Explore Lucrative Opportunities with Travel Occupational Therapy Jobs

Many ambitious Occupational Therapists (OTs) are drawn to the dynamic world of travel occupational therapy, and for good reason. Travel OT jobs not only broaden your professional horizons with diverse experiences across various clinical settings, but they also offer competitive compensation packages that can significantly accelerate your financial goals, such as eliminating student loan debt and achieving financial freedom faster.

However, like any career path, the travel OT lifestyle presents its own set of advantages and considerations. It’s crucial to weigh these factors carefully to determine if this exciting career move aligns with your personal and professional aspirations.

In this article, we will delve into the top current travel OT job opportunities available, providing you with data-driven insights to guide your job search. Furthermore, we feature an insightful interview with Emily Butler, an experienced travel OT, who shares her firsthand experiences and valuable advice to help you decide if traveling occupational therapy is the right path for you. Finally, we’ll introduce you to Nomadicare, a leading advocate for travel OTs and a fantastic resource for finding your dream travel position.

Top Travel OT Job Opportunities: Data-Driven Insights

Navigating the travel OT job market effectively hinges on access to comprehensive and reliable data. Fortunately, Laura Latimer, a fellow OT, recognized this need and established Nomadicare, a platform designed to empower OTs with the essential data they need to make informed career decisions.

Below is a snapshot of the valuable data Nomadicare provides. We highly recommend exploring their platform further to fully leverage the resources they offer. We are proud to be a long-time affiliate and supporter of Nomadicare’s mission to serve the OT community.

Discover the Highest Paying Travel OT Jobs Available Now!

Top States for Travel OT Jobs (by Number of Openings):

Top Settings for Travel OT Jobs (by Number of Openings):

Top States for Travel OT Pay (by Average Weekly Pay):

Top Settings for Travel OT Pay (by Average Weekly Pay):

First-Hand Experience: An Interview with Travel OT, Emily Butler, OTD

While data provides a valuable overview, hearing directly from a travel OT can offer deeper insights. We interviewed Emily Butler, OTD, a seasoned travel occupational therapist, to share her experiences and advice for those considering this career path.

Why did you decide to pursue travel OT directly after graduating?

Fresh out of OT school, I felt a sense of freedom and wasn’t tied down to any particular location for a permanent job. A close friend from my OT program was also exploring travel opportunities, and the idea of traveling together made it feel much less intimidating. Knowing that travel contracts are typically short-term, around 13 weeks, provided a safety net – I could always transition to a permanent position if travel OT wasn’t the right fit.

The financial benefits were also a significant draw. The tax-free stipends offered to “displaced workers” in travel OT positions meant I could earn more than in traditional OT roles. This was a major factor as it would enable me to aggressively pay down my student loan debt from my doctoral program. Weighing the pros and cons, travel OT felt like a compelling opportunity, and I decided to embark on this adventure with my friend.

Emily Butler, OTD, shares her experiences as a travel occupational therapist, highlighting the benefits and challenges of this career path.

How did you navigate choosing a travel agency? What parameters were important to you?

To find the right travel company, I leveraged my network and conducted thorough research. I spoke with other travel OTs from my university and extensively explored various agency websites.

My friend and I created a comprehensive comparison chart, evaluating around 20 companies. We contacted recruiters from each, inquiring about benefits packages, licensure assistance, continuing education (CEU) reimbursements, health insurance, and their experience accommodating traveling pairs.

Initially, we leaned towards one company that had cultivated a relationship with my friend since our first year of OT school. We were impressed until they gave us some misinformed advice regarding state licensure.

As travel OTs, we weren’t eligible for temporary state licenses in our target states. The recruiter incorrectly advised us to prioritize obtaining California and Washington licenses immediately after passing the NBCOT exam. Crucially, they failed to mention the significant variation in state licensure processing times. California and Washington, requiring background checks and fingerprinting via specific mailed forms, typically take upwards of three months for licensure. As a new graduate eager to start working and earning, this delay was unacceptable.

While we were concerned about the West Coast licensure delays, another company reached out and promptly addressed all our questions. Their recruiter assured us they could secure two positions for us in a different state with an average licensure processing time of just one week. We seized this opportunity and remained with that company for two fulfilling years. My experience taught me that the recruiter you partner with is just as, if not more, vital than the agency itself. You need a recruiter who is a strong advocate, detail-oriented (especially with contracts and time-off requests), and responsive.

Travel OT jobs can be posted and filled incredibly quickly, sometimes within 12 hours. If your recruiter isn’t proactive and efficient, you risk missing out on desirable opportunities.

When negotiating travel contracts, I adopted the philosophy: “If you don’t ask, you don’t get.” I learned to negotiate for essential benefits like mileage reimbursement for travel between facilities and ensuring at least 30 days’ notice if a facility decided to replace me with a permanent OT—which did happen. Don’t accept a standard two-week notice, it can disrupt your life significantly. Remember, everything is negotiable, and agencies will often initially offer less than they are willing to provide. Advocate for yourself and never sign a contract you’re not completely comfortable with.

