Occupational therapist working with client
Allied Travel Updated August 7, 2026

By Sam MacKay

The Top-5 Highest Paying States for Occupational Therapists

Looking for your next travel occupational therapist assignment? The highest paying state for travel occupational therapists offers opportunities exceeding $2,300 per week*. Explore the top five paying states for travel occupational therapists and learn where rehabilitation professionals can maximize their earning potential. 

How We Ranked These States

The rankings below are based on average weekly gross pay for travel occupational therapist assignments booked through AMN Healthcare. Pay packages may vary based on facility, location, experience level, and assignment-specific factors. 

Search OT Jobs  

1. Kentucky 

Kentucky earned the top spot among the highest-paying states for travel occupational therapists this quarter. Healthcare providers throughout the state continue to seek rehabilitation professionals to support patient recovery and independence goals.

2. Illinois 

Illinois ranked second, maintaining strong opportunities across hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation settings. Continued demand helps support competitive compensation packages.

3. Oregon 

Oregon secured a place among the top-paying states thanks to ongoing demand for occupational therapists across a variety of healthcare environments. Travelers can find opportunities serving diverse patient populations throughout the state.

4. California 

California continues to be a competitive market for travel occupational therapists. The state's extensive healthcare network helps create opportunities for therapists seeking career growth and new experiences.

5. Virginia

Virginia rounds out this quarter's top five. Healthcare facilities throughout the state continue to utilize rehabilitation professionals to support patient outcomes and therapy services.

Why Do Some States Pay More for Travel Occupational Therapists? 

Travel healthcare compensation can be influenced by staffing shortages, patient demand, healthcare infrastructure, and competition among facilities seeking experienced therapy professionals. 

Man with laptop and smart phone in coffee shop
See Also
10 Occupational Therapy Apps for Brain Injury Recovery

 

What Can Impact a Travel Occupational Therapist's Pay?

Many factors affect pay rates in any given region, but the most common include: 

  • Experience level
  • Clinical specialty
  • Facility type
  • Assignment location
  • Contract duration
  • Housing and per diem benefits
  • Market demand

Explore Travel Occupational Therapist Jobs with AMN Healthcare

Whether you're looking to maximize your earning potential, gain experience in a new setting, or explore a different part of the country, AMN Healthcare can help connect you with travel occupational therapist opportunities nationwide.

Apply Now 

Take the first step to starting your new career.

Authorized to work in the US? *
Job Type Interest *
Have you been on an Interim engagement with AMN before? *
Are you currently employed or on an active Interim engagement? *

How much notice would you have to give? *

How much notice would you have to give? *

What date are you available to start an Interim engagement? *

What date are you available to start an Interim engagement? *

* Indicates Required Fields

 

By submitting this form, you agree to receive messaging communication, including phone calls with prerecorded content, from or on behalf of AMN Healthcare regarding your employment with AMN. Messages will be sent to the email address or phone number you provide and may relate to employment opportunities or positions you have been placed in and your employment with AMN companies. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency varies. Reply STOP to opt out at any time or HELP for assistance. For technical support call 800-282-0300.

Privacy Statement · Cookie Policy · Terms of Service

* Indicates Required Fields

 

By submitting this form, you agree to receive messaging communication, including phone calls with prerecorded content, from or on behalf of AMN Healthcare regarding your employment with AMN. Messages will be sent to the email address or phone number you provide and may relate to employment opportunities or positions you have been placed in and your employment with AMN companies. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency varies. Reply STOP to opt out at any time or HELP for assistance. For technical support call 800-282-0300.

Privacy Statement · Cookie Policy · Terms of Service

* Indicates Required Fields

 

FOR THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT STATE LAW REQUIRES A CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT.

 

Do you agree to receive emails; SMS messages including automated text messages; and automated phone calls with prerecorded content from or on behalf of AMN Healthcare and its affiliates regarding your employment with AMN. These messages will be sent to the email address or phone number you provide and may relate to employment opportunities positions you have been placed in and your employment with AMN companies. Message and data rates may apply and message frequency may vary. You may reply STOP at any time to opt out. For technical assistance call 800-282-0300 or reply HELP. Please review our Privacy Statement Cookie Policy and AMN’s Terms of Service for more details.

* Indicates Required Fields

 

FOR THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT STATE LAW REQUIRES A CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT.

 

Do you agree to receive emails; SMS messages including automated text messages; and automated phone calls with prerecorded content from or on behalf of AMN Healthcare and its affiliates regarding your employment with AMN. These messages will be sent to the email address or phone number you provide and may relate to employment opportunities positions you have been placed in and your employment with AMN companies. Message and data rates may apply and message frequency may vary. You may reply STOP at any time to opt out. For technical assistance call 800-282-0300 or reply HELP. Please review our Privacy Statement Cookie Policy and AMN’s Terms of Service for more details.

Complete Your Application!
Continue to NurseFinders to complete your application and profile.


Latest News