How much do travel therapists actually take home?
Not the Instagram number, the real number after taxes, housing, and hidden costs.

In this episode, we break down exactly how travel therapy pay works and what new PTs, OTs, and SLPs should realistically expect their take-home pay to be on a travel contract.

We cover:

• How travel therapy pay is structured (taxed hourly vs untaxed stipends)
• Typical weekly take-home pay ranges (low, average, and high)
• Why “$3,000/week” doesn’t mean what you think it means
• Travel therapy pay vs staff job pay (real comparison)
• Student loan considerations for travelers
• Hidden costs that eat into your take-home pay (housing, deposits, travel days, benefits gaps)

This episode is about clarity, not hype. If you’re a new grad thinking about travel therapy or wondering if it’s actually worth it financially, this will help you make a smarter decision before signing your first contract.

🎙 Topics discussed:

• Travel therapy pay explained
• Take-home pay vs gross pay
• Taxed vs untaxed stipends
• Travel therapy for new grads
• PT, OT, and SLP travel contracts
• Budgeting on travel assignments

📌 This episode is for educational purposes only. Tax and student loan rules vary, always consult a qualified professional for personal advice.

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Can new grads actually succeed in travel therapy, or is it a fast track to burnout?

In this episode, we break down the real question every new PT, OT, and SLP asks before traveling: Is travel therapy realistic right after graduation?

We cut through the hype and talk honestly about:
- Whether facilities actually hire new grads
- Which settings are safest for a first travel contract
- The biggest risks no one warns you about
- What kind of new grad should wait before traveling
- What kind of new grad can thrive in travel therapy
- How to reduce risk on your first assignment

This isn’t recruiter fluff or Instagram highlight reels. This is practical advice based on real travel therapy experience.

If you’re a new grad wondering whether to travel now or wait, this episode will help you make a clear, confident decision.

🎙 Topics include:
- Travel therapy for new graduates
- First travel assignment expectations
- New grad PT, OT, and SLP travel jobs
- Mentorship, onboarding, and productivity
- How to choose the right first contract

THE NEXT STEP: Don't miss out on any of our travel healthcare content (videos, courses, articles, tips, and more) by subscribing to our exclusive e-mail newsletter - https://www.ryanandmeganorear.com/weekly-newsletter

Consider rating our podcast and leave a review for more TRAVEL HEALTHCARE content!

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Everyone chases the paycheck, but we've learned that chasing this makes a bigger difference in your travel PT/OT/SLP happiness. Watch before you choose your next assignment.

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THE NEXT STEP: Don't miss out on any of our travel healthcare content (videos, courses, articles, tips, and more) by subscribing to our exclusive e-mail newsletter - https://www.ryanandmeganorear.com/weekly-newsletter

Consider rating our podcast and leave a review for more TRAVEL HEALTHCARE content!

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Yes, it's possible! Here's how we manage childcare while traveling the country as a traveling PT family. From "live-in" babysitters to daycare at an assignment location and beyond—these tips could save your sanity.

NEED RECRUITER RECOMMENDATIONS?
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THE NEXT STEP: Don't miss out on any of our travel healthcare content (videos, courses, articles, tips, and more) by subscribing to our exclusive e-mail newsletter - https://www.ryanandmeganorear.com/weekly-newsletter

Consider rating our podcast and leave a review for more TRAVEL HEALTHCARE content!

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Before signing your next travel PT/OT/SLP contract, make sure it includes these non-negotiables: 30-day cancelation, hourly guarantee, productivity expectations, and days off. We've learned the hard way -- here's how to protect yourself.

NEED RECRUITER RECOMMENDATIONS?
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THE NEXT STEP: Don't miss out on any of our travel healthcare content (videos, courses, articles, tips, and more) by subscribing to our exclusive e-mail newsletter - https://www.ryanandmeganorear.com/weekly-newsletter

Consider rating our podcast and leave a review for more TRAVEL HEALTHCARE content!

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Travel physical therapy couple (Ryan and Megan) discuss house hacking as travel PTs and also owning a home while traveling.

THE NEXT STEP: Don't miss out on any of our travel healthcare content (videos, courses, articles, tips, and more) by subscribing to our exclusive e-mail newsletter - https://www.ryanandmeganorear.com/weekly-newsletter

Consider rating our podcast and leave a review for more TRAVEL HEALTHCARE content!

NEED RECRUITER RECOMMENDATIONS?
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Travel physical therapy couple (Ryan and Megan) discuss the differences between part-time and full-time travel therapy assignments and their experience with recently starting a part-time assignment.

THE NEXT STEP: Don't miss out on any of our travel healthcare content (videos, courses, articles, tips, and more) by subscribing to our exclusive e-mail newsletter - https://www.ryanandmeganorear.com/weekly-newsletter

Consider rating our podcast and leave a review for more TRAVEL HEALTHCARE content!

NEED RECRUITER RECOMMENDATIONS?
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Travel physical therapy couple (Ryan and Megan) provided the latest travel therapy news for the March 2025 Job Market for Travel PT, OT, SLP, PTA, and COTA.

THE NEXT STEP: Don't miss out on any of our travel healthcare content (videos, courses, articles, tips, and more) by subscribing to our exclusive e-mail newsletter - https://www.ryanandmeganorear.com/weekly-newsletter

Consider rating our podcast and leave a review for more TRAVEL HEALTHCARE content!

NEED RECRUITER RECOMMENDATIONS?
⁠⁠https://www.ryanandmeganorear.com/recruiter-recommendation⁠

Our Etsy Shop!

Playful Pillows Shop: https://playfulpillowsshop.etsy.com