The need to be self-motivated and organized.

Is working as a travel physical therapist right for me?

Working as a travel physical therapist can be a great option for those who are looking for a rewarding and challenging career. However, it is important to consider the pros and cons carefully before making a decision. If you are interested in learning more about travel physical therapy, you can contact a travel physical therapy agency or visit the American Physical Therapy Association website.

In this blog post, we’ve discussed the average salary of a travel physical therapist, as well as the factors that can affect pay. We’ve also provided tips for negotiating your salary and finding a high-paying travel PT job.

If you’re considering a career as a travel physical therapist, be sure to do your research and make sure you’re aware of the potential salary range. By following the tips we’ve provided, you can increase your chances of landing a high-paying travel PT job that’s a good fit for your skills and experience.

Here are some key takeaways from this blog post:

  • The average salary for a travel physical therapist is $110,000 per year.
  • Factors that can affect pay include experience, location, and specialization.
  • Travel PTs can earn more money by negotiating their salary, working for a high-paying company, and getting additional certifications.
  • By following the tips in this blog post, you can increase your chances of landing a high-paying travel PT job.

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.