Trends & Staffing Insights
Celebrating National Physical Therapy Month and LVN/LPN Week
10TH OCTOBER, 2025
As we get ready for autumn and the last quarter of the year, it’s a natural time to reflect on what’s next. Are you thinking about what your career could look like in 2026?
Whether you’re planning a big move, considering travel assignments, or just curious how your paycheck stacks up, knowing which states pay the most can help you plan with confidence.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the top paying states for Physical Therapists (PTs), Occupational Therapists (OTs), Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), Registered Nurses (RNs), and Special Education (SpEd) Teachers in 2025.
We’ll also highlight why travel assignments often boost your income even further with added perks you won’t find in most staff jobs.
Physical Therapists (PTs)
Physical therapists earn a national mean salary of just over $100,000 annually. States like California, Nevada, and New Jersey typically top the charts for PT pay, with average wages ranging from the mid-$100Ks to well above. At the upper end, experienced PTs can bring in more than $130,000.
Beyond pay, states such as Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, and Texas also stand out for strong projected job growth, meaning more opportunities and potentially higher rates as demand rises.
Occupational Therapists (OTs)
Occupational therapists are also in high demand, with a national median salary close to $98,000 per year. California, New York, New Jersey, and Washington frequently rank among the top states for OT pay, often exceeding $110,000 annually.
With a projected 14% growth rate over the next decade, OTs can expect strong opportunities across the country, but the best salaries are clustered in large metro areas and states with higher costs of living.
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)
Speech-language pathologists earn a median of about $95,000 nationwide, with the top 10% earning well into six figures. Some of the highest averages appear in California, Colorado, New Jersey, and the District of Columbia.
While schools remain a major employer, hospitals and outpatient centers often pay more, making travel roles in these settings especially attractive.
Registered Nurses (RNs)
Nurses continue to see some of the widest salary ranges by state. The national average sits just under $100,000, but in California, the median salary is over $130,000. States like Hawai‘i, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska also stand out for six-figure averages.
Even in states with lower averages, travel RNs often earn significantly more through stipends, overtime, and shift differentials.
Special Education Teachers
Special education salaries vary more than most healthcare roles, but the national average hovers around $61,000 per year. The top states, Maryland, New York, Washington, Alaska, and California, often see averages $70,000 and higher, with room for growth depending on district, grade level, and experience.
Though pay for SpEd teachers may vary, demand remains high, and supplemental stipends are sometimes offered in shortage areas.
Why Travel & Contract Roles Usually Pay More
While the salary data above comes from national and state averages, clinicians and teachers who take on travel or contract roles often enjoy even higher effective pay. Here’s why:
- Premium Pay Rates: Short-term or hard-to-fill assignments usually come with higher hourly wages.
- Housing & Meal Stipends: Many contracts include tax-free stipends that boost take-home pay.
- Bonuses & Incentives: Completion bonuses, overtime, and shift differentials can add thousands to your annual income.
- Licensing & Support: Travel agencies often cover or reimburse credentialing costs, helping you get started faster.
- Flexibility & Variety: You can choose assignments in high-demand states, which typically means higher pay and better benefits.
For many professionals, the combination of base pay + stipends + bonuses means a travel contract can out-earn a permanent role in the same state by thousands each year, all while giving you the chance to explore new places and live your dream life.
Final Thoughts
If you’re weighing your next opportunity, keep in mind both state averages and the added earning power of travel assignments. States like California, New York, Alaska, and Washington consistently offer the highest wages, but the best choice for you depends on your lifestyle, career goals, and how much flexibility you want.
Wherever you go next, knowing the pay landscape, and the benefits of travel work, will help you make the move that’s right for you.
Reach Out to a Recruiter Today!
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (2023–2024): Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Registered Nurses, Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides
- Special-Education-Degree.net, Special Education Teacher Salary by State (based on BLS data): special-education-degree.net
