2025 Hotspots for Travel PT Jobs: Navigating Pay, Licensing & Your Ideal Location

From coastlines to canyons to big cities to peaceful desert towns, your next travel PT assignment could take you somewhere incredible. But let’s be real: picking the right state isn’t just about scenery. It’s about opportunity.

If you’re a travel physical therapist gearing up for your 2025 assignments, you’re likely asking the golden question: Where should I go next for the best travel physical therapy jobs? The good news? You’ve got options. Great ones.

In this guide, we spotlight four of the hottest states for travel PTs that check all the right boxes. We considered average PT salaries, job demand, PT Compact membership (easy licensing wins), cost of living, and, yes, overall lifestyle.

Whether you’re chasing the highest paychecks, sunshine, and outdoor adventure or simply looking for a new professional challenge, this list will help you map your next move.

Let’s dive into the top states that will treat your skills and your sense of adventure, right in 2025.

4 Hot States for Travel PT Assignments (& Why They Made the Cut)

When it comes to travel PT positions, the where matters just as much as the what. You’re not just accepting a job; you’re choosing a temporary home, a new lifestyle, and the paycheck that comes with it.

So, how do you narrow it down?

Let’s start with some baseline numbers. According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for PTs in the U.S. is around $101,000.

But in some states? You can do much better, especially as a travel PT, with a housing stipend and tax advantages on your side.

For this list, we looked beyond just the paycheck. If you're wondering where to work as a travel PT in 2025, these states give you career momentum and quality of life.

They offer a winning mix of high demand for PTs, above-average pay, and easy licensing options, with some of them also being PT Compact states (huge if you like to move quickly from contract to contract).

Add affordable living and lifestyle perks like great weather, outdoor activities, or big-city amenities, and you'll have four clear front-runners for your next travel assignment.

Ready to find out where your skills are in high demand and well rewarded? Let’s break it down, state by state.

Arizona: The Desert That Delivers

Looking for a state where your travel PT skills are in red-hot demand, and the licensing process won’t slow you down? Welcome to Arizona.

Arizona is seeing massive growth in healthcare demand, especially in cities like Phoenix, Tucson, and Mesa. According to the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, the job market for PTs is projected to skyrocket by over 50% by 2030, one of the steepest climbs in the country. The average salary clocks in at $98,960, and as a travel PT, you’ll likely see even higher offers thanks to the surge in need.

Even better? Arizona is a PT Compact state, so if you're already licensed in a compact member state, you can get to work faster with minimal red tape. That’s a big win for travelers who want to stay flexible and hit the ground running.

When you’re off the clock, Arizona has no shortage of adventure. Think year-round sun, epic desert hikes, and weekend trips to the Grand Canyon or Sedona. Cost of living is lower than coastal states, too, meaning more of your paycheck stays in your pocket. View recent openings for travel physical therapy jobs in Arizona.

New Mexico: Big Views, Low Costs, and Growing Demand

Looking for a travel PT destination that feels a little more off the beaten path, but still delivers solid pay and lifestyle perks? New Mexico might be your perfect match.

It’s not the biggest market, but it’s one of the most underrated. In 2023, the average salary for physical therapists in New Mexico is almost $100,000, and job growth is expected to reach around 24% over the next few years. You’ll find consistent demand in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and smaller rural areas where access to care is a growing priority.

Here’s what to keep in mind: New Mexico is not part of the PT Compact, so you’ll need a state-specific license. But many travel PTs say the application process is manageable and worth it once you see what the state offers.

New Mexico shines when it comes to affordability and lifestyle. It boasts one of the lowest costs of living in the U.S., plus stunning landscapes, vibrant arts scenes, and plenty of sunshine. Whether you're skiing in Taos, hiking in the Sandia Mountains, or enjoying Santa Fe’s charm, this is a contract that feels like a getaway. Browse open travel PT jobs in New Mexico to see what’s available.

