The Ultimate Guide to Allied Health Travel Jobs
Looking to explore travel opportunities in allied health? You’re in the right place.
This comprehensive guide is designed to give you everything you need — from in-demand roles and pay rates to licensing requirements and career insights — so you can make informed decisions and take the next step in your journey.
What Are Allied Health Travel Jobs?
Allied health travel jobs offer licensed professionals the chance to take short-term assignments in different parts of the country while earning competitive pay and gaining diverse clinical experience.
Unlike travel nursing, these roles span diagnostic imaging, respiratory therapy, laboratory science, and rehabilitation services.
Here’s what makes allied health travel jobs exciting for many professionals:
- Flexible assignments that let you choose where and when you work
- Competitive weekly pay compared to permanent staff roles
- A chance to build skills across different healthcare settings
- The opportunity to explore new regions and facilities
Whether you’re drawn to the adventure of exploring new states or strategically targeting higher-paying markets, choosing the right travel destination is a key part of making the most of your allied health career.
The best states offer more than substantial compensation — they offer lifestyle perks, professional growth opportunities, and a chance to experience healthcare delivery in diverse environments.
Why Allied Health Travelers Are in High Demand
Healthcare systems nationwide are facing staffing shortages, especially in high-skill, diagnostic roles. As aging populations and rising chronic disease rates drive patient demand, facilities often need traveling allied health professionals to fill urgent gaps.
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) research predicts that allied health professions will remain critical to meeting workforce demand across various specialties.
Here are some key workforce projections for allied health jobs:
- Over 342,000 clinical laboratory technologists projected nationally
- An estimated 287,000 radiologic technologists needed
- A projected shortfall of 36,820 dispensing opticians
- An anticipated shortage of 6,480 respiratory therapists
- Approximately 9,140 additional physical therapists needed
- An estimated shortfall of 17,030 pharmacists
- Around 4,430 podiatrists projected to be needed
- An estimated 8,190 chiropractors to meet demand
For professionals considering a travel career, this data underscores why allied health travel jobs are a practical solution for filling staffing gaps and a rewarding path to expand your expertise.
As a traveler, you can support underserved communities and gain diverse clinical experiences while meeting urgent healthcare needs.
Learn more about projected allied health needs with the HRSA’s projections calculator.
The Most In-Demand Allied Health Travel Roles
Let’s break down the specialties currently in highest demand and what to expect in each. Each role description below now includes a clear explanation of what the job entails, offering insight into daily responsibilities and key contributions for allied health travelers.
Radiology & Imaging Travel Jobs
MRI Technologist
Estimated Pay: $2,200–$3,800+ per week (as of 2025)
Where They Work: Hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, diagnostic labs
What They Do: Operate MRI scanners to capture accurate images of internal body structures, assisting physicians in diagnosing medical conditions
Credentials Needed: ARRT certification; state-specific licensure may be required
CT Technologist
Estimated Pay: $2,000–$4,000 per week
Where They Work: Hospitals, trauma centers, outpatient imaging facilities
What They Do: Perform CT scans to produce cross-sectional images for diagnostic purposes, often working closely with radiologists and emergency teams
Credentials Needed: ARRT certification; some states require additional CT certification or licensing
X-Ray Technologist
Estimated Pay: $1,800–$3,400+ per week
Where They Work: Hospitals, urgent care centers, orthopedic clinics
What They Do: Take standard radiographic images to help diagnose bone fractures, lung issues, and other conditions; may assist in fluoroscopy or mobile imaging
Credentials Needed: ARRT certification; state licensure required in most states
Ultrasound Technologist (Sonographer)
Estimated Pay: $2,000–$3,600+ per week
Where They Work: Hospitals, OB/GYN offices, outpatient imaging clinics
What They Do: Use ultrasound equipment to create images of internal organs, blood vessels, or fetuses; specialize in vascular, cardiac, or obstetric imaging
Credentials Needed: ARDMS or CCI certification; some employers may require additional specialty certifications
Surgical Support Travel Jobs
Surgical Technologist
Estimated Pay: $1,800–$2,500+ per week
Where They Work: Hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgical centers, outpatient surgical suites
What They Do: Surgical technologists assist in preparing operating rooms, sterilizing instruments, and ensuring surgical equipment is ready for procedures. During surgery, they pass instruments to surgeons, maintain a sterile environment, and help with patient positioning and surgical counts. They play a vital role in keeping surgeries safe and efficient.
