Healthcare New Mexico (NM) Rank #33 of 50

Physical Therapist Salary in New Mexico

The median physical therapist salary in New Mexico is $88,925 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $97,720.

Median Salary
$88,925
vs National
$-8,795
State Rank
#33 of 50
Cost of Living
93%

Physical Therapist Salary Overview in New Mexico (2026)

New Mexico ranks #33 out of 50 states for physical therapist compensation. Physical Therapist salaries in New Mexico are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $88,925 per year, physical therapists in New Mexico earn $8,795 less than the national median of $97,720.

A key advantage of working in New Mexico is its below-average cost of living (93% of the national index). This means the $88,925 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $95,618 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in New Mexico is significant: physical therapists at the 10th percentile earn $60,788, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $118,482 — a $57,694 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in New Mexico for this role is Santa Fe, where the median reaches $105,538.

Nationally, physical therapist employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in New Mexico and beyond.

Physical Therapist Salary in New Mexico by Experience

In New Mexico, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $61,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $116,480 per year. The cost of living index in New Mexico is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$61,880
$-6,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$89,180
$-8,820 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$116,480
$-11,520 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in New Mexico

Percentile NM Salary
10th Percentile $60,788
25th Percentile $72,982
Median (50th) $88,925
75th Percentile $105,924
90th Percentile $118,482

Physical Therapist Salary by City in New Mexico

The largest employment areas for physical therapists in New Mexico include Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, and Santa Fe. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Physical Therapist in New Mexico

Education

Most physical therapist positions require a doctoral degree. New Mexico has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Manual TherapyExercise PrescriptionPatient AssessmentRehabilitationAnatomyDocumentation

Job Outlook in New Mexico

Nationally, physical therapist employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). New Mexico's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in New Mexico

How much does a Physical Therapist make in New Mexico? ▼
The median physical therapist salary in New Mexico is $88,925 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $60,788 (10th percentile) to $118,482 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in New Mexico? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $88,925, a physical therapist in New Mexico earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is New Mexico a good state for physical therapists? ▼
New Mexico ranks #33 out of 50 states for physical therapist pay. The cost of living index is 93% of the national average. Entry-level physical therapists earn $61,880, while senior professionals earn $116,480.
How does New Mexico compare to other states for physical therapist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for physical therapists is Hawaii at $173,942. New Mexico's median of $88,925 ranks #33 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Ohio ($89,902) and Louisiana ($88,925).
What is the entry-level physical therapist salary in New Mexico? ▼
An entry-level physical therapist in New Mexico earns approximately $61,880 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $89,180. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $116,480.
What city in New Mexico pays physical therapists the most? ▼
Santa Fe is the highest paying city in New Mexico for physical therapists, with a median salary of $105,538. Other cities include Albuquerque and Las Cruces.