Healthcare Albuquerque, NM Pop. 564,559

Physical Therapist Salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The median physical therapist salary in Albuquerque, NM is $90,880 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 2.2% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$90,880
vs State Avg
+$1,955
vs National
$-6,840
Cost of Living
95%

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

Albuquerque offers a median physical therapist salary of $90,880, which is $1,955 above the New Mexico state average of $88,925. Compared to the national median of $97,720, 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 physical therapists in Albuquerque spans from $62,124 at the 10th percentile to $121,086 at the 90th percentile — a $58,962 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $63,240, while senior physical therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $119,040. 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.

Physical Therapist Salary in Albuquerque by Experience

In Albuquerque, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $63,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $119,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$63,240
$-4,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$91,140
$-6,860 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$119,040
$-8,960 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Albuquerque, NM

Percentile Albuquerque
10th Percentile $62,124
25th Percentile $74,586
Median (50th) $90,880
75th Percentile $108,252
90th Percentile $121,086

Physical Therapist Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$105,538
Pop. 87,505
Rio Rancho, NM
$87,948
Pop. 104,046
Las Cruces, NM
$84,039
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$78,176
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Albuquerque

Education

Most physical therapist positions require a doctoral degree. Albuquerque and the surrounding New Mexico area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Manual TherapyExercise PrescriptionPatient AssessmentRehabilitationAnatomyDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, physical therapist employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Albuquerque may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physical Therapist Jobs in Albuquerque

Browse open physical therapist positions in Albuquerque, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Albuquerque

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
The median physical therapist salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico is $90,880 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $62,124 (10th percentile) to $121,086 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in Albuquerque? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $90,880, a physical therapist in Albuquerque earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Albuquerque compare to the New Mexico state average for physical therapist pay? ▼
Albuquerque's median physical therapist salary of $90,880 is 2.2% above the New Mexico state average of $88,925. 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 physical therapist salary of $90,880 in Albuquerque has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physical therapist in Albuquerque? ▼
Most physical therapist positions in Albuquerque require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Manual Therapy, Exercise Prescription, Patient Assessment, Rehabilitation. The job market is projected to grow 15% nationally over the next decade.