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

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How Much Does a Traveling Physical Therapist Make?

Working as a traveling physical therapist can be a great way to earn a high salary and see the country. But how much can you expect to make as a traveling physical therapist?

The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including your experience, education, and location. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for physical therapists was $87,930 in 2020.

Traveling physical therapists typically earn a higher salary than those who work in traditional settings. This is because they are often required to have more experience and education, and they may also be able to negotiate higher rates. Additionally, traveling physical therapists may be able to earn additional income by working overtime or taking on extra assignments.

In this article, we will discuss the factors that affect how much a traveling physical therapist makes, as well as provide some tips for maximizing your earning potential.

Factors Affecting Pay

There are a number of factors that can affect how much a traveling physical therapist makes, including:

  • Experience: The more experience you have as a physical therapist, the more you can expect to earn. Travel physical therapists with 10 or more years of experience can typically earn salaries in the six figures.
  • Education: Physical therapists who have a master’s degree or doctorate typically earn more than those with a bachelor’s degree.
  • Location: The cost of living in different parts of the country can vary significantly. Traveling physical therapists who work in high-cost areas can typically earn more than those who work in low-cost areas.
  • Specialty: Physical therapists who specialize in certain areas, such as orthopedics or sports medicine, can typically earn more than those who work in general practice.
  • Employer: The type of employer you work for can also affect your pay. Traveling physical therapists who work for private practices or hospitals typically earn more than those who work for government agencies or non-profit organizations.

Tips for Maximizing Your Earning Potential

If you’re interested in becoming a traveling physical therapist, there are a few things you can do to maximize your earning potential:

  • Get your master’s degree or doctorate: A higher level of education can lead to higher pay.
  • Specialize in a particular area: Physical therapists who specialize in certain areas can earn more than those who work in general practice.
  • Get experience working in different settings: Traveling physical therapists who have experience working in a variety of settings are more likely to be able to negotiate higher rates.
  • Network with other physical therapists: Networking can help you find out about job openings and negotiate higher rates.
  • Be willing to travel: Traveling physical therapists who are willing to travel to different parts of the country can typically earn more than those who are only willing to work in one location.

    City Average Salary Job Outlook
    New York City $86,780 10%
    Los Angeles $84,840 11%
    Chicago $82,900 12%
    Houston $81,000 13%
    Dallas $79,100 14%

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    How Much Does A Traveling Physical Therapist Make?

    The average salary for a traveling physical therapist is $88,846 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, the actual salary you can expect to earn will vary depending on a number of factors, including your experience, education, and location.

    Experience

    Traveling physical therapists with more experience tend to earn higher salaries. This is because they have a greater depth of knowledge and skills, and they are more likely to be able to handle a variety of patient cases.

    Education

    Traveling physical therapists who have a master’s degree or doctorate tend to earn higher salaries than those with a bachelor’s degree. This is because master’s and doctoral programs provide more in-depth training in physical therapy, and they prepare graduates for more complex patient cases.

    Location

    The cost of living in different areas can vary significantly, and this can impact the salary you can expect to earn as a traveling physical therapist. For example, traveling physical therapists in high-cost areas like San Francisco or New York City will likely earn more than those in lower-cost areas like Des Moines or Indianapolis.

    Benefits of being a traveling physical therapist

    There are a number of benefits to being a traveling physical therapist, including:

    • Variety of work: Traveling 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 experience different types of patient cases and work with a variety of healthcare professionals.
    • Higher pay: Traveling physical therapists typically earn higher salaries than those who work in traditional settings. This is because they are often required to have more experience and education, and they are more likely to be able to handle a variety of patient cases.
    • Increased independence: Traveling physical therapists have a lot of independence in their work. They are typically responsible for their own schedule and caseload, and they have the freedom to make decisions about how to best treat their patients.
    • Opportunity to travel: One of the biggest benefits of being a traveling physical therapist is the opportunity to travel. You can choose to work in different states or even different countries, which can give you the chance to experience new cultures and meet new people.

