Healthcare Rio Rancho, NM Pop. 104,046

Occupational Therapist Salary in Rio Rancho, New Mexico

The median occupational therapist salary in Rio Rancho, NM is $83,862 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% below the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$83,862
vs State Avg
$-932
vs National
$-9,318
Cost of Living
92%

Occupational Therapist Pay in Rio Rancho: What to Expect (2026)

Rio Rancho offers a median occupational therapist salary of $83,862, which is $932 below the New Mexico state average of $84,794. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Rio Rancho pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Rio Rancho's cost of living is 92% 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 Rio Rancho spans from $55,800 at the 10th percentile to $114,759 at the 90th percentile — a $58,959 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,600, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $108,000. With a population of 104,046, Rio Rancho is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Rio Rancho by Experience

In Rio Rancho, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $57,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $108,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,600
$-6,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$83,700
$-9,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$108,000
$-12,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rio Rancho, NM

Percentile Rio Rancho
10th Percentile $55,800
25th Percentile $69,480
Median (50th) $83,862
75th Percentile $98,820
90th Percentile $114,759

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$100,634
Pop. 87,505
Albuquerque, NM
$86,657
Pop. 564,559
Las Cruces, NM
$80,135
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$74,544
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Rio Rancho

Education

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

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Rio Rancho

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Rio Rancho, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Rio Rancho

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Rio Rancho, NM? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Rio Rancho, New Mexico is $83,862 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $55,800 (10th percentile) to $114,759 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Rio Rancho? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $83,862, a occupational therapist in Rio Rancho earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rio Rancho compare to the New Mexico state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
Rio Rancho's median occupational therapist salary of $83,862 is 1.1% below the New Mexico state average of $84,794. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rio Rancho, NM? ▼
Rio Rancho has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $83,862 in Rio Rancho has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Rio Rancho? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in Rio Rancho 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.