Travel Therapy Guide: PT, OT, SLP Pay & How to Get Started
Travel therapists — including Physical Therapists (PT), Occupational Therapists (OT), and Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) — earn $1,800–$3,500 per week in 2026. Therapy travel positions are available in hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies. Unlike nursing, there is no compact license for therapists — you need individual state licenses.
Last updated 2026-02-17
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Travel Therapy Pay by Discipline (2026)
Pay varies by therapy discipline, setting, and location. School-based positions tend to align with academic calendars.
| Discipline | Weekly Pay Range | Top-Paying Settings |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (PT) | $1,800 – $3,000 | Home health, acute care hospitals |
| Occupational Therapist (OT) | $1,800 – $2,800 | Acute rehab, skilled nursing |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) | $2,000 – $3,500 | Schools, pediatric, acute care |
| PTA (Physical Therapist Assistant) | $1,200 – $2,000 | SNF, outpatient |
| OTA/COTA | $1,200 – $1,800 | SNF, home health |
CatSol staffs all healthcare professions — RN, CNA, LPN, PT, OT, SLP, and more. Every listing shows transparent pay and recruiter contact.
Search all healthcare jobs →Licensing for Travel Therapists
There is no multistate compact for PTs, OTs, or SLPs (yet — the PT Compact is expanding but still limited). You need an individual license in each state where you work. This takes 4–12 weeks and costs $100–$400 per state. Some states offer temporary practice permits that let you start working while your full license processes. Your agency should help with applications and may cover fees.
Best Settings for Travel Therapists
The setting significantly affects your daily work and pay. Hospital-based acute care offers the highest acuity and often the best pay. Outpatient clinics offer predictable schedules. Skilled nursing facilities have the most openings and fastest placement. Schools (especially for SLPs) offer school-year contracts with summers off. Home health provides autonomy but requires reliable transportation.
| Setting | Schedule | Pay Level | Lifestyle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acute Care Hospital | Variable shifts | Highest | Fast-paced, complex cases |
| Outpatient Clinic | Mon–Fri, 8–5 | Moderate-High | Predictable, steady caseload |
| Skilled Nursing (SNF) | Mon–Fri, flexible | Moderate | Most openings nationwide |
| School-Based | School hours, school year | Moderate | Summers off, great for families |
| Home Health | Self-scheduled | Moderate-High | Autonomous, driving required |
CatSol staffs all healthcare professions — RN, CNA, LPN, PT, OT, SLP, and more. Every listing shows transparent pay and recruiter contact.
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Requirements for Travel Therapy
For PTs and OTs: a graduate degree (DPT or MOT/OTD), active state license, and 1–2 years of clinical experience. For SLPs: a master's degree and CCC-SLP certification from ASHA. For assistants (PTA, OTA/COTA): an associate degree and state license. All disciplines need BLS, background check, immunizations, and references.
PT Compact: What Therapists Should Know
The Physical Therapy Compact allows PTs and PTAs to practice in member states with a compact privilege. As of 2026, around 30+ states participate. If you're a PT or PTA, this is a significant advantage — check ptcompact.org for the current list. OTs and SLPs do not yet have an equivalent compact, though occupational therapy compact legislation is in progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which therapy discipline earns the most traveling?
Can I travel as a new grad therapist?
Are travel therapy jobs available year-round?
Travel therapy offers $1,800–$3,500/week for PTs, OTs, and SLPs. No compact license exists for OTs or SLPs yet, but the PT Compact covers 30+ states. Schools, SNFs, and hospitals are the primary settings. SLPs tend to earn the highest rates. Start with agencies that specialize in therapy placements.
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