Travel PT Jobs vs. Staff Jobs in 2025: Which Career Path Is Right for You?

Have you been thinking about leaving your staff physical therapist position? If so, you’re not alone. A growing number of physical therapists are rethinking the traditional 9-to-5 and exploring new ways to build a career on their terms.

In 2025, travel PT jobs are gaining popularity, not just for the flexibility and pay, but for the lifestyle shift. From tackling burnout to craving new clinical challenges, more PTs are choosing to become travel PTs over working long-term roles.

The appeal? Travel positions offer higher income potential, more autonomy, and the freedom to work where (and when) you want.

In this article, we’ll break down the two career paths—travel PT jobs vs. permanent staff jobs—and compare them across pay, lifestyle, growth, and more. If you’re looking for clarity (or maybe just a sign to shake things up), this one is for you.

Travel PT Jobs & Staff Jobs: Quick Comparison

Salary, Stipends, and Perks: Which Pays More?

Let’s be honest, compensation is a big deciding factor when you’re weighing career moves. And when it comes to travel PT jobs, the earning potential is a big perk.

Travel PTs often out-earn their staff counterparts on a weekly basis, earning anywhere from $2,400 to $3,000+ per week gross (roughly $73K to $133K a year, if you’re working continuously), with many taking home around $2,000 weekly after taxes.

Pay can add up thanks to a little bonus built into the travel life: tax-free stipends for housing and meals. These stipends, paired with solid hourly pay, often put travelers ahead financially.

And the benefits don’t stop there. Travel agencies, like Advantis Medical, offer:

• Day 1 Benefits - Medical, Dental, & Vision

• 401K Plans & Options

• Relocation and Travel Reimbursement

• Dedicated help with travel & housing accommodations

However, not all agencies offer the same level of benefits as Advantis Medical.

On the flip side, permanent physical therapists earn an average of about $101,000 per year, according to recent national data. This comes with the stability of consistent benefits: employer-sponsored health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans. There’s less financial fluctuation, but also fewer chances to spike your income unless you pursue overtime, promotions, or side work.

One important detail: pay varies widely by state. For example, PT jobs in California often offer higher salaries, while PT jobs in Texas offer better take-home pay due to a lower cost of living.

If you're exploring travel PT positions, regional factors matter even more, where stipends and cost-of-living are part of the equation.

In short? If maximizing take-home pay is your top priority, travel PT jobs win the battle.

Flexibility vs. Stability: Which Lifestyle Works for You?

Beyond salary, one of the biggest differences between travel PT jobs and staff roles is how each one shapes your day-to-day life—and your freedom.

Travel PTs live and work in 13-week cycles. You take a contract, explore a new city, wrap up, and then decide what’s next. Want to extend and stay longer? Great. Want to take a few weeks off and road-trip through the Rockies? Totally up to you. The travel life is built around flexibility, short-term housing, and the thrill of change. You get to call the shots on when and where you work.

For some PTs, that freedom is everything. But for others? Constant relocation can get old.

That’s where permanent staff jobs shine. You clock in at the same place every day, you know your coworkers, and you’ve got a set routine. There’s less transition stress, no scrambling for housing every few months, and it’s a lot easier to plant roots, start a family, or build long-term stability.

The real question here isn’t which is better—it’s which lifestyle fits your personality and goals. If you’ve got a bit of wanderlust and thrive on change, travel might be your calling. But if you crave consistency and routine, the staff life might feel a lot more like home.

Variety or Specialization: How Do You Want to Grow?

Your career isn’t just about what you do today; it’s about who you’re becoming tomorrow. And when it comes to professional growth, travel PT positions and permanent roles offer different roads forward.

Travel Physical Therapists get the ultimate crash course in adaptability. Which is a great resume builder. One month you’re in an acute care hospital, the next you're rotating through outpatient ortho or a skilled nursing facility. Over time, this kind of exposure builds a rock-solid clinical foundation and makes you incredibly versatile. If you want to sample different specialties, learn on the go, and keep your skill set sharp and wide, travel is a great fit.

That said, bouncing from job to job can make it harder to go deep into one area. If your goal is to become a specialist—say in neuro rehab, pediatrics, or sports performance, a permanent staff role offers a clearer path. Employers often provide ongoing mentorship, CEU support, and even financial help for certifications like OCS or PCS. Plus, being in one system long-term lets you build credibility, climb the ladder, and really master your niche.

Bottom line: want flexibility and adventure? Go travel. Want depth and specialization? Staff roles can take you there.

Is Travel or Staff PT the Better Fit for You?

By now, you’ve seen that both career paths come with their own perks and tradeoffs.

Your next move should align with who you are and where you’re headed.

You might be a great fit for travel PT jobs if you:

• Crave flexibility, adventure, and a change of scenery every few months

• Are early in your career and want to build a diverse resume fast

• Love meeting new people and don’t mind short-term assignments

• Want the freedom to take time off between contracts or chase high-paying gigs

On the other hand, permanent staff jobs might be your lane if you:

• Prefer a stable routine and a consistent patient base

• Want to grow within one clinic, hospital, or health system

• Value strong workplace friendships and mentorship

• Are putting down roots—starting a family, buying a home, or planning long-term

Neither choice is “right” or “wrong.” It’s all about finding what fits your goals, lifestyle, and personality in this season of your life.

The Right Move in 2025? It Starts with You

So, what’s your next move?

If you’re ready to explore the world of travel PT positions and see what’s possible, we’ve got you covered. At Advantis Medical, we make it easy to explore travel PT jobs that match your goals, schedule, and lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for adventure, a boost in income, or the chance to build your clinical skills across settings, we’re here to help you find the right fit. Browse open positions, connect with a recruiter who truly listens, and take the first step toward a career that moves with you.