Credentials Needed: Graduation from an accredited surgical technology program; certification preferred (e.g., Certified Surgical Technologist – CST); state licensure may be required in certain locations
Sterile Processing Technician
Estimated Pay: $1,600–$2,100+ per week
Where They Work: Central sterile departments in hospitals, surgical centers
What They Do: Clean, sterilize, assemble, and distribute surgical instruments and equipment to ensure all tools meet infection control standards before use in surgeries.
Credentials Needed: Certification preferred (Certified Registered Central Service Technician – CRCST); on-the-job training or formal education; some states require certification for employment
Surgical First Assistant (CSFA)
Estimated Pay: $2,300–$3,200+ per week
Where They Work: Operating rooms in hospitals, outpatient surgical centers
What They Do: Assist the surgeon directly during procedures — may handle tissue, provide exposure, control bleeding, and suture incisions. This is a more advanced role than a surgical technologist.
Credentials Needed: Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) or similar certification; prior surgical tech experience often required; state licensure may apply
Respiratory Therapy Travel Jobs
Respiratory Therapist (RRT/CRT)
Estimated Pay: $1,800–$2,400+ per week
Where They Work: Hospitals, critical care units, emergency departments, and long-term care facilities
What They Do: Respiratory therapists assess and treat patients with breathing disorders, manage ventilators, and provide emergency airway support. They often play a crucial role in treating patients with COPD, asthma, or COVID-19.
Credentials Needed: RRT or CRT credential; state licensure required, varies by location
Laboratory & Diagnostic Travel Jobs
Medical Lab Technician (MLT) / Medical Technologist (MT)
Estimated Pay: $1,700–$2,300+ per week
Where They Work: Hospital labs, reference laboratories, outpatient diagnostic clinics
What They Do: MLTs and MTs analyze blood, tissue, and body fluids to help diagnose disease, monitor treatment, and guide clinical decisions. They operate sophisticated lab equipment and adhere to strict quality control procedures.
Credentials Needed: ASCP certification is often preferred; licensure may be required in some states
Therapy & Rehabilitation Travel Jobs
Physical Therapist (PT)
Estimated Pay: $1,900–$2,500+ per week
Where They Work: Rehab hospitals, outpatient clinics, home health, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs)
What They Do: Physical therapists help patients regain mobility and manage pain following injury, surgery, or chronic illness. They develop personalized treatment plans and monitor progress to improve functional outcomes.
Credentials Needed: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT); state licensure required
Occupational Therapist (OT)
Estimated Pay: $1,800–$2,400+ per week
Where They Work: Hospitals, rehab centers, schools, long-term care facilities
What They Do: OTs assist patients in regaining the skills needed for daily living and work activities after illness or injury. This includes everything from fine motor skills to adaptive strategies and home modifications.
Credentials Needed: NBCOT certification; state licensure required
Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)
Estimated Pay: $1,900–$2,600+ per week
Where They Work: Hospitals, outpatient rehab centers, schools, SNFs
What They Do: SLPs diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders in patients of all ages. They work with individuals recovering from strokes, neurological injuries, or developmental conditions.
Credentials Needed: CCC certification (ASHA); state licensure required
Learn more about the highest-paying travel healthcare jobs in 2025 in our full breakdown.
Credentialing & Licensing for Travel Allied Health Professionals
Credentialing is a critical part of the travel job process, requiring careful preparation and attention to detail to avoid delays.
Below is an overview of common credentials and documents you may need to prepare for travel assignments:
- National board certifications (e.g., ARRT, ARDMS, RRT, ASCP, NBCOT)
- State-specific licensure
- Proof of continuing education
- Background checks, drug screens, and Immunization records
Some states offer compact or temporary licenses for faster onboarding. For up-to-date information on licensing requirements across different states and modalities, visit individual state licensing board websites for your specialty.
At Lucid, our credentialing specialists help you gather, track, and submit documentation so that your assignment starts smoothly and you’re ready to hit the ground running.
