Healthcare Las Cruces, NM Pop. 111,385

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Las Cruces, NM is $56,261 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 5.5% below the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$56,261
vs State Avg
$-3,271
vs National
$-9,159
Cost of Living
88%

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

Las Cruces offers a median occupational therapy assistant salary of $56,261, which is $3,271 below the New Mexico state average of $59,532. Compared to the national median of $65,420, 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 $56,261 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $63,933 in an average-cost city. This makes Las Cruces an attractive option for occupational therapy assistants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for occupational therapy assistants in Las Cruces spans from $36,120 at the 10th percentile to $79,120 at the 90th percentile — a $43,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,840, while senior occupational therapy assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,680. With a population of 111,385, Las Cruces is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Las Cruces by Experience

In Las Cruces, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $37,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,680 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,840
$-6,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,760
$-9,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$75,680
$-12,320 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Las Cruces, NM

Percentile Las Cruces
10th Percentile $36,120
25th Percentile $44,720
Median (50th) $56,261
75th Percentile $68,800
90th Percentile $79,120

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$70,654
Pop. 87,505
Albuquerque, NM
$60,841
Pop. 564,559
Rio Rancho, NM
$58,878
Pop. 104,046
Roswell, NM
$52,336
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Las Cruces

Education

Most occupational therapy assistant positions require a associate's degree. Las Cruces and the surrounding New Mexico area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Therapeutic ExercisesPatient CareDocumentationCommunicationAdaptabilityCompassion

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational therapy assistant employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Las Cruces may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Las Cruces

Browse open occupational therapy assistant positions in Las Cruces, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Las Cruces

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in Las Cruces, NM? ▼
The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico is $56,261 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $36,120 (10th percentile) to $79,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in Las Cruces? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,261, a occupational therapy assistant in Las Cruces earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Las Cruces compare to the New Mexico state average for occupational therapy assistant pay? ▼
Las Cruces's median occupational therapy assistant salary of $56,261 is 5.5% below the New Mexico state average of $59,532. 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 therapy assistant salary of $56,261 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 therapy assistant in Las Cruces? ▼
Most occupational therapy assistant positions in Las Cruces require a associate's degree. Key skills include Therapeutic Exercises, Patient Care, Documentation, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 25% nationally over the next decade.