Real pay ranges, what affects your rate, and how to maximize your compensation.
| Discipline | Weekly Total Package | Annual (46 weeks) |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (PT) | $1,800–$3,500+ | $83,000–$161,000+ |
| Occupational Therapist (OT) | $1,700–$3,200+ | $78,000–$147,000+ |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) | $1,700–$3,300+ | $78,000–$152,000+ |
| PT Assistant (PTA) | $1,200–$2,200+ | $55,000–$101,000+ |
| OT Assistant (COTA) | $1,200–$2,100+ | $55,000–$97,000+ |
Ranges include taxable wages + non-taxable stipends. Actual take-home is higher than equivalent permanent salaries due to tax-free stipend portion.
Location: High cost-of-living areas (California, NYC) have higher pay packages but also higher stipends. Rural and remote locations often pay premiums due to lower demand. Popular vacation destinations (beach cities) pay less — supply of willing travelers exceeds demand.
Setting: Acute care hospital positions typically pay the most. SNFs and outpatient are mid-range. School positions vary. See our settings comparison.
Urgency: Crisis and last-minute needs pay premium rates — sometimes 20-50% above standard. Flexibility on start dates can unlock these opportunities.
Season: Winter assignments in warm states (Florida, Arizona) pay less due to high traveler demand. Summer in desirable areas is similar. The best pay is often in less popular seasons and locations.
Agency: The same assignment at the same facility can vary $200-$400+/week between agencies due to different agency margins and how they structure your package. Always compare packages. See how to choose an agency.
Experience: First-year travelers may earn slightly less than veterans, but the gap is smaller than in permanent positions.
A new grad PT in a permanent position might earn $72,000/year (~$55,000 after tax). That same PT traveling could earn $100,000+ in total compensation with ~$85,000+ in effective take-home — the non-taxable stipends make a dramatic difference. Full analysis in our travel vs. permanent comparison.
Work with multiple agencies — compare packages for the same region. Be flexible on location — less popular areas pay more. Negotiate — ask if the rate can be increased, especially for hard-to-fill positions. Understand your full package — get every line item in writing before accepting. Take extensions — extending at the same facility eliminates onboarding costs for the agency, which can translate to a pay bump.
For detailed pay breakdowns, use the Pay Calculator and check state-by-state salary data.
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