Healthcare New Mexico (NM) Rank #33 of 50

Physician Assistant Salary in New Mexico

The median physician assistant salary in New Mexico is $114,669 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $126,010.

Median Salary
$114,669
vs National
$-11,341
State Rank
#33 of 50
Cost of Living
93%

Physician Assistant Salary Overview in New Mexico (2026)

New Mexico ranks #33 out of 50 states for physician assistant compensation. Physician Assistant salaries in New Mexico are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $114,669 per year, physician assistants in New Mexico earn $11,341 less than the national median of $126,010.

A key advantage of working in New Mexico is its below-average cost of living (93% of the national index). This means the $114,669 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $123,300 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in New Mexico is significant: physician assistants at the 10th percentile earn $76,440, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $158,340 — a $81,900 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 $136,091.

Nationally, physician assistant employment is projected to grow 28% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in New Mexico and beyond.

Physician Assistant Salary in New Mexico by Experience

In New Mexico, an entry-level physician assistant earns around $80,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $147,420 per year. The cost of living index in New Mexico is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$80,080
$-7,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$114,660
$-11,340 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$147,420
$-14,580 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in New Mexico

Percentile NM Salary
10th Percentile $76,440
25th Percentile $96,460
Median (50th) $114,669
75th Percentile $137,410
90th Percentile $158,340

Physician Assistant Salary by City in New Mexico

The largest employment areas for physician assistants 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 Physician Assistant in New Mexico

Education

Most physician assistant positions require a master's degree. New Mexico has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Clinical AssessmentPharmacologySurgical AssistingPatient CommunicationEMR SystemsDiagnosis

Job Outlook in New Mexico

Nationally, physician assistant employment is projected to grow 28% 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: Physician Assistant Salary in New Mexico

How much does a Physician Assistant make in New Mexico? ▼
The median physician assistant salary in New Mexico is $114,669 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $126,010. Salaries range from $76,440 (10th percentile) to $158,340 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physician Assistant make per hour in New Mexico? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $114,669, a physician assistant in New Mexico earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is New Mexico a good state for physician assistants? ▼
New Mexico ranks #33 out of 50 states for physician assistant pay. The cost of living index is 93% of the national average. Entry-level physician assistants earn $80,080, while senior professionals earn $147,420.
How does New Mexico compare to other states for physician assistant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for physician assistants is Hawaii at $224,298. New Mexico's median of $114,669 ranks #33 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Ohio ($115,929) and Louisiana ($114,669).
What is the entry-level physician assistant salary in New Mexico? ▼
An entry-level physician assistant in New Mexico earns approximately $80,080 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $114,660. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $147,420.
What city in New Mexico pays physician assistants the most? ▼
Santa Fe is the highest paying city in New Mexico for physician assistants, with a median salary of $136,091. Other cities include Albuquerque and Las Cruces.