After a whirlwind summer of working on contract and traveling coast-to-coast, I found solace in returning home. While the excitement of exploring new places is unparalleled, there’s something truly comforting about settling back into a routine. Over the past few months, I’ve wrestled with the decision of whether to continue travel therapy, with my mind changing from day to day. But, as always, when the right opportunity comes along, I'm ready to pack my bags and embark on the next adventure — and that’s exactly what happened!
For those considering a career in travel healthcare, particularly in allied health, rehabilitation and more specifically, travel physical therapy, it’s essential to understand the three main factors that influence your decision-making: location, pay, and setting. By weighing these factors and knowing your priorities, you can ensure your travel PT journey is both fulfilling and financially rewarding.
Location: The Adventure of Exploring New Places
If exploring new locations is your priority as a travel healthcare professional, be prepared to make compromises. The key is balancing where you want to go with the financial opportunities available. Locations like San Diego, for example, are highly sought-after so they’re hard to come by. I did a quick search and couldn’t find any available contracts in San Diego, New York City, and only one in Hawaii right now. And when opportunities do pop up, the pay tends to be lower because many travelers want to experience the beautiful, sunny weather or novel lifestyle.
If you’re determined to work in a particular place, you may need to work with several recruiters and wait longer for a contract to appear. While waiting can be financially risky, a great recruiter can sometimes help place you in your ideal location even if the need isn’t posted. I experienced this firsthand when I expressed interest in a specific California location to my recruiter, who managed to secure a position for me at a facility that had an unadvertised opening.
Tip: If you have a specific location in mind, communicate with your recruiter early. A proactive approach can help you land the perfect job.
Pay: Understanding Travel Healthcare Salaries
One of the most talked-about aspects of travel healthcare is the pay, and rightfully so. As a traveler, you often earn a higher income than in a permanent position. But to make sure you're getting the compensation you deserve, it’s important to understand the breakdown of your pay package.
Many companies post the gross pay (pre-tax income) rather than the net pay (take-home pay after taxes and deductions). While stipends are untaxed, your hourly rate will be taxed at the appropriate rate for your income bracket. As a travel physical therapist, it's crucial to know your worth and ensure your pay exceeds what you’d make in a permanent role.
The settings that typically offer the highest pay in travel PT include:
Home Health
Acute Care
Inpatient Rehabilitation
On the other hand, Outpatient and Skilled Nursing settings often offer lower pay. However, I’ve found great-paying opportunities in both settings as well, so keep an eye out.
Pro Tip: Always ask for the pay package and breakdown before filling out any questionnaires or skills assessments. This will help you avoid wasting time on a contract that doesn't meet your financial needs.
Setting: Gaining Diverse Experience as a Travel PT
One of the best parts of being a travel PT is the ability to explore various settings. When I first graduated from PT school, I wasn’t sure which direction my career would take. Now, as a travel PT, I’ve had the chance to work in Inpatient Rehab Facilities, Skilled Nursing Facilities, Acute care and Outpatient PT settings. This diversity has helped me grow as a therapist and refine my skills in different areas.
However, one of the challenges of being a travel PT is the difficulty of specializing. When working in multiple settings, it can be harder to gain deep expertise in a single area. Factors such as competition for jobs and the need for state-specific licenses also play a role in this. But it’s not impossible to specialize! I’ve seen a range of specialized opportunities across the country, such as:
Pediatrics and School-based PT jobs in California
Pelvic PT roles
Neuro PT positions
If you’re passionate about a specialty, it’s still possible to find opportunities, but it may require more persistence and flexibility.
The Path to Your Ideal Travel PT Career
In the world of travel healthcare, there’s no right way to do it. Whether you’re prioritizing location, pay, or setting, understanding what matters most to you is key to making informed decisions and finding the right opportunities. By being strategic about where you work, negotiating your pay, and staying open to different settings, you can enjoy a fulfilling and financially rewarding career as a travel PT. And, the beauty of this is – your priority can change from contract to contract!
Have any questions about travel healthcare contracts? Drop a comment or send me a message on Instagram — I’d love to help you navigate your journey!
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