Best States for Travel Therapy

Pay varies by location, setting, and urgency. These states consistently offer the highest total packages:

California — especially the Bay Area and Southern California. But high cost of living and a high top state income tax rate. Best for: maximizing gross pay if your tax home is in a no-tax state.

New York — strong pay especially in NYC and surrounding areas. NYC adds city income tax on top of state tax. Upstate NY offers good pay without city tax.

Massachusetts — strong hospital systems. Moderate state tax.

Connecticut, New Jersey — proximity to NYC metro demand. Moderate-to-high state taxes.

For state-by-state salary data, visit TravelTherapySalary.com.

These states let you keep more of your paycheck — no state income tax withheld:

Texas and Florida are the most popular for travel therapists — strong demand, no state tax, reasonable cost of living, and Texas is a PT Compact state; Florida is not, and neither is in the OT Compact. Full tax guide at TravelTherapyTax.com. If Texas or Florida is on your list, tell a recruiter which one and when you'd like to go: Find my next contract.

Texas — massive state, many facilities, consistent demand year-round. California — high demand driven by large population and staffing shortages. Florida — large retiree population drives SNF/home health demand. Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois — aging populations, many healthcare systems.

Some travelers prioritize experience over pay. Popular lifestyle assignments include: Colorado (skiing, hiking, Denver food scene), Hawaii (once-in-a-lifetime, lower pay), Oregon/Washington (Pacific Northwest outdoors), Arizona (winter assignments, desert beauty), Carolinas (beaches, mountains, affordability).