Travel Physical Therapy Job Market Outlook for 2026

When I started travel physical therapy back in 2021, I was working in outpatient care, and we were still required to wear masks in the clinic. Things eventually started getting back closer to normal, but it took time to reach pre-COVID patient demand levels. By mid-2022, most clinics were back to full caseloads, and travel assignments were opening up across the country again.

Since then, the market has steadily grown, and 2025 has brought more opportunities than I’ve ever seen as a travel PT. The speed at which you can get a job and the amount of options to choose from has never been higher for travel PT. Travel PT pay has stabilized but still pays way more than a permanent staff position, especially when factoring in housing and other stipends which provides tax-free benefits. That said, the holidays and the start of the new year can be harder times to find a contract, because many travelers aim to start their assignments around the new year, and managers may be out of office during the holidays.

There are several reasons I don’t see this trend slowing down. The PT shortage continues to grow as therapists leave the profession, move into private practices, or transition to virtual roles. At the same time, the aging baby boomer population keeps patient demand high. These supply-and-demand forces, combined with possibly fewer people entering PT school due to high debt-to-income ratios and growing online complaints about the profession, suggest that travel PT opportunities will only increase in the coming years. Unlike some other fields, AI is unlikely to reduce PT job opportunities because human interaction, clinical judgment, and hands-on skills cannot be automated.

For new graduates, many PT schools discourage travel assignments, but they’ve likely never had firsthand experience with travel therapy themselves. So don’t let that stop you. Experience gained on your clinicals is usually enough to take a travel assignment in the same setting. The key is knowing the expectations of the position, which you can clarify during your interview. Travel can be an amazing way to gain independence, explore different settings, and accelerate your learning curve early in your career.

For all travel PTs, I recommend working with two to three companies or recruiters to maximize your job search, compare benefits, and strengthen your negotiating power. Understanding contract details, housing options, and expectations upfront will make your transition smoother and help you choose assignments that fit your goals. Educating yourself on the process and resources, like those found on this website thetraveldpt.com, will make a huge difference whether you’re a new grad or an experienced clinician.

The travel PT market has grown stronger since 2021, and all signs point to continued opportunity in 2026!