California$2,598/wk
2-BR rent $2,674Pay after rent/mo $8,584Cost of living 110.7State tax up to 13.3% (graduated)
Advantis salary data
Updated today · 186 open Occupational Therapy jobs
Traveling Occupational Therapist Salary
Median weekly · Occupational Therapy
$2,263
Across 186 live contracts nationwide
Current weekly range
$1,376–$2,937
Where most open contracts land
Highest-paying state
California
$2,598/wk median rate
A traveling occupational therapist salary is typically quoted as a weekly contract package, but what that number looks like can change with location, setting, schedule and facility need. Across currently open Advantis Medical OT contracts, the median weekly pay is $2,263, with rates ranging from $1,376 to $2,937. Use the live data on this page to see the current travel OT salary range, compare pay by state and understand how housing costs can change the value of a contract. You can also compare travel occupational therapist salary data with staff wages and browse the highest-paying OT jobs open now.
How Much Do Traveling Occupational Therapists Make?
The median shows where current OT pay sits today, but there can be a wide spread between individual contracts. This chart shows the weekly pay range across open Advantis OT jobs. Start with the national view, then select a state to see its current median, pay range and number of available assignments.
Across all open contracts
<$1.6k
$1.6–1.9k
$1.9–2.2k
$2.2–2.4k
$2.4–2.7k
$2.7k+
$2,263
Median weekly
$1,376–$2,937
Current range
Share of open Advantis the U.S. contracts by weekly-pay band.
How a Travel OT Salary Compares Over a Year
Travel OT pay is usually advertised by the week, while permanent occupational therapist wages are typically reported annually. Enter a weekly travel rate and select a state to estimate what that rate could look like across a working year, then compare it with the median annual staff OT wage in the same state.
Estimated travel Occupational Therapist gross over 48 weeks
$108,624
$2,263×48 weeks=$108,624
Select a state to compare the estimated travel total with the median annual staff Occupational Therapist wage and see current contracts in that state.
Occupational Therapist staff pay in
Median annual wage, all experience levels
Estimated gross difference
Travel pay is structured differently. For eligible travelers, housing and meal stipends may not be treated as taxable wages. Depending on the package and individual tax circumstances, a lower gross amount could still result in higher take-home pay.
Open contracts in
Live weekly rates for Occupational Therapy assignments currently accepting interest.
See all jobs inTravel earnings are estimated using the selected weekly rate multiplied by 48 worked weeks, leaving time for breaks between assignments. Staff figures use the approved BLS OEWS May 2025 median annual wage for Occupational Therapist professionals in the selected state.
This is a gross-pay comparison only. It does not include taxes, benefits, housing, travel costs, unpaid time or other expenses. Results are estimates for general comparison and are not job offers, guaranteed earnings or take-home-pay calculations.
Top-Paying States for Travel Occupational Therapists
These states currently have the highest median weekly pay across open Advantis OT contracts. Travel occupational therapy salary trends can shift as facilities add positions and assignments are filled, so the ranking reflects what is available now rather than a fixed list of traditionally high-paying states. Select a state to explore its current travel OT opportunities.
StateMedian weekly pay
- 1 California $2,598/wk
- 2 New Mexico$2,383/wk
- 3 Colorado $2,331/wk
- 4 Georgia $2,328/wk
- 5 Arizona $2,320/wk
- 6 Missouri $2,303/wk
- 7 Oklahoma $2,296/wk
Top jobs in these states
California
New Mexico
Colorado
Georgia
Arizona
Missouri
Median weekly contract value and open-job counts from open Advantis contracts.
How Travel OT Pay Stacks Up Across States
Weekly pay is only part of the picture when you are deciding where to travel. This table compares current OT contract pay by state alongside estimated monthly pay remaining after rent, helping you see where your paycheck may stretch further.
| State | Median pay/wk | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $2,598/wk | $2,674 | $8,584 | 110.7 | up to 13.3% (graduated) |
| Texas | $1,988/wk | $1,520 | $7,095 | 97.1 | No |
| Washington | $2,154/wk | $2,011 | $7,323 | 107.0 | None on wages |
| Oregon | $2,218/wk | $1,716 | $7,895 | 103.4 | up to 9.9% (graduated) |
| Florida | $1,926/wk | $1,933 | $6,413 | 103.4 | No |
| Oklahoma | $2,296/wk | $1,122 | $8,825 | 87.8 | up to 4.5% (graduated) |
| Missouri | $2,303/wk | $1,138 | $8,842 | 90.8 | up to 4.7% (graduated) |
| Virginia | $2,177/wk | $1,729 | $7,705 | 101.1 | up to 5.75% (graduated) |
Texas$1,988/wk
2-BR rent $1,520Pay after rent/mo $7,095Cost of living 97.1State tax No
Washington$2,154/wk
2-BR rent $2,011Pay after rent/mo $7,323Cost of living 107.0State tax None on wages
Oregon$2,218/wk
2-BR rent $1,716Pay after rent/mo $7,895Cost of living 103.4State tax up to 9.9% (graduated)
Florida$1,926/wk
2-BR rent $1,933Pay after rent/mo $6,413Cost of living 103.4State tax No
Oklahoma$2,296/wk
2-BR rent $1,122Pay after rent/mo $8,825Cost of living 87.8State tax up to 4.5% (graduated)
Missouri$2,303/wk
2-BR rent $1,138Pay after rent/mo $8,842Cost of living 90.8State tax up to 4.7% (graduated)
Virginia$2,177/wk
2-BR rent $1,729Pay after rent/mo $7,705Cost of living 101.1State tax up to 5.75% (graduated)
About these numbers: each occupational therapy figure is the median weekly rate on eligible open Advantis contracts, used instead of an average so a few unusually high postings do not skew it. The 2-BR rent is an Advantis statewide comparison benchmark built from HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent areas; it is not an official statewide HUD figure, an average traveler rent, or a prediction of what you will pay. Pay after rent is median weekly pay × 52 ÷ 12 minus that rent benchmark, before taxes and every other expense; it is not take-home pay. Cost of living is the BEA Regional Price Parity for all items, where the U.S. average equals 100. Tax figures are 2026 individual income-tax rates and are not tax advice.
