Live PT Salary Insights Last Updated Oct. 2026

Traveling Physical Therapist Salary

Explore traveling physical therapist salary across states, compare weekly contract rates with staff pay, and see how rent affects your next assignment budget.

Median weekly · Physical Therapy
$2,181
Live jobs nationwide: 742
Current weekly range
$1,225–$3,494
Minimum to maximum, open contracts
Highest-paying state
Nebraska
$2,601/wk median rate

Traveling physical therapist salary is usually quoted as a weekly package, with the amount shaped by location, setting, schedule, and contract terms. The current median across open Advantis Medical PT contracts is $2,181 per week. Use this page to compare the full pay range, see which states may offer the strongest value after rent, understand how travel pay compares with staff compensation and learn what may be included in a weekly package. Whether you are considering your first contract or your next one, these numbers can help you compare opportunities more confidently.

Pay intelligence

How Much Do Travel Physical Therapists Make?

The median is a useful benchmark, but it does not show how widely weekly rates can vary. This chart displays the full travel PT salary distribution across open Advantis contracts. Start with all states, then select a state to compare its current median, pay range and number of open assignments.

Across all open contracts
<$1.6k $1.6–2.0k $2.0–2.4k $2.4–2.7k $2.7–3.1k $3.1k+
$2,181
Median weekly
$1,225–$3,494
Current range
Share of open Advantis PT contracts nationwide by weekly-pay band.
See salary by specialty Occupational Therapy
Compare travel and staff pay

How Travel PT Pay Compares With Staff Pay

Staff wages are reported annually, while travel PT 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 Physical Therapist wage and see current contracts in that state.

Travel Physical Therapist weekly rate
$2,181/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 Physical Therapy assignments currently accepting interest.

See all jobs in

The staff weekly figure is calculated by dividing the selected state's BLS OEWS May 2025 median annual wage for Physical 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.

Why the demand holds

Why Demand for Travel Physical Therapists Remains Steady

Physical therapists work across hospitals, outpatient clinics, home health, skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation settings, so workforce demand is spread across multiple types of care. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects physical therapist employment to grow 11% from 2024 to 2034, with about 13,200 openings each year. The U.S. Census Bureau also reported that 61.2 million Americans were age 65 or older in 2024, adding to the need for mobility care, post-surgical recovery, fall prevention and long-term rehabilitation. Along with growing chronic-care needs and the education and licensing required to enter the profession, these factors support continued demand for qualified PTs across the country. Workforce demand provides helpful context, but it does not independently determine current travel-contract pay.

Sources: physical therapist employment, projected growth, and openings, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Residents age 65 and older, U.S. Census Bureau. Licensure, APTA. PT Compact membership, FSBPT. Board specialties, ABPTS. Each figure verified against its primary source.
By state

Highest-Paying Travel PT States

These states currently have the highest median weekly rates across open Advantis PT contracts. Because assignments are added and filled throughout the day, this is a current snapshot rather than a permanent ranking. Select a state to view all available travel PT jobs there.

StateMedian weekly pay
  1. 1 Nebraska$2,601/wk
  2. 2 Nevada$2,496/wk
  3. 3 Illinois $2,490/wk
  4. 4 Washington $2,472/wk
  5. 5 Maryland $2,459/wk
  6. 6 Alaska$2,442/wk
  7. 7 Michigan $2,433/wk
Top jobs in these states

Nebraska

$3,310Physical Therapy · Kearney, NE Days · 13 wksView job
$2,665Physical Therapy · Auburn, NE Days · 13 wksView job

Nevada

$2,628Physical Therapy · Las Vegas, NV Days · 26 wksView job
$2,628Physical Therapy · Las Vegas, NV Days · 26 wksView job

Illinois

$2,814Physical Therapy · Rockford, IL Days · 13 wksView job
$2,785Physical Therapy · Normal, IL Days · 13 wksView job

Washington

$2,768Physical Therapy · Lacey, WA Days · 13 wksView job
$2,692Physical Therapy · Seattle, WA Days · 13 wksView job

Maryland

$2,644Physical Therapy · Annapolis, MD Days · 13 wksView job
$2,589Physical Therapy · District Heights, MD Days · 26 wksView job

Alaska

$2,681Physical Therapy · Fairbanks, AK Days · 13 wksView job
$2,665Physical Therapy · Valdez, AK Days · 26 wksView job

Michigan

$2,713Physical Therapy · Tawas City, MI Days · 13 wksView job
$2,684Physical Therapy · Sault Ste. Marie, MI Days · 10 wksView job
Median weekly contract value and open-job counts from open Advantis contracts.
Compare states

Travel Physical Therapy Salary by State

Compare current travel physical therapy salary by state alongside a monthly housing benchmark. Gross pay less the rent benchmark helps compare markets, but it excludes taxes and other expenses. Use local furnished-rental quotes to build your actual assignment budget.

