Not all travel therapy assignments are created equal. Where you choose to work can mean the difference of $500-1,000+ per week in take-home pay, dramatically different licensing timelines, and vastly different lifestyle experiences. This guide ranks the best states for travel therapists based on four key factors: pay rates, licensure ease, cost of living, and quality of life.
Top 10 States for Travel Therapists
Based on our analysis of current job data, licensing requirements, and cost-of-living adjustments, here are the top states for travel therapists in 2026.
1. Texas
Texas consistently ranks at the top for travel therapists. With no state income tax, high demand across all settings (especially SNF and home health in rural areas), reasonable licensing timelines, and affordable cost of living outside the major metros, Texas offers an unbeatable combination. PT Compact member. Average weekly pay for travel PTs runs $2,400-3,200.
2. California
California offers some of the highest gross pay rates in the country, driven by high cost of living and strong demand. While the cost of living is high and state income tax takes a bite, the net numbers after stipends still come out ahead for many travelers. Extremely diverse settings and patient populations. Not a PT Compact state, so individual licensure is required.
3. Washington
No state income tax combined with strong pay rates makes Washington a favorite, particularly for therapists who enjoy the Pacific Northwest lifestyle. Seattle-area assignments offer premium pay, while eastern Washington provides more affordable living with still-competitive rates. PT Compact member.
4. Tennessee
No state income tax on wages, affordable cost of living, PT Compact member, and strong demand across Nashville, Memphis, and rural communities. Tennessee offers excellent net pay when you factor in the low cost of living. Great quality of life with four seasons, outdoor recreation, and friendly communities.
5. Nevada
Another no-income-tax state with strong demand, particularly in the Las Vegas and Reno areas. Nevada offers diverse settings, quick licensing for most disciplines, and an affordable cost of living outside the Strip. PT Compact member.
6. Florida
No state income tax, year-round warm weather, and high demand driven by a large elderly population needing rehabilitation services. Florida is especially strong for SNF and home health assignments. PT Compact member. Seasonal demand spikes during winter months when "snowbird" populations increase.
7. Alaska
If you're willing to go remote, Alaska offers some of the highest-paying assignments in the country. Rural facilities in particular pay premium rates due to difficulty attracting permanent staff. No state income tax. The adventure factor is unmatched, though the isolation and weather aren't for everyone.
8. Colorado
Strong pay rates combined with world-class outdoor recreation make Colorado a lifestyle pick. Denver and Colorado Springs have excellent medical facilities with consistent demand. PT Compact member. Cost of living is moderate to high depending on the city.
9. North Carolina
Affordable cost of living, growing healthcare infrastructure, PT Compact member, and a pleasant climate make North Carolina increasingly popular for travel therapists. The Research Triangle and Charlotte areas offer diverse assignment options.
10. Arizona
High demand (especially in retirement communities), affordable cost of living, PT Compact member, and warm weather year-round. Phoenix and Tucson metro areas have abundant opportunities across all settings. Quick licensing turnaround.
🗺️ Compare States
Use our Interactive Cost of Living Map to compare real take-home pay between any two states, adjusted for cost of living.
States to Approach Carefully
Some states present challenges for travel therapists. New York has high pay rates but extremely high cost of living and a notoriously slow licensing process. Massachusetts has similar cost concerns with complex licensing. Hawaii pays well but the extreme cost of living, especially housing, can eat into your stipends significantly.
This doesn't mean you should avoid these states — many travelers love working there — but go in with realistic financial expectations.
Best States by Specialty
Different specialties have different demand patterns. For travel PTs, Texas, California, and Florida consistently offer the most opportunities and highest pay. For travel OTs, California, Texas, and the Northeast have the strongest demand, particularly for acute care and pediatric settings. For travel SLPs, school-based positions are abundant in Texas, California, and Illinois, while medical SLP demand is strong in Florida and the Southeast. For PTAs and COTAs, the highest demand tends to be in SNF-heavy states like Texas, Florida, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
How to Choose Your State
Beyond pay, consider what matters to you in terms of lifestyle and career goals. Think about your clinical interests and which states have the settings you prefer, your family situation and proximity needs, weather and outdoor activity preferences, and long-term career goals including whether working in certain states adds to your clinical diversity.
The beauty of travel therapy is that you're not locked in — try one state for 13 weeks, and if you don't love it, your next assignment can be somewhere completely different.