Where should your next travel Physical Therapy assignment take you in 2025? From coastlines to canyons, the right state will impact your pay, licensing ease, and happiness. The travel therapy market is booming, with hospitals and clinics nationwide scrambling to fill open positions. There are golden opportunities for physical therapists ready to explore new places.
This guide ranks the five best U.S. states for travel physical therapists based on job demand, pay rates, and lifestyle benefits.
We’ll break down what makes each state special and help you pick your next adventure. The PT job market in 2025 shows no signs of slowing down, with aging populations and sports medicine growth driving demand higher than ever.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or considering your first assignment, these states offer the perfect combo of professional growth and personal satisfaction.
What Makes a State Ideal for Travel PTs?
Not all states treat travel physical therapists the same. Smart PTs look beyond their paycheck when picking their next big move. Here’s what separates the great states from the average ones.
- PT Compact Licensure: States in the PT Compact let you work across multiple locations with one license. This cuts down on paperwork and gets you working faster—no more waiting months for new state approvals or confusing application processes.
- High Facility Demand: means more choices for you. States with provider shortages extend the need for rehabilitation services. More openings mean more bargaining power and better travel physical therapy positions. You can be pickier about work environments and schedules.
- Competitive Pay Rates: reflect real market value. Travel PTs typically earn between $95,500 and $115,000 annually, but top states push those numbers higher. Depending on location and specialty, weekly rates can range from $1,800 to $3,000. The best states reward your skills with paychecks that match your expertise.
- Work-life balance: matters for long-term success and happiness. States with reasonable patient loads and supportive work environments prevent burnout. Look for facilities that value their temporary staff and provide proper orientation and support systems.
- Lifestyle Factors: can make or break your experience. Climate, housing costs, and recreational opportunities shape your daily life outside work. Some states offer mountain hiking and beach access, while others provide rich cultural scenes and nightlife. The right environment lets you recharge and enjoy your time off.
Top 5 States for Travel Physical Therapy Jobs in 2025
Location, location, location – It matters more than you think. Where to work as a travel PT can be just as important as what you do. Some states and cities offer higher pay to attract talent, especially where shortages are severe or where the cost of living is super high.
California, New York, and Texas offer some of the highest salaries, but Arizona provides good pay and a lower cost of living.
Major cities pay more, yet some rural hospitals add bonuses to attract clinicians to less populated areas. A high salary in an expensive city might not go as far as a slightly lower one in a more affordable region. There’s a lot to think about. Let’s break it down.
1. California: Why it Remains One of the Best States for Travel PTs
Travel Physical Therapy Jobs in California: High demand, coastal living, and premium pay rates.
Why it’s a top pick: California leads the pack with the highest PT salaries in the nation and incredible lifestyle diversity. The state participates in the PT Compact, making licensing straightforward for qualified therapists.
Key cities/regions: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Orange County offer the most openings. Coastal cities provide premium pay but higher living costs, while inland areas offer better value with solid pay.
Average compensation: Travel PTs in California earn $2,500 to $3,500 per week, among the highest rates nationwide. Annual salaries often exceed $130,000 for experienced therapists in specialized settings.
Licensing: California is not one of the PT Compact states, and the process generally receives approval within 3-6 weeks.
Lifestyle snapshot: Year-round sunshine, beaches, mountains, and vibrant cities create endless recreation options. Housing costs are high, especially in coastal areas, but many travel PTs find the experience worth the expense. Outdoor activities include surfing, hiking, skiing, and desert exploration.
2. Texas: Big Opportunities and Bigger Pay for Travel PT Jobs
Travel Physical Therapy Jobs in Texas: Urban and rural demand with flexible lifestyle options.
Why it’s a top pick: Texas combines strong job demand, no state income tax, and affordable living costs. The state’s growing population and expanding healthcare systems create consistent opportunities for travel therapists. Major medical centers and rural hospitals both actively recruit temporary staff.
Key cities/regions: Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Fort Worth dominate the job market. Rural areas throughout the state offer competitive packages to attract skilled therapists to underserved communities.
Average compensation: Weekly pay ranges from $1,800 – $2,800, with rural travel physical therapy positions sometimes offering premiums. The lack of state income tax effectively increases your take-home pay compared to other states.
Licensing: Texas requires individual state licensure, but processes applications efficiently. Most therapists receive approval within 4-6 weeks with complete documentation.
Lifestyle snapshot: Warm weather year-round, friendly communities, and diverse cultural experiences. Texas offers everything from big-city amenities to small-town charm. Recreational opportunities include lakes, parks, music festivals, legendary barbecue and Tex-Mex cuisine.
