California
$2,515/wk
2-BR rent $2,674Pay after rent/mo $8,224Cost of living 110.7State tax up to 13.3% (graduated)
Live OT Salary Insights
Last Updated Oct. 2026
Traveling Occupational Therapist Salary
Compare traveling occupational therapist salary by state, explore current weekly rates, and weigh staff pay and housing costs before choosing your next assignment.
Median weekly · Occupational Therapy
$2,230
Live jobs nationwide: 153
Current weekly range
$1,255–$3,079
Minimum to maximum, open contracts
Highest-paying state
California
$2,515/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 $2,230, with rates ranging from $1,255 to $3,079. 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
$2.2–2.5k
$2.5–2.8k
$2.8k+
$2,230
Median weekly
$1,255–$3,079
Current range
Share of open Advantis OT contracts nationwide by weekly-pay band.
See salary by specialty
Physical Therapy
How Travel OT Pay Compares With Staff Pay
Staff wages are reported annually, while travel OT pay is posted by the week. This calculator converts the BLS median annual staff wage to a weekly equivalent, then compares it with the live travel weekly rate shown above. Adjust the travel rate or switch states to test another scenario.
Weekly difference
Select a state to compare the travel weekly rate with the weekly equivalent of the median staff Occupational Therapist wage and see current contracts in that state.
Occupational Therapist staff pay in – Weekly equivalent of the median annual wage
÷52 weeks
Travel Occupational Therapist weekly rate
$2,230/wk
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 inThe staff weekly figure is calculated by dividing the selected state's BLS OEWS May 2025 median annual wage for Occupational Therapists by 52. It is a weekly equivalent for comparison, not an observed or guaranteed weekly staff paycheck. Travel figures use the selected gross weekly rate.
This is a gross-pay comparison only. Travel and staff compensation are structured differently. It does not include taxes, employer-paid benefits, overtime, shift differentials, bonuses, housing or travel expenses, paid or unpaid time off, or time between assignments. Results are for general comparison only 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 $2,515/wk
- 2 Nebraska$2,481/wk
- 3 Wyoming$2,365/wk
- 4 Georgia $2,355/wk
- 5 Washington $2,324/wk
- 6 Missouri $2,322/wk
- 7 Wisconsin$2,305/wk
Top jobs in these states
California
Nebraska
Wyoming
Georgia
Washington
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 | $2,515/wk | $2,674 | $8,224 | 110.7 | up to 13.3% (graduated) |
| Texas | $2,052/wk | $1,520 | $7,372 | 97.1 | No |
| Oregon | $2,290/wk | $1,716 | $8,207 | 103.4 | up to 9.9% (graduated) |
| Washington | $2,324/wk | $2,011 | $8,060 | 107.0 | None on wages |
| Maryland | $1,896/wk | $1,957 | $6,259 | 105.0 | up to 6.5% (graduated) + county |
| Missouri | $2,322/wk | $1,138 | $8,924 | 90.8 | up to 4.7% (graduated) |
| Montana | $2,214/wk | $1,522 | $8,072 | 94.6 | up to 5.65% (graduated) |
| Kansas | $2,177/wk | $1,122 | $8,312 | 90.1 | up to 5.58% (graduated) |
Texas
$2,052/wk
2-BR rent $1,520Pay after rent/mo $7,372Cost of living 97.1State tax No
Oregon$2,290/wk
2-BR rent $1,716Pay after rent/mo $8,207Cost of living 103.4State tax up to 9.9% (graduated)
Washington
$2,324/wk
2-BR rent $2,011Pay after rent/mo $8,060Cost of living 107.0State tax None on wages
Maryland$1,896/wk
2-BR rent $1,957Pay after rent/mo $6,259Cost of living 105.0State tax up to 6.5% (graduated) + county
Missouri
$2,322/wk
2-BR rent $1,138Pay after rent/mo $8,924Cost of living 90.8State tax up to 4.7% (graduated)
Montana$2,214/wk
2-BR rent $1,522Pay after rent/mo $8,072Cost of living 94.6State tax up to 5.65% (graduated)
Kansas$2,177/wk
2-BR rent $1,122Pay after rent/mo $8,312Cost of living 90.1State tax up to 5.58% (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?
Travel pay can include taxable wages and expense reimbursements. Stipends may be non-taxable when the travel and reimbursement arrangement meet IRS requirements; the label alone does not determine tax treatment.
Example Travel Pay Package Breakdown
Weekly taxable wagesTaxed$1,120
Housing stipendNon-taxable if eligible$1,180
Meal stipendNon-taxable if eligible$400
Weekly package$2,700
This $2,700 example combines $1,120 in wages with $1,580 in housing and meal reimbursements. The reimbursements are non-taxable only if the applicable requirements are met.
Illustration only, not a job offer or take-home-pay estimate. See IRS Publication 463 for tax-home, temporary-assignment, and reimbursement rules. Ask a qualified tax professional about your circumstances.
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.
View All Travel OT JobsWhat Affects a Travel Occupational Therapist Salary?
Travel occupational therapist salary varies with location, practice setting, schedule, contract length, and facility need. Acute care, inpatient rehab, home health, outpatient, and skilled nursing assignments can have different caseloads and experience requirements. Relevant experience may help you qualify for a role, but it does not guarantee a higher weekly rate. Compare the full pay package and work expectations before choosing an assignment.
Traveling Occupational Therapist Salary FAQs
How much do travel occupational therapists make?
Across currently open Advantis OT contracts, the median weekly pay is $2,230, with current rates ranging from $1,255 to $3,079. 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 differ by setting and facility need. Acute care, inpatient rehab, skilled nursing, outpatient and home health assignments may have different schedules, caseloads and experience requirements. Location, contracted hours, weekend expectations and the urgency of coverage can also influence travel OT salary. Compare those details alongside the full weekly 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?
They may help you qualify for certain assignments, but they don't guarantee a higher weekly rate. Facilities may look for specific certifications or experience in acute care, inpatient rehab, home health or other treatment settings. Pay still depends on 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, contracted hours, contract length, schedule and any weekend or holiday expectations. Ask about caseload, productivity standards, evaluation and treatment responsibilities, documentation, available support and floating expectations. For home health roles, confirm mileage, territory, travel time and reimbursement terms before accepting the assignment.
Can I use the calculator to compare travel and staff pay?
Yes, as a general benchmark. The calculator converts the BLS median annual staff wage to a weekly equivalent and compares it with the selected travel weekly gross. Travel and staff compensation are structured differently, so the comparison does not account for taxes, benefits, housing, travel expenses or time between assignments.
Ready for your next assignment?
Find Your Next Travel OT Assignment
Open travel OT contracts are paying a median of $2,230 per week right now. Explore current assignments by location, setting, shift and weekly pay, then let us know which opportunities interest you.
Search Travel OT JobsMore Occupational Therapy Jobs & Resources
Explore travel occupational therapy jobs by state, then review the salary and career resources that support assignment planning.