Healthcare Las Cruces, NM Pop. 111,385

Occupational Therapist Salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico

The median occupational therapist salary in Las Cruces, NM is $80,135 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 5.5% below the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$80,135
vs State Avg
$-4,659
vs National
$-13,045
Cost of Living
88%

Occupational Therapist Pay in Las Cruces: What to Expect (2026)

Las Cruces offers a median occupational therapist salary of $80,135, which is $4,659 below the New Mexico state average of $84,794. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Las Cruces pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Las Cruces's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $80,135 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $91,063 in an average-cost city. This makes Las Cruces an attractive option for occupational therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Las Cruces spans from $53,320 at the 10th percentile to $109,659 at the 90th percentile — a $56,339 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,040, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $103,200. With a population of 111,385, Las Cruces is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Las Cruces by Experience

In Las Cruces, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $55,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,040
$-8,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,980
$-13,020 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$103,200
$-16,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Las Cruces, NM

Percentile Las Cruces
10th Percentile $53,320
25th Percentile $66,392
Median (50th) $80,135
75th Percentile $94,428
90th Percentile $109,659

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$100,634
Pop. 87,505
Albuquerque, NM
$86,657
Pop. 564,559
Rio Rancho, NM
$83,862
Pop. 104,046
Roswell, NM
$74,544
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Las Cruces

Education

Most occupational therapist positions require a master's degree. Las Cruces 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 Las Cruces may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Las Cruces

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Las Cruces, NM:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Las Cruces

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Las Cruces, NM? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico is $80,135 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $53,320 (10th percentile) to $109,659 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Las Cruces? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,135, a occupational therapist in Las Cruces earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Las Cruces compare to the New Mexico state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
Las Cruces's median occupational therapist salary of $80,135 is 5.5% below the New Mexico state average of $84,794. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Las Cruces, NM? ▼
Las Cruces has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $80,135 in Las Cruces has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Las Cruces? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in Las Cruces 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.