StateMedian pay/wk
California $2,431/wk$2,674$7,860110.7up to 13.3% (graduated)
Massachusetts $2,212/wk$2,495$7,090105.85.0% flat + 4% surtax (top 9.0%)
Georgia $2,065/wk$1,550$7,39896.34.99% flat
Washington $2,472/wk$2,011$8,701107.0None on wages
Colorado $2,033/wk$1,866$6,944103.14.4% flat
Texas $2,110/wk$1,520$7,62397.1No
Virginia$2,115/wk$1,729$7,436101.1up to 5.75% (graduated)
Oregon$2,286/wk$1,716$8,190103.4up to 9.9% (graduated)
California $2,431/wk
2-BR rent $2,674Pay after rent/mo $7,860Cost of living 110.7State tax up to 13.3% (graduated)
Massachusetts $2,212/wk
2-BR rent $2,495Pay after rent/mo $7,090Cost of living 105.8State tax 5.0% flat + 4% surtax (top 9.0%)
Georgia $2,065/wk
2-BR rent $1,550Pay after rent/mo $7,398Cost of living 96.3State tax 4.99% flat
Washington $2,472/wk
2-BR rent $2,011Pay after rent/mo $8,701Cost of living 107.0State tax None on wages
Colorado $2,033/wk
2-BR rent $1,866Pay after rent/mo $6,944Cost of living 103.1State tax 4.4% flat
Texas $2,110/wk
2-BR rent $1,520Pay after rent/mo $7,623Cost of living 97.1State tax No
Virginia$2,115/wk
2-BR rent $1,729Pay after rent/mo $7,436Cost of living 101.1State tax up to 5.75% (graduated)
Oregon$2,286/wk
2-BR rent $1,716Pay after rent/mo $8,190Cost of living 103.4State tax up to 9.9% (graduated)
About these numbers: each physical 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.
Pay Package

What Part of a Travel PT 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.

Right now

Top-Paying Travel PT Jobs Open Now

These are the highest weekly rates currently available across open Advantis PT contracts. Rates can vary based on location, setting, schedule and facility need, so review the complete assignment details—not only the weekly pay.

Physical Therapy · Sacramento, CA
Days · 13 wks
View job →
Physical Therapy · Kearney, NE
Days · 13 wks
View job →
Physical Therapy · Santa Rosa, CA
Days · 13 wks
View job →
Physical Therapy · Ukiah, CA
Days · 13 wks
View job →
View All Travel PT Jobs
What sets the rate

What Affects a Travel Physical Therapist Salary

Travel physical therapist salary can vary based on location, clinical setting, schedule, contract length and how urgently a facility needs coverage. Caseload, productivity expectations, weekend requirements, mileage or territory coverage and guaranteed hours may also affect the package. Experience and specialty credentials can help a therapist qualify for certain assignments, but they do not automatically increase the weekly rate. Compare the complete contract—including the pay breakdown and work expectations—to understand which opportunity offers the best overall fit.

Good to know

Traveling Physical Therapist Salary Questions, Answered

How should I use the traveling physical therapist salary data on this page?
Use the median weekly pay as a quick snapshot of the current market, then review the full range to see how widely rates can vary. The data comes from eligible open Advantis travel PT jobs and changes as assignments are added or filled. Before expressing interest, open the individual job to compare its location, setting, schedule, requirements and complete pay package.
What is included in a travel PT salary package?
A travel PT package typically includes taxable hourly wages and may include housing and meal stipends for eligible travelers. The exact breakdown varies by assignment and individual circumstances. Your recruiter can explain each part of the package and the contract requirements, but a qualified tax professional should advise you on your personal tax eligibility.
Why can two similar travel physical therapy jobs have different weekly rates?
Travel PT pay can differ based on location, clinical setting, schedule, facility need, experience requirements and how urgently the position must be filled. Productivity expectations, mileage, territory coverage, weekends and guaranteed hours may also affect the package. Compare the complete assignment rather than choosing based only on the weekly number.
Is the highest-paying travel PT job always the best option?
Not necessarily. A higher rate may be offset by expensive housing, fewer guaranteed hours, a longer commute or more demanding productivity and coverage expectations. Consider your expected expenses along with the schedule, setting, support and location to determine which assignment offers the best overall fit.
How do housing costs affect a traveling physical therapist salary?
Housing is often one of the largest expenses during a travel assignment. A contract in a more affordable market may leave you with more each month than a higher-paying job in an expensive area. Check furnished housing close to the actual facility and include utilities, parking, pet fees, deposits and transportation when estimating your costs.
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.
What should I confirm before accepting a travel PT offer?
Confirm the expected start date, assignment length, weekly pay breakdown, guaranteed hours, overtime terms and any available reimbursements. You should also understand the orientation, caseload, productivity expectations, documentation requirements, mileage or territory coverage and weekend responsibilities. Your Advantis recruiter can help you review these details before you make a decision.