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Travel Therapist Salaries
The average salary for therapists is rising, along with pay for traveling therapists. Travel therapists' pay is typically higher than that of their permanent counterparts. Plus, travel therapists receive comprehensive benefits in addition to high travel pay. As always in healthcare, compensation varies based on factors such as location, facility, and specific job requirements. When additional benefits like housing and travel allowances, along with the potential for tax-free income, are taken into account, traveling therapists can earn a generous compensation.
Here's a look at what staff therapists are currently earning on an annual and hourly basis:
Physical Therapist Salary Info
As of recent Bureau of Labor Statistics reports, the median annual wage for permanent physical therapists is approximately $99,710 in 2023, with variations based on factors like industry, location, and experience. Physical therapy jobs in outpatient care centers or private practices often earn higher wages, while salaries can vary by state and metropolitan area.
The median hourly wage for physical therapists in the United States is approximately $47.94, according to recent BLS data. This rate can vary widely depending on the workplace setting, geographic location, and experience level. Physical therapists in highly specialized or high-demand areas may earn significantly more.
Occupational Therapist Salary info
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2023 occupational therapists earned a median annual wage of $96,370 and a median hourly wage of $46.33. Salaries vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and industry. Occupational therapist jobs in nursing care facilities or home healthcare services tend to earn higher wages.
Respiratory Therapist Salary Info
Respiratory Therapists, who care for patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders, earn competitive salaries. The BLS reports that as of May 2023, the median annual wage for this profession is $77,960, which translates to a median hourly rate of $37.48. Wages vary based on experience and location, with the lowest 10% earning approximately $59,180 annually (or $28.45 hourly) and the top 10% making around $104,480 annually (or $50.23 hourly).
Most Respiratory Therapist jobs are in hospitals, but employment opportunities also exist in outpatient care centers, nursing care facilities, and physicians' offices. Salaries in outpatient care centers tend to be higher, with average annual earnings reaching over $110,970.
Speech Language Pathologist Salary Info
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs), also known as speech therapists, earn a median annual salary of $89,290 as of May 2023 according to the BLS. This translates to an approximate hourly rate of $42.93, assuming full-time work over a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Salaries for SLP jobs vary widely based on factors such as location, industry, and level of experience. For example, those working in educational settings may have different earnings compared to those in private practice or healthcare facilities. Additionally, geographic location plays a role, with certain states or metropolitan areas offering higher pay to meet regional demand.
Travel Therapy Pay and Benefits Package
Attractive pay is not the only advantage to making the decision to travel. You are also eligible for:
- Health, Life, Dental, and Vision Insurance, including Day 1 Options
- Licensure Reimbursements
- Generous Housing Allowance
- Travel Reimbursements
- Referral Bonuses
- Professional Discounts and Perks
The Tax Advantage of Traveling
Maximize your income with the tax advantage, which allows qualifying travelers to keep more of their income in their pockets, increasing take-home pay up to 15%. Under these guidelines, American Traveler allocates non-taxable per diem funds for meals and incidentals, alongside generous travel reimbursements and lodging stipends.
Career Enrichment through Specialist Certifications
Elevate your expertise and earning potential with board-certifications from the American Board of Physical Therapy (ABPTS). Specialist certifications show that you’ve developed a greater depth of knowledge and skills in a particular area of care and that you have a greater commitment to the
profession, setting you apart from your peers. ABPTS offers board-certification in 10 specialty areas of physical therapy, including:
- Cardiovascular and Pulmonary
- Clinical Electrophysiology
- Geriatrics
- Neurology
- Oncology
- Orthopedics
- Pediatrics
- Sports
- Women's Health
- Wound Management
If the prospect of acquiring new skills, meeting new people, and exploring new places excites you, then a career in travel therapy awaits!
