Physical Therapist - National Traveler
Listed compensation
$120K - $145K
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations and weekend coverage.
Job Description
- Physical Therapist – National Traveler (Journey by Upstream)
- Range: $120k - $145k
- Nationwide | Competitive Salary | Housing Stipends & Bonuses | Adventure & Stability
- Take Your PT Career on the Road — with the Security of Upstream Rehabilitation
Tired of choosing between travel freedom and career stability? Now you don’t have to.
Join Journey by Upstream, our national travel physical therapy program designed for adventurous clinicians who want to explore new locations without sacrificing benefits, consistency, or career growth.
With over 1,200 outpatient clinics across 28 states, and 26+ respected regional brands like BenchMark, Results, and Drayer, Upstream offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to see the country, grow your skills, and build your career — all with one trusted employer.
Why PTs Choose Journey by Upstream
Exceptional Total Compensation Package
- Competitive PT Salary: Based on years of experience
- Monthly, non-taxed housing stipends & travel reimbursement
Tiered Assignment Bonuses and Productivity-based Incentives
- Student loan repayment assistance – non-taxed monthly payments, directly to the principle of your loan
- Generous PTO, paid holidays, and paid relocation days between assignments
- Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (100% employer paid medical health insurance premium option available)
- 401(k) with company match
- Structured onboarding and ongoing 1:1 mentorship
- In-house Residency & Fellowship programs (OCS, SCS, hand & manual therapy)
- Robust CEU opportunities through IAMT + $1500 annual allowance for external courses!
- Free Medbridge account / ongoing access
- Advantages You Won’t Find with a Travel Agency
- Guaranteed Full Time work – No risk of cancellations or lost hours
- No Benefit Gaps – Continuous insurance coverage between assignments, even during PTO
Unified Technology – One EMR and standardized systems across all Upstream clinics; no need to re-learn documentation each time
Flexible Assignment Lengths – Ranging from 13 weeks, with 6 or 12 month options available, with the option to extend or go elsewhere
- Assignment Autonomy – YOU choose your assignments across 28 states and 1,100+ clinics
- Career mobility – transition into a permanent location when you’re ready or keep exploring indefinitely
- Dedicated Travel Support Team – Benefit from a dedicated travel program manager, travel mentors, and local clinical support at every assignment
- What You’ll Do
- Develop personalized, evidence-based care plans for your patients
- Deliver high-quality, outcomes-driven therapy
- Collaborate with local clinical teams and leaders across our nationwide footprint of brands
- Build meaningful connections in new communities
- Continue to learn and grow in a supportive, values-driven culture
- What You’ll Need
- Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapy program (DPT, MPT, or equivalent)
- Active or pending Physical Therapist license in applicable state(s)
- Your Next Adventure Starts Here!
Combine your passion for outpatient orthopedics with your love for travel and new experiences. As part of the Upstream Rehabilitation network, the nation’s largest dedicated outpatient rehab provider, you’ll enjoy the freedom of travel and the security of a full-time employer.
With more than 1,200 clinics across 26 brand partners, we lead the industry in clinical outcomes. We leverage data, technology, and innovative tools to reduce administrative burden and support your success. You’ll join an incredible community of clinicians who shape our culture, support one another, and have fun along the way. It’s easy to see why so many Physical Therapists grow at Upstream!
Join thousands of clinicians who are redefining what it means to love where you work. Apply today to start your Journey.
Follow @Lifeatupstream on Instagram, and check out our LinkedIn company page to learn more about what it’s like to be part of the #upstreamfamily.
Click Here to Learn Even More About Upstream
Upstream Rehabilitation is an Equal Opportunity Employer that strives to provide an inclusive work environment where our differences are celebrated for the value they bring to our communities, our patients and our teammates. Upstream Rehabilitation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or other status protected under applicable law.
Estimated pay ranges listed above are based on several factors including but not limited to your pay class, experience, background, and geographic location of the clinic. Benefits and eligibility are dependent on employment status and pay class (full-time, part-time, or PRN). Specific details will be provided during the hiring process.
Upstream Rehabilitation is an Equal Opportunity Employer that strives to provide an inclusive work environment where our differences are celebrated for the value they bring to our communities, our patients and our teammates. Upstream Rehabilitation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or other status protected under applicable law.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and implement personalized, evidence-based care plans for patients in an outpatient setting. Collaborate with local clinical teams to deliver high-quality, outcomes-driven therapy across various locations.
Requirements
Must be a graduate of an accredited Physical Therapy program (DPT, MPT, or equivalent). Must hold an active or pending Physical Therapist license in the applicable state(s).
Qualifications
- Education
- Doctoral or professional degree (postgraduate degree)
Key Skills
Physical Therapist Career Context
In Tennessee, the Physical Therapy weighted monthly median benchmark on WeekdayDoc is ~$86k (273 salary observations; 1,833 listings), vs ~$94k nationally (13,008 salary observations; 66,534 listings). Monthly aggregates cover 2026-01-01 through 2026-11-01; these are not the modal's selected comparable-job medians.
The cost-of-living index for Tennessee is 91.9 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$133k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $144k in an average-cost state. 58.6% of Tennessee clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Work-life score | 7.2 / 10 · top 10% in physical therapy | ranked against 22,012 Physical Therapy listingslisting-based score, 0–10 |
| Tennessee vs national | $86k median in Tennessee | $94k nationally (−8%)273 state / 13,008 national salary observations |
| Cost-of-living adjusted pay | ~$144k in purchasing power | Tennessee index 91.9 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Physical Therapy listings in Tennessee | 690 active | 22,005 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| Work setting | on-site | peers: 2% remote · 48% no call · 56% no weekends50 benchmarked listings |
| Sign-on & loan repayment | loan repayment | Tennessee physical therapist listings (all specialties): 28% state a sign-on bonus (median $15k) · 25% offer loan repayment716 active listings, Nov 2026 |
| New Physical Therapy listings | 7,905 in the last 30 days | 4,366 the 30 days before (+81%)U.S., first seen on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| Physical Therapy pay trend | +1.6% vs prior quarter | —through Oct 2026 |
Work-Life Balance Analysis
WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates Physical Therapist - National Traveler at Upstream Rehabilitation a 7.2 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as very good. This places the position in the top 10% in Physical Therapy — ranked against 22,012 active Physical Therapy listings on WeekdayDoc.
Location & Logistics
Tennessee has no state income tax, which can significantly increase take-home pay compared to high-tax states. At the posted ~$133k midpoint, that is roughly $5k–$9k a year versus a typical 4–7% state rate.
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