Travel Physical Therapist Jobs in California

The median salary for Physical Therapists in the state of California was $104,500 per year or $50.24 per hour in 2020 with most earning an annual salary between $85,880 and $126,250 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Entry-level jobs in California or those with the lowest 10% salary earned around $68,060, while the highest 10% earned more than $142,480. California ranks 2 in median annual salary for Physical Therapists, though when adjusted to the relative cost of living, California ranks at 42. Typically, travel pt 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 Physical Therapists is based on the specified hours per week listed on job cards and includes available stipend amounts.

In order to become a physical therapist in California, you must first submit an application on the DataMart website. This will cost $300 for the application fee, plus an initial license fee of $150 and a fingerprint fee of $49. You must also have graduated from a CAPTE-accredited program in physical therapy or physical therapist assistant and hold a valid current license in another jurisdiction. Processing times can vary between 3 to 6 weeks. Once your application is approved, you will be required to pay a biennial renewal fee of $300, or a delinquent fee of $150 if it is not paid on time. If you need to obtain a duplicate license, this will cost an additional $50.

California has not yet enacted the model legislation necessary to join the Physical Therapy (PT) Compact. The PT Compact is an interstate agreement between member states to provide a state-developed collaborative structure to protect the public by increasing the mobility of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants across state lines. This agreement allows for participating PTs and PTAs to practice or work in multiple states, as long as they meet certain criteria. Currently, 27 states have joined the compact, with California being one of 23 that have yet to do so.

PT Compact Website: https://ptcompact.org/ptc-states