There are many benefits for travel therapists. One of the benefits is the opportunity to make more money. But what is the average physical therapist salary and what is it actually like to being a traveling physical therapist on assignment? You might also be wondering, other than working, what is another way you make money as a travel physical therapist? This is your travel physical therapy salary guide.
Physical Therapy Job
A physical therapy career is an overall practice or treatment that aims to help people improve their ability to move or function by easing pain. This treatment is usually referred to by doctors if the person has been injured or has experienced an illness that makes it hard to do daily tasks. Physical therapy sometimes referred to as PTs or physiotherapists, are licensed health care professionals who get their degree in physical therapy. Whether you’re an occupational therapist, physical therapist, or physical therapist assistant there are plenty of travel therapy jobs available.
Physical therapy services will include the following settings:
- Hospitals
- Inpatients rehabilitation facilities
- Outpatient clinics and offices
- Skilled nursing extended care, and sub-acute facilities
- Fitness centers
- Hospices
- Schools and more
What Are the Requirements for Getting a Travel Job as a PT?
Securing a travel job as a physical therapist can be an exciting and lucrative career choice. Whether you’re a new grad or someone with 3-10 years of experience, the world of travel therapy offers diverse opportunities and a competitive salary. To embark on this journey, there are some key requirements you need to meet.
If you hold a degree in physical therapy and possess the necessary licensure, you’re off to a great start. You will need to know travel PT roles cater to both experienced therapists and new grads, allowing for flexibility and growth. Below are some of the most common requirements for traveling PTs.
- Education: A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree is typically required to become a licensed physical therapist.
- Licensure: You must hold a valid physical therapy license in the state(s) where you plan to practice. Some states have their own licensure requirements and processes.
- Clinical Experience: While there’s no strict requirement for a minimum number of years of experience, many travel PT positions prefer candidates with some clinical experience. This experience can help you adapt more quickly to new settings.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: Travel PTs need to be adaptable and comfortable working in various healthcare environments. You should be open to learning new procedures and protocols at each assignment.
- Licensure in Multiple States: Since you’ll be working in different states, you might need to hold multiple state licenses or obtain temporary licensure depending on the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) rules.
The Basics: Median Annual Salary for Physical Therapists
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual median salary for a licensed physical therapist in 2017 was $86,850. Some states like California, Nevada, and Texas exceeded this national average physical therapist salary. However, as a travel therapist you can make more money than the national average. In fact, many of our travel PTs earn $100,000 per year when all benefits and allowances are included.
How Does a Travel Physical Therapist Job Add Up
Because you are traveling away from your home allows you to make more money. You are providing a service that a facility was not able to find someone close thus they pay a premium to have you work for them as a travel PT. In addition, stipends for travel and arrival are provided as another incentive for travel physical therapists. There are other non-taxable items and reimbursements that you receive as a travel physical therapist that adds up to your overall travel PT salary.
Other Than Working, How Can I Make Money As A Travel Therapist
One of the most common ways you can earn extra money as a travel physical therapist is to refer other travel therapists to our staffing agency. Referral bonuses are common in the travel healthcare staffing industry. At Host Healthcare, we offer a $1,000 referral bonus when you refer a travel physical therapist. Going on now, we are offering a summer referral program where you earn a $1,000 referral bonus and the person you refer receives a $500 bonus.
Host Healthcare Travel Therapist
Hopefully you learned the information you need regarding travel PT salary and a little bit about what it’s like to be on assignment as a traveling physical therapist. Be sure you bookmark this page as we will continue to update the travel physical therapy salary guide. Interested in learning more about travel therapy? Reach out to your recruiter or fill out this form below.
Host Healthcare offers an extensive selection of travel therapy, travel PTA jobs, and allied travel careers. In addition, call a specific recruiter directly or if you don’t have a recruiter, call (844) 812-8094 and one of our friendly recruiters will be happy to help.