3. Arizona: A Hot Spot for Travel Physical Therapy in 2025
Travel Physical Therapy Jobs in Arizona: Compact state with great weather and consistent travel physical therapy positions..
Why it’s a top pick: Arizona provides excellent pay rates with a lower cost of living than coastal states. The state’s year-round sunshine and outdoor recreation opportunities attract tourists and permanent residents, driving healthcare demand. Growing retirement communities need specialized rehabilitation services.
Key cities/regions: Phoenix, Tucson, Scottsdale, and Flagstaff offer the most positions. Resort areas and retirement communities provide unique assignment opportunities with competitive compensation.
Average compensation: Travel physical therapists earn $1,700 – $2,700 weekly, with some specialized positions reaching higher rates. The lower cost of living means your paycheck stretches further than in expensive coastal markets.
Licensing: Arizona is one of the PT Compact states, streamlining the process for multi-state license holders. The process typically takes 4-8 weeks, and the state board provides clear guidance for out-of-state applicants.
Lifestyle snapshot: Desert landscapes, hiking trails, golf courses, and resort amenities create a vacation-like atmosphere. Mild winters attract visitors and temporary residents, while summer heat keeps locals indoors. The state offers excellent outdoor recreation and a relaxed lifestyle.
4. New York: High Demand and Diverse Experiences
Travel Physical Therapy Jobs in New York: Big city opportunities meet rural rewards across the Empire State.
Why it’s a top pick: New York stands out for travel physical therapy jobs thanks to its high demand, top-tier hospitals, and diverse patient populations. From bustling cities to underserved rural towns, the state offers many opportunities. Travel PTs can expect strong pay, especially in high-need areas, with steady demand year-round.
Key cities/regions: New York City and Long Island offer abundant urban placements, while upstate areas like Buffalo, Rochester, and the Adirondacks provide high-paying travel physical therapy positions in less competitive markets.
Average compensation: Weekly rates typically range from $2,200 to $3,000, with rural and high-acuity settings offering premium rates to attract skilled therapists.
Licensing: New York requires state-specific licensure and is not one of the PT Compact states. The application process can take 8–10 weeks, so you need to plan early. Temporary licenses are sometimes available with proper documentation.
Lifestyle snapshot: New York has everything you need, whether you prefer fast-paced city life or peaceful small-town charm. Enjoy Broadway shows, hiking in the Catskills, Niagara Falls, or the Finger Lakes wine region. While NYC’s cost of living is high, many upstate areas are far more affordable and offer a slower pace.
5. Massachusetts: High Pay and Career Growth for Travel PT Jobs
Travel Physical Therapy Jobs in Massachusetts: East Coast culture with strong academic and hospital networks.
Why it’s a top pick: Massachusetts combines top-tier medical facilities with competitive compensation and four-season recreation. The state’s concentration of teaching hospitals and specialty clinics provides excellent professional development opportunities. Enjoy strong worker protections and benefits.
Key cities/regions: Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and the Cape Cod area offer the most opportunities. Academic medical centers and specialty hospitals provide unique learning experiences.
Average compensation: Travel PTs earn $2,200 – $3,200 weekly, with specialized positions in teaching hospitals commanding premium rates. Strong union presence often results in better working conditions and benefits.
Licensing: Massachusetts requires individual state licensure with a thorough but efficient process. Applications typically process within 6-10 weeks, and the state provides detailed guidance for temporary license holders.
Lifestyle snapshot: Four distinct seasons, rich history, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreation from mountains to ocean. Higher living costs are offset by excellent public transportation and walkable communities. Professional networking opportunities abound in this education and healthcare hub.
How to Choose the Right State for Your Travel Physical Therapy Job
Balancing Professional vs. Personal as a Travel Physical Therapist
Balance your career goals with lifestyle preferences. High-paying travel physical therapy positions in expensive cities might not provide better savings than moderate-pay positions in affordable areas. Compare both immediate compensation and long-term financial impact.
Do Seasons Matter When Choosing a Travel PT Assignment?
Think about weather preferences and family obligations. Some therapists follow seasonal patterns, working in warm states during winter and cooler locations in summer. Others prefer consistency and choose one region for multiple assignments.
States with Intense Work Environments and Challenges
How can you find the right workplace for you? Hospitals and medical facilities differ across the country. For example, California and New York pay well, but living in cities like San Francisco and New York City is very expensive, cutting your take-home pay. These locations also have busy hospitals that can be stressful for travel physical therapists.
This is one reason working with a dependable agency matters. Your recruiter will help you consider the pos and cons of each location, facility, and contract. With a good agency, you’ll have all of the agency and support to choose the best career choice for you.