One common fear about travel OT is a lack of support in new environments. Did you experience this?

I shared similar anxieties before my first day at my initial travel assignment. However, my fears were quickly allayed. Upon arriving, the therapy director greeted me with a hug and exclaimed, “She’s here! Our angel! We’ve been so excited for your arrival.”

At that first facility, they had been relying on PRN staff and were genuinely thrilled to have a consistent therapist. They were incredibly supportive and made me feel immediately welcome. Traveling with my friend also provided an invaluable support system; we could always discuss cases and brainstorm ideas together.

While not every facility was as exceptionally supportive as that first one, my overall experience was positive. I primarily worked in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) throughout my travel career. That’s where the demand was highest, and I discovered a genuine passion for geriatric care. In my experience, patient needs are universal, regardless of the facility. Every patient requires quality therapy.

Therapy gyms varied in size and equipment, but the essentials—gait belts and pulse oximeters—were always present. Ultimately, those are the core tools you need. Nurses’ stations are easy to locate, and patient rooms are numbered. Even without extensive facility tours or orientations, I quickly learned to navigate new settings.

I maintained a growing collection of patient handouts and assessments on my clipboard, making copies as needed. (Finding readily available handouts in unfamiliar therapy gyms often proved more challenging initially). Interestingly, across my six travel assignments across the country, all facilities utilized one of two familiar computerized documentation systems: Casamba and Rehab Optima.

At one facility, I even assisted with their transition from paper-based to computerized documentation, leveraging my existing knowledge of the systems. My familiarity with these systems allowed me to seamlessly integrate into new roles and require less orientation over time.

Crucially, selecting a travel company (and recruiter) that prioritizes support is paramount. Staying with the same company, as I did, fostered a strong, trusting relationship that proved invaluable in resolving any challenges or issues that arose during my assignments.

How did travel OT impact your social life?

For the first year, traveling with my friend was a built-in social structure. Traveling as a pair does limit job options, as you need to find placements requiring two OTs with matching start dates. However, it undeniably enhanced the social aspect. I also met other traveling pairs who successfully navigated this dynamic. Eventually, my friend fell in love with a farmer in Iowa, and our travel partnership ended – which certainly impacted my social life, ha!

For my subsequent two solo travel assignments, I intentionally chose placements in larger cities. I wasn’t interested in isolating myself in remote, small towns far from any connections. I based myself in Portland and the Seattle area, actively exploring both independently and with new acquaintances I met. My personal motto became “say yes!” to any reasonable invitation. It pushed me to try new things I wouldn’t typically do, and traveling definitely helped me become more outgoing and socially confident.

In what ways did traveling contribute to your professional growth as an OT?

Travel OT fundamentally shaped me into a highly adaptable therapist. I gained experience working with a wide spectrum of therapy directors, from newly graduated COTAs to seasoned professionals with 20+ years in the field. Learning from diverse therapists across the country exposed me to both established “old-school” techniques and cutting-edge, innovative practices, enriching my therapeutic toolkit.

The frequent job interviews inherent in travel OT significantly honed my interviewing skills and reduced my interview anxiety. This experience also clarified my priorities when negotiating contracts, which proved invaluable when I transitioned to a permanent position.

Travel OT also fostered resourcefulness and creativity. As I mentioned, therapy facilities varied dramatically in terms of equipment and space. The smallest “gym” I encountered was literally a single filing cabinet drawer in the administration office, while the largest was a ballroom-sized space fully equipped with every imaginable resource. I learned to think on my feet and effectively utilize whatever resources were available.

What was the most significant challenge you faced as a travel OT?

The biggest challenge was the inherent lack of predictability in personal planning. I often wouldn’t know my next location until a week or two in advance, sometimes even less. This made booking flights, especially with advance purchase discounts, incredibly difficult. The possibility of a facility ending my 13-week contract early if they found a permanent OT added to the stress. I would then need to quickly find a new placement nearby or relocate again.

This uncertainty was particularly challenging when traveling with another person. Finding housing also presented logistical hurdles, fluctuating with tourist seasons and regional variations across the country. Flexibility became absolutely essential.

What were the most rewarding moments during your travel OT assignments?

Surprisingly, the most rewarding aspect was something I hadn’t anticipated: feeling genuinely appreciated and valued by the staff. On my last day at each assignment, the therapy department, and often nursing staff as well, would present me with cards, baked goods, host potlucks, and express sincere gratitude for my contributions and hard work.

It was incredibly validating to realize that people do recognize and appreciate hard work and dedication, even from those you might think barely knew your name. They would make a point to say goodbye and offer a hug.

This level of overt appreciation is less common for permanent staff. It’s not typical for a team to gather every three months to express gratitude to long-term employees for simply doing their jobs. (Perhaps it should be, though! Ha!) While saying goodbye frequently was a part of travel OT, it also meant meeting incredible therapists and forging lasting friendships. (Is that too sentimental? I’m getting nostalgic now.)