What Part of a Travel OT Pay Package Is Taxed?
A travel OT pay package includes both taxable hourly wages and housing and meal stipends that may be non-taxable for eligible travelers. Because the mix can vary from one assignment to another, two contracts with similar gross weekly pay may have different taxable wage amounts. Use the example below to see how wages and stipends can come together within a weekly travel package.
Example Travel Pay Package Breakdown
Hourly wageTaxed$1,120
Housing stipendUntaxed$1,180
Meal stipendUntaxed$400
Weekly package$2,700
Income tax comes off $1,120, not $2,700. In this illustration, that is about $470 a week you keep that you otherwise would not.
When these conditions are not met, stipends are generally treated as taxable wages, so the same gross contract amount can leave less after taxes. Individual outcomes depend on facts and circumstances. Read more in our guide to how a tax home works.
Illustration only. The example assumes a 22% federal income-tax rate and 7.65% in payroll taxes on the wage portion. State taxes and individual circumstances may change the result. GSA publishes federal per-diem rates for lodging, meals and incidental expenses by location. Whether a stipend is untaxed depends on the traveler’s own circumstances. This is general information, not tax advice or a job offer.
Travel OT Jobs Open Now with Top Pay
These are the highest-paying OT assignments currently open with Advantis. Rates can change quickly based on location, setting, schedule, experience requirements and how urgently a facility needs coverage. Open any job to review the full assignment details, including weekly pay, shift, contract length and requirements.
What Affects a Travel Occupational Therapist Salary?
Travel occupational therapist salary can vary with more than just the state where you work. Practice setting, schedule, contract length and facility need all play a role. An acute care assignment may have very different requirements from a school-based, home health, outpatient or skilled nursing contract. Experience with specific patient populations or treatment settings may help you qualify for certain jobs, but it does not automatically guarantee a higher weekly rate. Compare the full assignment and work expectations alongside pay before deciding which contract is the best fit.
Traveling Occupational Therapist Salary FAQs
How much do travel occupational therapists make?
Across currently open Advantis OT contracts, the median weekly pay is $2,263, with current rates ranging from $1,376 to $2,937. These figures update as assignments are added or filled, so use them as a current snapshot of the travel OT market. Review individual jobs for the location, setting, schedule and complete pay package tied to each rate.
Why can travel OT salary vary so much between assignments?
OT contracts can look very different depending on the setting and facility need. Acute care, inpatient rehab, skilled nursing, outpatient, home health and school-based assignments may each come with different schedules, caseloads and experience requirements. Location, guaranteed hours, weekends and how urgently coverage is needed can also influence weekly pay.
Does the OT setting affect travel occupational therapist salary?
It can. Different settings come with different staffing needs and job expectations, so rates may vary between hospital, rehab, skilled nursing, home health, outpatient and school-based OT contracts. Rather than assuming one setting always pays more, compare the current jobs available along with their schedule, caseload, requirements and full pay package.
What is included in a travel OT pay package?
A travel OT package generally includes taxable hourly wages and may include housing and meal stipends for eligible travelers. Some contracts may also include assignment-specific reimbursements. Your recruiter can walk you through the pay breakdown and contract terms, while a qualified tax professional can advise you on your individual eligibility for non-taxable stipends.
Do certifications or specialty experience increase travel OT pay?
Specialty experience can help you qualify for assignments that need a particular clinical background, but it does not automatically increase the weekly rate. Facilities may look for experience in areas such as acute care, inpatient rehab, pediatrics, schools or hand therapy. Pay still depends on factors including location, schedule, facility need and the requirements of the specific contract.
How do housing costs affect a traveling occupational therapist salary?
Housing is one of the biggest expenses to consider when comparing travel assignments. A higher weekly rate in an expensive market may not leave as much room in your budget as a slightly lower rate somewhere with more affordable housing. Compare furnished housing near the facility and factor in utilities, parking, pet fees, deposits and transportation before choosing a contract.
What should I confirm before accepting a travel OT contract?
Review the weekly pay breakdown, guaranteed hours, contract length, schedule and any weekend or holiday expectations. It is also helpful to ask about caseload, productivity standards, evaluation and treatment responsibilities, documentation, available support and floating expectations. For home health roles, confirm mileage and territory requirements; for school-based contracts, review the calendar, caseload and work schedule.
More Occupational Therapy jobs & resources
Explore travel occupational therapy jobs by state, then review the salary and career resources that support assignment planning.
Occupational Therapy travel jobs in top states
Related Allied job pages
Occupational Therapy salary & career resources
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