Urban vs. Rural Travel Physical Therapy Positions
If you want to focus on a specializing in one specific area, city hospitals offer more chances, while rural jobs are better for learning different skills and working more independently. City life is great for those who enjoy a busy social scene, while rural life is ideal for those who value peace and nature.
Housing stipends are generally higher in urban areas to offset expensive rental markets, but the increased cost of living can absorb much of that benefit. In rural areas, stipends may be lower, but affordable housing means you often keep more of your paycheck.
| Urban Assignments | Rural Assignments | |
| Facility Size | Larger, more specialization | Smaller, more general |
| Team Structure | Bigger teams, specialized roles | Smaller teams, broad responsibilities |
| Patient Volume | Higher, more fast-paced | Lower, more time per patient |
| Technology | Advanced, cutting-edge | Limited, basic |
| Pay | Higher gross, higher cost of living | Lower gross, lower cost of living |
| Professional Growth | Specialization, ongoing education | More autonomy, broader skill set |
| Lifestyle | Busier, more amenities | Quiet, close-knit communities |
| Housing | Expensive, harder to secure | Affordable, more availability |
8 Smart Tips for Working with Travel Therapy Recruiters
- Pick a recruiter who listens to what you want.
They should ask about your goals, not just push openings. - Ask if they’ve worked with travel PTs before.
Experience matters—especially with housing, pay, and licenses. - Check if they know state license rules and timelines.
Good recruiters avoid delays and missing documents. - Be honest about where you’ll work and where you won’t.
This saves time and gets you better matches. - Let them know how fast you’re ready to start.
Some jobs fill fast—clear timelines help you land the right one. - Ask for details on pay, housing, and bonuses.
A great recruiter explains the complete offer, not just the weekly rate. - Don’t be afraid to ask for better terms.
Experienced recruiters know how to negotiate pay and start dates. - Stay in touch once your job begins.
They can fix issues or line up your next assignment.
Find the Best State for Travel Physical Therapy Jobs
You’ve worked hard to build your clinical expertise and deserve a career that rewards your dedication—on your terms.
These five states represent the best opportunities for travel physical therapists in 2025. California and Massachusetts offer premium pay and world-class facilities. Texas and Arizona provide excellent value with lower living costs and no state income tax benefits. New York offers unique cultural experiences with competitive compensation.
Each state brings different advantages, from licensing ease to lifestyle benefits. Match your priorities with what each location offers. Whether you value maximum earnings, outdoor recreation, cultural diversity, or professional development, these states deliver results.
Ready to find your next travel PT assignment? Explore current Travel Physical Therapy Jobs with Advantis and take the next step in your career.
An Agency That Truly Cares
We take great pride in supporting travel therapists with more than just top travel therapy jobs—we’re building trusted, long-term partnerships that make your journey smoother, more rewarding, and stress-free. With over 700 5-star reviews and dozens of real testimonials sharing their experiences, we’ve earned our reputation as the #1 travel nurse agency.
Our Advantis Gold Standard ensures you receive personalized support, exclusive travel job opportunities, and a level of care designed to put you first. Whether you want one-on-one guidance from a Pro Recruiter or prefer to explore travel jobs on your own, we’re here to make it easy. Start your next adventure today—explore high-paying travel jobs and discover what’s possible!
FAQs – Travel Physical Therapy Jobs in 2025
What are the best states for travel physical therapy jobs 2025?
The top states for travel physical therapy jobs in 2025 include California, Texas, Arizona, New York, and Massachusetts. These states offer high demand, competitive pay, and appealing lifestyle benefits for travel physical therapists.
How do I get licensed for travel physical therapy positions in different states?
To work as a physical therapist in different states, you might need separate licenses or can use the PT Compact for easier access if you’re eligible, so always check each state’s rules first!
How much can I earn in travel physical therapy jobs?
Travel physical therapy positions typically pay between $1,700 and $3,500 per week, depending on the state, city, and your experience.
What factors should I consider when choosing where to work as a travel PT?
Consider pay rates, licensing requirements, cost of living, job demand, and lifestyle amenities. States with high demand and PT Compact participation can make travel physical therapy positions easier and more lucrative.
How do I secure the best travel physical therapy positions?
Work with reputable travel PT recruiters who understand your goals and state licensing rules. Research job boards specializing in travel physical therapy jobs, and be proactive about submitting documents and preferences.
What are the benefits of working travel physical therapy jobs?
Travel physical therapy offers higher pay, flexibility, opportunities to explore new locations, and diverse clinical experiences
