What “1099” means
A 1099 therapist is an independent contractor rather than an employee. The name comes from the tax form you receive at the end of the year, which reports what you were paid. A W-2 employee gets a W-2 form instead, and their employer withholds taxes from every paycheck.
As a contractor, nothing is withheld. You are responsible for your own income tax and for Social Security and Medicare, which contractors pay as self-employment tax. Many contractors make estimated tax payments during the year. In exchange, you control far more of your work: when you work, how much you work, and how you run your week.
1099 vs W-2, honestly compared
Neither model is better for everyone. Here is how they differ for a pediatric therapist.
| 1099 contractor (AMP) | Typical W-2 job | |
|---|---|---|
| How you are paid | Per visit you complete | Salary or hourly |
| Taxes | None withheld; you pay your own, including self-employment tax | Withheld from every paycheck |
| Schedule | You set your availability | Set by the employer |
| Caseload size | You choose it, and it fills fast | Often set by productivity targets |
| Income stability | Moves with the visits you complete | More predictable from week to week |
| Employer benefits | Generally not part of a contractor arrangement; you arrange your own | Often included, such as health insurance or paid time off |
| Work expenses | Yours; some may be deductible (ask a tax professional) | Usually limited deductions |
| Working another job | Easy to combine with another position | Depends on the employer |
How it works at AMP
- You apply once. One short application covers every discipline.
- We talk. A member of our team contacts you, usually within two business days. We discuss compensation openly in that first conversation, so you never have to guess.
- You tell us your availability. Days, hours, the areas you want to cover, and how many children you want to see.
- We match families to it. About 300 children are waiting, so your caseload fills right away. We group families close together so you spend your day on therapy, not on highways.
- You see children where they live and learn. Homes, schools and daycares. Our office is administrative only.
- You document each visit and are paid per completed visit. Documentation is electronic, with templates and training.
- You are not on your own. Clinical mentorship and supervision are real here, and assistants work with an accessible supervising therapist, following Florida requirements.
Who thrives in this model
You will probably love it if you
- want real control over your schedule and how much you work
- plan your own week well and like working independently
- want to add pediatric visits alongside another job, school schedule or family life
- like being part of families’ lives at home, in schools and at daycare
A W-2 job may suit you better if you
- need employer-provided health insurance or paid time off
- want a fixed salary that does not change with your visits
- would rather not manage your own taxes
Questions therapists ask us
Is 1099 work legal for therapists in Florida?
Yes. Licensed therapists and assistants in Florida work as independent contractors across home health and community-based therapy. Your license requirements are the same either way.
How am I paid at AMP?
Per visit you complete. We discuss compensation openly in your first conversation with our team; we do not post pay on the website.
Can I work part-time or keep another job?
Yes. You choose your caseload size, whether that is a full week or a few afternoons. If you have another employer, check their rules on outside work.
Are new graduates a good fit for 1099 work?
They can be. New graduates at AMP get a mentorship pairing, clinical supervision and a caseload sized for building confidence.
How fast will my caseload fill?
About 300 children are waiting for a therapist across our service areas, so the caseload you ask for fills right away.
Who handles my taxes?
You do. Nothing is withheld, and you receive a 1099 form at year end. Many contractors work with a tax professional and make estimated payments during the year.
This guide is general information, not tax or legal advice. For your own situation, talk to a tax professional.
Apply
One short application covers every discipline. Have your resume ready, PDF or Word.
Not ready to apply? Email the recruiting team at join@amptherapyfl.com.