Travel Occupational Therapist Jobs in California

The median salary for Occupational Therapists in the state of California was $105,760 per year or $50.85 per hour in 2021 with most earning an annual salary between $94,330 and $122,710 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Entry-level jobs in California or those with the lowest 10% salary earned around $77,860, while the highest 10% earned more than $130,790. California ranks 2 in median annual salary for Occupational Therapists, though when adjusted to the relative cost of living, California ranks at 40.

Typically, travel ot jobs will provide higher hourly and weekly pay than permanent positions in the same specialty, facility, and location. The estimated weekly gross pay listed for travel Occupational Therapists is based on the specified hours per week listed on job cards and includes available stipend amounts.

To become an Occupational Therapist in California, candidates must complete an accredited occupational therapy program and pass the national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Candidates must also submit an application, pay fees and complete a background check through the California Board of Occupational Therapy. The application process can be accessed through the Breeze Online Services website. Student occupational therapists may apply for a limited license. Please note that to work in California, candidates must also obtain a California state license. You can find more information on the California Board of Occupational Therapy website or the NBCOT website.

No, California is not an Occupational Therapy (OT) Compact state. As of now, there are 32 states that have enacted the OT Compact. The OT Compact allows licensed occupational therapy practitioners to practice in other states that have also adopted the compact without obtaining additional licenses. However, in California, OT practitioners must still obtain a state-specific license to practice within the state's boundaries.

Traveling as an allied health professional provides a number of personal and career benefits. Travel Occupational Therapist Jobs provide competitive pay packages, as they are needed all across the country. With the occupational therapist jobs expected to grow by 17.5% by 2030 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupational therapy travel jobs will be in demand for years to come in nearly any setting. This demand allows an OT to explore the country and experience any health setting from home health to acute care. Agencies also may also provide insurance benefits, travel reimbursement, housing stipends, reimbursement for licenses, and other perks depending on the contract.

Many therapy travelers find employment opportunities through recruitment agencies and marketplaces, which means you have better access to job boards to choose your schedule, location, and salary. When you begin browsing for jobs, be sure to consider the housing options, the benefits, the guaranteed hours policy, and the recruiting company’s overall reputation.

The good news is that Fusion Marketplace has everything you need when it comes to finding the perfect traveling occupational therapist job. Here, you have the freedom to compare benefits, packages, and staffing agencies—all in one place. So create a profile and find your next travel therapy job today.