Physical Therapist Salary Guide: A State-by-State Comparison
You probably already know that traveling PTs make significantly more
than their permanent-position counterparts, but did you know just how
much more they're making? In some cases, a physical therapist or PT assistant can make more than twice the salary they'd be making in a long-term position!
Below is the full scoop on the salaries for those working in physical
therapy in the USA, whether they're working as a traveler or not. If
you're thinking of moving or working as a traveler, don't take a job
without checking this out!
Breakdown of a Traveling Physical Therapist's Salary
A physical therapist's salary can also vary by almost 50% from one
state to the next, with salaries ranging from $52,023 in South Dakota to
$75,913 in California. Similarly, a PT assistant working in Alabama
($30,150/year) can raise their salary above $95,000 by taking a travel
position in Vermont.
U.S. vacation destinations also tend to pay generously, with Hawaii
offering travelers $109,980/year, Alaska offering $130,744 per year, and
California offering $124,696. However, when you balance the cost of
living with the salary, perhaps the best-paying travel positions area
Iowa and Minnesota, where travelers can earn $121,628 per year and
$123,084 per year, respectively.
Travel PTs that work with agencies enjoy many intangibles, including
free private housing, medical, dental, and life insurance, malpractice
insurance, travel & licensure reimbursement, a 401(k), and continued
employment services. They also enjoy the unique opportunity to work in a
wide variety of work environments, picking up experience and training
as they go.