While farewells were never easy, my first and last days at each facility are particularly memorable, with the last days often filled with reminiscing and, of course, baked goods.

If someone is interested in pursuing travel OT, what advice would you offer?

I recommend starting by reaching out to any travel OTs you know to gather their insights on different travel companies. Keep in mind that travelers often receive referral bonuses, so they are naturally motivated to recommend their agencies. Supplement this with online research and contact several companies that pique your interest.

Addressing Reader Questions About Travel OT Jobs

Is there a salary difference between travel OTs with a Master’s versus a Doctorate degree?

I personally didn’t compare salaries based on degree level. In my experience, travel OT salaries are primarily determined by geographic region and years of experience in a specific setting.

If a travel OT job offers a $100k annual salary, does the housing stipend come out of that paycheck? If I negotiate for benefits like paid mileage, does that reduce my overall pay? What costs should I expect, and what is realistically left over?

Housing stipends are negotiable. You can opt for agency-arranged housing, often extended-stay hotels, or find your own housing, which requires more effort but can lead to significant savings if you find off-season rentals or stay with friends. Housing stipends are calculated based on the cost of living in the assignment location. My stipend in California was considerably higher than in Iowa, for example. A key benefit of the housing stipend is that it’s tax-free for displaced workers, increasing your take-home pay. Hope this clarifies things!

Where do I begin when researching travel OT companies? Should I contact all of them? What questions should I ask? Do I have to commit to a long-term contract? Can I try it for just one year and then stop traveling?

When my friend and I started researching companies, we compiled a list of questions and emailed recruiters from numerous agencies. We created a detailed spreadsheet to compare companies based on benefits and responsiveness. Some recruiters provided thorough, helpful answers, while others were less forthcoming, giving us early insights into their service levels.

I actually found our original list of questions we sent to recruiters:

Medical coverage: Is it provided for every assignment? How does coverage work between assignments, especially during breaks?
Is life insurance offered?
Are meal and incidental stipends provided?
Does the travel expense allowance ever include car rentals for assignments in remote locations?
What is the annual CEU allowance?
Are there Paid Time Off (PTO) options?
The website mentions completion and renewal bonuses – can you provide details?
Another OT and I are planning to travel together. Is it generally possible to secure placements in the same or nearby locations?

Remember, travel companies are actively trying to recruit therapists, so they are essentially selling their services to you. Take their claims with a grain of salt and do your due diligence. You are not obligated to sign long-term contracts in travel OT. You can complete a single 13-week assignment, decide it’s not for you, and transition to a permanent job. You could even give two weeks’ notice during your first week if it’s truly not a good fit. That’s a major advantage of travel OT: you’re not locked in, and you have the flexibility to change companies or pursue permanent roles whenever you choose.

Did you obtain temporary licenses in each state? What happens to those licenses after you leave? If I want to return to a state, do I need another temporary license? Is there a waiting period for reapplying for a temporary license?

My understanding is that travel therapists typically do not qualify for temporary licenses. I obtained standard 2-year licenses for each state. Upon leaving a state, I maintained the license until expiration, choosing to keep it “active” (by paying renewal fees) if I planned to return within a few years or allowing it to become “inactive” if I didn’t foresee returning soon. Inactive status is significantly less expensive. You also have the option to let licenses expire entirely if you don’t anticipate working in that state again. Each state has unique regulations, and they often require license verification from all other states where you hold licenses when applying for a new one.

Temporary licenses are generally intended for new graduates who want to begin working under supervision while their full license is being processed. Based on my conversations with other travel OTs over the years, my licensing approach was standard practice in the field.

Some states are exploring interstate licensing compacts for Physical Therapists (PTs), allowing them to practice across state lines without multiple licenses (similar to driver’s licenses). Ideally, Occupational Therapy will follow suit if PTs successfully implement this nationwide. Advocate for this with your state representatives!

Conclusion: Embrace the Growth Potential of Travel OT

Travel OT offers unparalleled opportunities for professional and personal development. You gain exposure to diverse clinical settings, patient populations, and geographic locations across the country. Living and working in new places broadens your perspectives and exposes you to different ways of life.

In my opinion, travel OT is an exceptional avenue for growth—not just as a clinician, but as a well-rounded individual.

Ready to Explore Travel OT Opportunities?

Emily’s travel OT journey began before Nomadicare, my go-to travel OT resource, existed. Nomadicare was founded by Laura Latimer, OTR/L, a fellow travel therapist. Laura leverages her extensive experience to meticulously vet recruiters, ensuring you connect with reputable and supportive agencies.

I highly recommend exploring Nomadicare’s services. (And the best part? Travel companies cover the cost of her services! Matching with Nomadicare is completely free for therapists!) I am a proud partner and affiliate of Nomadicare and deeply value their advocacy for OTs in the travel sector!