Texas: The Big Opportunity State

Everything’s bigger in Texas, including your potential as a travel physical therapist. And no list of best states for travel PTs would be complete without Texas.

Here’s why Lone Star State lands the top spot: strong demand, great pay, low cost of living, and it’s part of the PT Compact, meaning faster, easier licensing for travelers. That’s a win before you even unpack your suitcase.

In 2023, physical therapists in Texas earned an average of $100,440, well above the national average. The state also employs over 17,000 physical therapists, making it one of the largest PT job markets in the country. And the real goldmine? Job growth is projected to climb nearly 28% by 2033, which is one of the fastest rates in the country.

Translation: hospitals and clinics in cities like Dallas, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio are always looking for skilled travel PTs, especially travelers who can hit the ground running.

Lifestyle-wise, Texas hits a sweet spot. There’s no state income tax, affordable travel housing, and your downtime could be spent hiking in Hill Country, paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake, or catching live music on a random Tuesday night. Big state. Big options. Review some of the best travel physical therapy jobs in Texas, and take advantage of a surplus of jobs and a low cost of living.

California: The Golden State of Pay (and Play)

If you're chasing top-dollar assignments and dream-worthy destinations, California’s calling.

Let’s start with the paycheck. In 2023, the average salary for physical therapists in California exceeded $110,000, the highest in the nation. Combine that with travel stipends, and you’re looking at serious earning potential.

It’s no surprise that over 24,000 PTs are already working across the state’s healthcare facilities, and the demand is still climbing, with a projected 19% job growth in the coming years.

Where should you look? Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Sacramento are hotbeds for travel PT jobs. But even smaller cities along the coast and inland are packed with opportunity.

The catch? California is not part of the PT Compact, so you’ll need to go through its state licensing process, which can take a bit longer. But for many, it’s worth it.

The lifestyle speaks for itself: beaches, mountains, national parks, world-class food, and sunshine for days. Yes, the cost of living is high, but many travel contracts come with housing stipends that help bridge the gap. Explore what the Golden State has to offer and browse high-paying travel PT jobs in California now available.

Choosing the Right Fit for You

By now, you’ve got four solid options. But how do you choose your perfect travel PT destination? It all comes down to finding the sweet spot between professional growth and personal happiness.

Start with your priorities.

Are you chasing top paychecks? California and Texas should be on your list. Want low-cost living and beautiful landscapes? Arizona and New Mexico offer a balanced mix of earnings and adventure. Prefer a four-season vibe with world-class hospitals?

Don’t forget to think seasonally. If you’re a snowbird at heart, plan a winter escape to Arizona. Love fall colors and crisp air? A Texas contract could be your autumn dream. Want to avoid the summer heat? California’s coastal cities are calling.

Most importantly, lean on your Advantis recruiter. They can help you find assignments that align with your goals, whether boosting your income, expanding your clinical experience, or exploring new places. A great recruiter won’t just help you land a job; they’ll help you build a lifestyle you love.

Remember: you’re in control. Your license, your skills, and your spirit of adventure are your ticket to an exciting 2025.

Ready to Launch Your 2025 Travel PT Journey?

You’ve got the skills. Now you’ve got the map.

Whether it’s Texas’s booming job market, California’s unmatched pay, Arizona’s licensing ease, or New Mexico’s unbeatable lifestyle value, each state offers a unique blend of opportunity and adventure for travel physical therapists in 2025.

The right destination can elevate your income, expand your clinical experience, and give you a lifestyle you genuinely enjoy between shifts.

And with the demand for PTs holding strong, there’s never been a better time to take your career on the road. Take advantage of the unwavering support of Advantis Medical and start your next rewarding travel experience.

At Advantis Medical Staffing, we take great pride in our commitment to caring for our clinicians. We are dedicated to connecting passionate providers with top-paying travel jobs nationwide while providing exceptional service that promotes a trusted partnership for life. It’s no wonder we are considered the #1 travel agency with over 700 5-star reviews and dozens of testimonial videos.