    Drawbacks of being a traveling physical therapist

    There are also a few drawbacks to being a traveling physical therapist, including:

    • Lack of stability: Traveling physical therapists often have to move from one location to another, which can make it difficult to establish roots and build a stable social life.
    • Higher stress: Traveling physical therapists often have to work long hours and deal with a variety of challenges, such as dealing with difficult patients and working in unfamiliar settings.
    • Increased expenses: Traveling physical therapists often have to pay for their own travel and housing, which can add to their overall costs.
    • Difficulty finding housing: Traveling physical therapists may have difficulty finding housing in some areas, especially if they are only staying in a particular location for a short period of time.

    Traveling physical therapy can be a rewarding career, but it is important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks before making a decision. If you are looking for a career that offers variety, high pay, and independence, then traveling physical therapy may be a good fit for you. However, if you are looking for a stable, low-stress career, then you may want to consider a traditional physical therapy position.

    How much does a traveling physical therapist make?

    The average salary for a traveling physical therapist is $88,187 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 how much a traveling physical therapist makes?

    The following factors can affect how much a traveling physical therapist makes:

    • Experience: The more experience you have as a physical therapist, the more you can expect to earn.
    • Education: Physical therapists who have a master’s degree or doctorate will earn more than those with a bachelor’s degree.
    • Location: The cost of living in your area will also affect your salary. Physical therapists in high-cost areas will earn more than those in low-cost areas.
    • Specialty: Physical therapists who specialize in a particular area, such as orthopedics or sports medicine, will earn more than those who do not have a specialty.

    What are the benefits of being a traveling physical therapist?

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

    • The opportunity to travel and see new places. As a traveling physical therapist, you will have the opportunity to work in different settings and meet new people. This can be a great way to experience new cultures and learn about different healthcare systems.
    • The chance to earn a higher salary. Traveling physical therapists often earn more than those who work in traditional settings. This is because they are in high demand and can command higher rates.
    • The ability to have a flexible schedule. Traveling physical therapists can often choose their own hours and work as much or as little as they want. This can be a great option for those who want to balance their work life with other commitments, such as family or school.

    **How can I become a traveling physical therapist?

    To become a traveling physical therapist, you will need to:

    • Earn a degree in physical therapy from an accredited program.
    • Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
    • Obtain a license to practice physical therapy in the state where you want to work.
    • Gain experience working as a physical therapist.
    • Develop a network of contacts in the healthcare industry.

    Once you have met these requirements, you can start looking for jobs as a traveling physical therapist. There are a number of resources available to help you find jobs, such as online job boards and recruiter websites.

    **What are the challenges of being a traveling physical therapist?

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

    • The need to be constantly on the move. Traveling physical therapists often have to travel long distances to get to their next assignment. This can be tiring and can disrupt your personal life.
    • The need to adapt to new settings and cultures. As a traveling physical therapist, you will be working in different settings and meeting new people. This can be challenging, but it can also be a great way to learn and grow.
    • The need to be self-motivated and organized. Traveling physical therapists often have to work independently and manage their own time. This can be difficult, but it can also be rewarding.

    Is being a traveling physical therapist right for me?

    Traveling physical therapy can be a great career for those who are looking for a challenging and rewarding job. However, it is important to weigh the benefits and challenges of this career before making a decision. If you are interested in becoming a traveling physical therapist, be sure to do your research and make sure that this is the right career for you.

    In this blog post, we’ve discussed how much a traveling physical therapist makes. We’ve covered the different factors that can affect a travel PT’s salary, including experience, location, and specialization. We’ve also provided some tips for getting started on your journey to becoming a traveling physical therapist.

    We hope that this information has been helpful to you. As always, if you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

    Here are some key takeaways:

    • The average salary for a traveling physical therapist is $93,816 per year.
    • The highest paying states for travel PTs are California, New York, and Massachusetts.
    • The most common specializations for travel PTs are orthopedics, sports medicine, and neurological rehabilitation.
    • The best way to get started on your journey to becoming a traveling physical therapist is to get your degree, obtain your license, and gain experience in the field.

    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.