How Many Recruiters to Work With as a Travel Physical Therapist?

One of the more common questions I get from new or inexperienced travelers is:
"How many recruiters should I be working with?"

The world of travel physical therapy can feel chaotic when you’re just getting started. Your inbox might be full of recruiter emails, voicemails, and texts all promising the "best" jobs and pay. So how do you manage it?

From my experience as a travel PT, the sweet spot is working with 2 to 3 solid recruiters.
Here’s why and how to do it the right way.

Why 2–3 Recruiters Is the Sweet Spot

No single recruiter or company has access to every job. Certain agencies may have exclusive contracts in specific areas or with specific settings like outpatient, acute care, or SNFs. If you only work with one recruiter, you’re limiting your options more than you might realize.

Working with 2–3 recruiters helps you:

• Compare pay packages and benefits

• See a broader range of job opportunities across settings and states

• Get stronger negotiation power (you’ll know what’s competitive and can use a job offer as leverage)

• Have more flexibility if a job falls through last minute

Some Agencies Are Better in Certain Areas

Not all staffing companies are built the same. Some have stronger connections in specific states, while others may have more jobs in certain clinical settings. That’s another reason why working with multiple trusted recruiters makes a difference, as you will get access to a wider range of opportunities.

Work With Recruiters I Personally Recommend

If you’re new and don’t know where to start, I recommend beginning with recruiters I’ve personally vetted and worked with. These are professionals I trust to be honest, responsive, and genuinely invested in your success as a traveler.

You can get connected with my recommended recruiters here Trusted Travel Physical Therapy Recruiters | The Travel DPT | The Travel DPT

They won’t pressure you or mislead you and you can contact me for my guidance if you have any concerns. And if they don’t have what you’re looking for right now, they’ll still respect your time and goals and likely be a great resource for your next assignment.

Stay Organized to Avoid Double Submissions

One of the biggest rookie mistakes is being submitted to the same job by two different agencies. This happens more often than you think and will seriously hurt your chances of getting the position. It will not be a good look from the employer's perspective.

Pro tip: Keep a simple spreadsheet or note with the following if you are submitting to several jobs:

• Facility

• City and state

• Which recruiter/company submitted you

• Date of submission

And always tell your recruiters to get your explicit permission before submitting you anywhere. That keeps things clean and professional on both ends.

Be Clear and Honest With Recruiters

When you’re working with multiple recruiters, communication is key.

If you decide not to take a job with one recruiter, be respectful and upfront. Thank them for their time, let them know why the offer didn’t work out, and tell them you’d love to stay in touch for future opportunities. A good recruiter will appreciate your honesty and will be ready to help you again down the road.

It’s best to be transparent from the start. Let each recruiter know you’re working with a couple of others. That way, there are no surprises if you choose a job through someone else.

Recruiter Red Flags to Watch Out For

Not all recruiters are created equal. Be cautious if you notice any of the following:

• They pressure you to accept a job immediately without giving you time to compare offers (but travel does move quickly so respect their time too).

• They submit you to jobs without your permission

• They ask you not to work with any other recruiters

• They avoid giving clear answers about pay or contract details

Final Thoughts

Your travel PT career is yours to build. Recruiters are a tool, not your boss. When you work with 2 to 3 trusted recruiters, stay organized, and communicate clearly, you’ll be in control and set up for success.

Want a head start?
👉 Check out the recruiters I recommend here. Trusted Travel Physical Therapy Recruiters | The Travel DPT | The Travel DPT
I will get you in touch with recruiters I have personally utilized for my job searches and it will be based on your specific needs/preferences to get your journey started!