Healthcare Albuquerque, NM Pop. 564,559

Occupational Therapist Salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The median occupational therapist salary in Albuquerque, NM is $86,657 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 2.2% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$86,657
vs State Avg
+$1,863
vs National
$-6,523
Cost of Living
95%

Occupational Therapist Pay in Albuquerque: What to Expect (2026)

Albuquerque offers a median occupational therapist salary of $86,657, which is $1,863 above the New Mexico state average of $84,794. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Albuquerque pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Albuquerque's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Albuquerque spans from $57,660 at the 10th percentile to $118,584 at the 90th percentile — a $60,924 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,520, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $111,600. As a major metro area with a population of 564,559, Albuquerque typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Albuquerque by Experience

In Albuquerque, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $59,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $111,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,520
$-4,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$86,490
$-6,510 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$111,600
$-8,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Albuquerque, NM

Percentile Albuquerque
10th Percentile $57,660
25th Percentile $71,796
Median (50th) $86,657
75th Percentile $102,114
90th Percentile $118,584

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$100,634
Pop. 87,505
Rio Rancho, NM
$83,862
Pop. 104,046
Las Cruces, NM
$80,135
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$74,544
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Albuquerque

Education

Most occupational therapist positions require a master's degree. Albuquerque and the surrounding New Mexico area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Therapeutic ActivitiesPatient AssessmentAdaptive EquipmentDocumentationRehabilitationCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational therapist employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Albuquerque may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Albuquerque

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Albuquerque, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Albuquerque

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico is $86,657 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $57,660 (10th percentile) to $118,584 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Albuquerque? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $86,657, a occupational therapist in Albuquerque earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Albuquerque compare to the New Mexico state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
Albuquerque's median occupational therapist salary of $86,657 is 2.2% above the New Mexico state average of $84,794. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
Albuquerque has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $86,657 in Albuquerque has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Albuquerque? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in Albuquerque require a master's degree. Key skills include Therapeutic Activities, Patient Assessment, Adaptive Equipment, Documentation. The job market is projected to grow 12% nationally over the next decade.