What’s the Pay Like for Travel Allied Health Jobs?
Pay varies significantly based on a range of factors that can dramatically influence your weekly take-home and overall assignment value, including:
- Modality and credentials
- Facility type (hospital vs. outpatient)
- Location (urban vs. rural)
- Shift differentials and on-call pay
On average, travel allied health professionals earn 20–40% more than their permanent counterparts, thanks to:
- Tax-advantaged stipends
- Bonus pay for urgent needs or night shifts
Many travel allied health roles also offer comprehensive compensation packages that may include housing stipends, travel reimbursements, and sign-on bonuses.
For up-to-date pay trends, we recommend consulting a trusted travel staffing agency and exploring the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to see recent data on industry trends.
High-Demand Destinations for Travel Allied Health Jobs
If you’re open to location, these areas consistently offer strong pay, high demand, and unique lifestyle advantages for allied health travelers.
California
In-demand roles: Radiologic technologists, respiratory therapists, and MRI techs
California offers some of the highest travel pay rates in the nation, especially in coastal and urban metros like Los Angeles, San Diego, and the Bay Area.
Beyond competitive pay, California offers unmatched lifestyle perks: think weekend surf trips, hiking in Yosemite, or exploring Napa Valley. Many travelers enjoy the mix of cutting-edge medical environments and vibrant cultural experiences across the state.
Texas
In-demand roles: All modalities, including lab techs, therapists, and imaging professionals
Texas is consistently one of the busiest states for allied health travel contracts. With healthcare facilities ranging from large academic medical centers to rural clinics, allied health professionals can gain diverse clinical experience.
In addition to diverse work opportunities in Houston, Dallas, and Austin, Texas appeals with its rich music scene, food culture, and festivals. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy wide-open spaces and mild winters, while cost-of-living advantages help travelers maximize their earnings.
Florida
In-demand roles: Physical therapists, occupational therapists, and respiratory therapists
Florida is a seasonal hotspot for travel healthcare, especially during winter. Travelers often flock to the state for its sunny climate and vacation-like atmosphere.
From beach days along the Gulf Coast to theme parks in Orlando, Florida, offers fun both on and off the clock. High demand for therapy and long-term care roles aligns with the state’s large retiree population.
Arizona
In-demand roles: Lab technicians and imaging specialists
Known for its desert landscapes and booming metro areas like Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona, presents high demand in hospital labs and outpatient diagnostic centers.
Travelers enjoy hiking in Sedona’s red rocks, exploring the Grand Canyon, and soaking up over 300 days of sunshine annually. Many professionals find Arizona’s balance of urban amenities and outdoor adventure ideal for their travel lifestyle.
Explore our guide to top travel destinations to learn more about the best places to work in allied health in 2025!
How to Get Started in Travel Allied Health
Whether you’re brand new to traveling or looking to level up your assignments, this checklist will help you move forward with confidence:
- Confirm your certifications and licenses are up-to-date
- Browse open roles through our travel staffing portal (opens in a new tab)
- Speak with a recruiter who understands your specialty
- Submit your resume
- Accept your offer, and get ready to go!
If you’re not quite ready, that’s okay too. Learn more about starting your travel healthcare career with our step-by-step guide.
Our Approach to Supporting Allied Health Travelers
We’ve built Lucid Staffing around one belief: Clinicians come first.
This philosophy guides everything we do, from how we support your career goals to advocating for better opportunities and fair contracts in the allied health travel space. That means:
- A credentialing team that knows your modality
- Honest, transparent communication — no surprises
- Assignments matched to your goals and lifestyle
We’re clinicians too. That’s why we understand the highs, lows, and questions that come with every travel assignment. Whether it’s your first contract or your fifteenth, we’re here to make it simple.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Choosing the right travel staffing partner can make all the difference in your allied health journey.
At Lucid Staffing Solutions, we’re not just filling positions — we’re building long-term partnerships with clinicians who want to grow, explore, and be supported every step of the way.
Whether you’re taking your first assignment or ready for your next adventure, we’re committed to providing personalized guidance, transparent communication, and access to the best opportunities in the country.
Browse our current travel jobs to find the right fit for you!