What Does the Pay Look Like for Traveling Physical Therapists?

Introduction

Traveling physical therapists have a unique opportunity to see different parts of the country while making a living. While it can be an exciting career, many prospective physical therapists are curious about what kind of salary they can expect to make. In this article, we’ll explore what factors determine pay for traveling physical therapists, how much you can earn, and what other benefits come with the job.

Exploring Salaries of Traveling Physical Therapists

When considering the salary of a traveling physical therapist, there are several factors to consider. These include location, experience, specialization, and agency. The type of facility where you work also plays a role in determining salary. For example, according to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), physical therapists in home health settings earned an average of $85,000 per year in 2017, while those in private practice earned an average of $97,000.

In addition to these factors, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual wage for physical therapists was $89,440 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $63,100, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $128,710.

How Much Can You Earn as a Traveling Physical Therapist?

The amount you can earn as a traveling physical therapist depends on several factors, including the type of facility you work in, your experience level, and the type of contract you have. Generally, the higher the level of experience and specialization, the higher the salary. Most traveling physical therapists have contracts that last 13 weeks, although some may have shorter or longer contracts.

In addition to salary, traveling physical therapists may receive additional benefits such as housing stipends, travel reimbursements, and sign-on bonuses. These benefits can help offset the cost of living in a new city for a short period of time. Additionally, some agencies offer referral bonuses for referring other physical therapists to join their team.

Salary Considerations for Traveling Physical Therapists

Location is one of the most important factors to consider when looking at salary for traveling physical therapists. According to the BLS, the states with the highest levels of employment for physical therapists were California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Pennsylvania. These states also tend to have higher salaries for physical therapists than other states. For example, the median annual wage for physical therapists in California was $107,340 in May 2019, which is significantly higher than the national median of $89,440.

Experience is another factor that can play a role in salary. Generally, the more experience a physical therapist has, the higher their salary will be. Specialization is also considered when determining salary, with physical therapists who specialize in certain areas of care earning higher salaries than those who do not specialize.

What Does the Pay Look Like for Traveling Physical Therapists?

Traveling physical therapists typically earn an hourly rate, rather than a salary. Hourly rates vary widely depending on the facility, location, and experience level of the physical therapist. Generally, hourly rates range from $30-$50 per hour. Additionally, some agencies offer higher rates for physical therapists with specialized skills or experience.

Traveling physical therapists may also receive job offers from agencies that provide a set salary or lump sum payment for the duration of the contract. These offers may include benefits such as housing stipends, travel reimbursements, and sign-on bonuses. However, it’s important to remember that these offers may vary widely depending on the agency, location, and experience level of the physical therapist.

Do the Benefits Outweigh the Costs for Traveling Physical Therapists?

One of the biggest benefits of working as a traveling physical therapist is the financial benefit. Traveling physical therapists typically earn more than their non-traveling counterparts due to the higher hourly rates and additional incentives offered by agencies. Additionally, traveling physical therapists may have access to housing stipends, travel reimbursements, and sign-on bonuses that can help offset the costs of living in a new city for a short period of time.

Non-financial benefits of working as a traveling physical therapist include the opportunity to gain experience in different settings, develop new skills, and build relationships with colleagues in different locations. Additionally, traveling physical therapists have the opportunity to explore different parts of the country while still earning a living.

Making the Most of Your Salary as a Traveling Physical Therapist

When it comes to negotiating salary, it’s important to research the going rate for physical therapists in the area you’re interested in working in. Additionally, it’s important to be aware of any additional incentives that may be offered by the agency, such as housing stipends, travel reimbursements, and sign-on bonuses. It’s also important to be aware of any restrictions that may be placed on the contract, such as length of stay or number of hours worked.

For those interested in pursuing a career as a traveling physical therapist, it’s important to build your network. Networking with other physical therapists can help you find the best opportunities and determine the best salary for the position. Additionally, networking with other professionals in the industry can help you stay up to date on the latest trends and job openings.

A Guide to Understanding the Salary of Traveling Physical Therapists

When researching salaries for traveling physical therapists, it’s important to consider all of the factors that can affect pay. Location, experience, specialization, and agency are all important considerations. Additionally, it’s important to research the going rate for physical therapists in the area you’re interested in working in, as well as any additional incentives that may be offered by the agency. Finally, it’s important to build your network in order to find the best opportunities and maximize your salary.

Conclusion

Traveling physical therapists have the unique opportunity to explore different parts of the country while making a living. While the salary of a traveling physical therapist can vary widely depending on location, experience, and specialization, the overall potential for earnings is high. With the right research and networking, traveling physical therapists can maximize their salary and enjoy the benefits of exploring different cities while still earning a living.