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Upstream Rehabilitation
Detroit, Michigan

Physical Therapist - National Traveler

Physical TherapistFull-Time

Listed compensation

$120K - $145K

The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed

Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.

Posted 1mo ago · Verified live

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 salary + monthly non-taxed housing stipend & travel reimbursement
  • Tiered assignment bonuses and productivity-based incentives
  • Student loan repayment opportunities
  • Paid Time Off, holidays, and paid relocation days between assignments
  • Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with match, life and disability insurance
  • Structured onboarding, mentorship, and continuing education
  • Advantages You Won’t Find with a Travel Agency
  • Guaranteed full-time work – no risk of cancellations or lost hours
  • Continuous insurance coverage between assignments, even during PTO
  • One EMR and standardized systems across all Upstream clinics – no need to re-learn documentation each time
  • Flexible assignment lengths: typically 13 weeks, with 6- or 12-month options available
  • Career mobility – transition into a permanent location when you’re ready or keep exploring indefinitely
  • What You’ll Do
  • Develop personalized, evidence-based care plans
  • Deliver high-quality, outcomes-driven therapy
  • Collaborate with local clinical teams and leaders across our 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
  • 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.

  • 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 physical therapy care plans for patients in outpatient settings. Collaborate effectively with local clinical teams and leaders across various regional brands to ensure high-quality outcomes.

Requirements

Candidates must be graduates of an accredited Physical Therapy program. An active or pending Physical Therapist license in the applicable state is required.

Key Skills

Patient assessmentTreatment planningClinical documentationCollaboration

Physical Therapist Career Context

Of the 50 active Physical Therapy listings this role was benchmarked against, 46% have no call, 66% require no weekends.

The cost-of-living index for Michigan is 96.2 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$133k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $138k in an average-cost state. 61.8% of Michigan clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Work-Life Balance Analysis

WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates Physical Therapist - National Traveler at Upstream Rehabilitation a 7.9 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as very good. This places the position in the top 10% in Physical Therapy — ranked against 22,081 active Physical Therapy listings on WeekdayDoc.

Top Physical Therapist Jobs

41 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution41 jobs · 37 employers

22
<$105k
9
$105k-120k
2
$120k-135k
6
$135k-150k
2
$160k

Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks39 jobs · 37 employers

401k / retirement match
90% this job
CME allowance
74% this job
Sign-on bonus
64% this job
Loan repayment
44% this job
Relocation assistance
10% this job

Share of similar jobs offering each benefit

#1

Physical Therapist (PT) Home Health | $150,000 Annual Salary (Redding)

Home Care Providers Group · Yuba City, California

$150k-$160k
#2

Physical Therapist

Ironside Human Resources · Reno, Nevada

$130k-$160k
#3

Acute Care Physical Therapist

$103k-$149k
#4

Physical Therapist - Studio City

$90k-$140k
+ 39 more · ranked by pay

Work-life snapshot

median 4.8this job 7.9
Among the best 10% of Physical Therapy listings for work-life

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 22,081 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

Living in Detroit

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$80k≈ 0.7× annual pay
Typical market rent
$1,341/mo≈ 13% of gross pay
Residents’ average commute
25 min
Metro price indexU.S. average = 100
100.3
State income tax
Up to 4.3%
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Aug 2026), Zillow market rents (Aug 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

BEA 2024 · Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI metro prices. Housing figures are city-level.

Ratios use this listing’s gross annual pay. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.

Upstream Rehabilitation logo

About Upstream Rehabilitation

Hospitals and Health Care
1,001-5,000 employees

Benefits & Perks

Housing Stipend
Travel Reimbursement
Assignment Bonuses
Student Loan Repayment
Paid Time Off
Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance