If you’re considering a career as a travel occupational therapy assistant (OTA), it’s important to understand the salary expectations for this profession. OTA salaries can vary significantly depending on a variety of factors, including experience, location, and employer.
What is the Average Travel Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for occupational therapy assistants was $61,510 as of May 2020. However, travel OTAs may earn more or less than this amount depending on their individual circumstances.
Travel OTAs typically receive a higher hourly wage than traditional OTAs, as they are compensated for travel expenses and may receive additional bonuses. According to Payscale, the average hourly rate for a travel OTA is $29.33, which equates to an annual salary of approximately $61,000 based on a 40-hour workweek.
What Factors Influence Travel OTA Salaries?
There are several factors that can impact a travel OTA’s salary:
- Experience: Like with any profession, travel OTAs with more experience may command higher salaries than those just starting out.
- Location: The cost of living and demand for OTAs can vary depending on where you work. Travel OTAs working in high-demand areas or cities with a higher cost of living may earn more than those working in less desirable locations.
- Employer: The type of employer you work for can also influence your salary. Travel OTAs who work for larger healthcare organizations may receive more competitive salaries and benefits than those who work for smaller companies.
- Specialty: Some travel OTAs may specialize in working with certain patient populations, such as pediatrics or geriatrics. These specialties may command higher salaries due to a higher demand for these services.
What are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Being a Travel OTA?
There are several benefits to being a travel OTA, including:
- Higher pay: Travel OTAs typically earn a higher hourly wage than traditional OTAs.
- Flexible schedule: Travel assignments can range from a few weeks to several months, allowing you to tailor your schedule to fit your needs.
- Opportunities to travel: As the name suggests, travel OTAs have the opportunity to work in different locations across the country, allowing them to explore new places and gain new experiences.
However, there are also some drawbacks to being a travel OTA, such as:
- Less stability: Travel assignments are temporary, which means you may not have a steady source of income or job security.
- More time away from home: If you have a family or other obligations, being away from home for extended periods of time can be challenging.
- Less familiarity: Travel assignments can be exciting, but they also mean you’re constantly working with new patients, staff, and facilities. This can be stressful for some individuals who prefer a more familiar work environment.
FAQs
Question | Answer |
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What is the average hourly rate for a travel OTA? | The average hourly rate for a travel OTA is $29.33, according to Payscale. |
Do travel OTAs earn more than traditional OTAs? | Yes, travel OTAs typically earn a higher hourly wage than traditional OTAs. |
What factors can impact a travel OTA’s salary? | Experience, location, employer, and specialty are all factors that can influence a travel OTA’s salary. |
What are the benefits of being a travel OTA? | Higher pay, flexible schedule, and opportunities to travel are some of the benefits of being a travel OTA. |
What are the drawbacks of being a travel OTA? | Less stability, more time away from home, and less familiarity are some of the drawbacks of being a travel OTA. |