Your Guide to Landing the Best Travel OT Jobs in 2025

Are you an occupational therapist with a passion for travel? If so, you’re in the right place. Landing one of the many available travel ot jobs could be the perfect next step for your career. This guide will show you exactly how to find these exciting opportunities and what to expect on your journey. Consequently, you will be well-prepared to make a change.

What Exactly Are Travel OT Jobs?

Travel OT jobs are temporary positions, also known as locum tenens assignments. These roles typically last for 13 weeks. Healthcare facilities across the country hire traveling OTs to fill short-term staffing needs. These needs may arise from staff shortages, seasonal demand, or medical leave.

Therefore, this career path offers a unique blend of professional stability and personal adventure. You get to apply your skills in diverse settings. In addition, you have the freedom to explore new cities during your time off. It is truly a dynamic way to advance your career.

The Key Benefits of Becoming a Traveling Occupational Therapist

Choosing to become a traveling OT comes with numerous advantages. Beyond the obvious benefit of seeing the country, you can expect significant financial and professional perks. These benefits make it a highly attractive option.

• Higher Pay: Generally, travel therapists earn a higher salary than their permanent counterparts. This is because their compensation packages often include tax-free stipends for housing and meals, which significantly boosts their take-home pay.
• Flexibility and Freedom: You control your schedule. For instance, you can decide to take extended breaks between assignments to travel for leisure or visit family. This autonomy is a major draw for many professionals.
• Professional Growth: Each assignment exposes you to new clinical settings, patient populations, and treatment techniques. This varied experience makes your resume stronger. As a result, you become a more versatile and skilled therapist.
• Adventure and Exploration: This role allows you to live like a local in different parts of the country. From bustling cities to quiet rural towns, you can immerse yourself in new cultures and experiences.

How to Find the Best Travel OT Job Opportunities

Finding your first or next assignment is easier than you might think. The most effective method is to partner with a reputable travel therapy staffing agency. These agencies have established relationships with healthcare facilities nationwide. Moreover, they handle most of the logistics for you.

A dedicated recruiter will help you find positions that match your skills and preferences. They also assist with licensing, credentialing, and payroll. In addition, you can browse specialized online job boards that list thousands of travel OT jobs from various agencies.

What to Look for in a Top Travel Therapy Agency

Choosing the right agency is crucial for a positive experience. Not all agencies are created equal. Therefore, it is important to do your research. Here are key things to look for:

• Transparent Pay Packages: A good agency provides a clear breakdown of your hourly rate, stipends, and benefits. There should be no hidden fees.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Look for agencies that offer day-one health insurance, retirement plans (like a 401k), and professional liability insurance.
• Licensure Assistance: The best agencies will guide you through the state licensing process. Many will also reimburse you for the associated fees.
• Strong Recruiter Support: Your recruiter should be your advocate. They need to be responsive, knowledgeable, and genuinely interested in your career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel OT Jobs

How much experience do I need?

Most agencies and facilities require at least one year of clinical experience as an occupational therapist. This is because they need you to adapt quickly to a new environment with minimal orientation. However, some opportunities may be available for confident new graduates.

Are housing and travel expenses covered?

Yes, typically. Agencies usually provide two options for housing. They can either give you a tax-free housing stipend to find your own lodging or arrange company-paid housing for you. In addition, they almost always provide a travel allowance to help cover the cost of getting to and from your assignment.

How long is a typical assignment?

The industry standard for a travel therapy assignment is 13 weeks. Nevertheless, contracts can range from as short as 4 weeks to as long as 26 weeks or more. You will often have the option to extend your contract if you and the facility agree it’s a good fit.