How Much Does a Physical Therapist Make in New Mexico in 2026?

A typical Physical Therapist in New Mexico earns about $51.38 per hour ($106,880 per year), according to the latest government wage data (May 2025). That works out to roughly $8,907 a month, or about $2,055 a week, calculated from the annual figure.

That works out to 4% above the national typical pay of $102,760 a year for Physical Therapists, per the same data. New Mexico ranks 6th out of 51 states for this occupation. About 1,330 Physical Therapists work across the state, a workforce size that helps put the pay figures in perspective.

Entry-level positions in New Mexico typically offer around $37.15 an hour, or about $77,260 a year, for Physical Therapists just starting out. Pay generally moves toward the state's typical figure of $106,880 within the first several years of practice. That climb usually reflects added clinical experience and specialty certifications gained along the way.

Experienced Physical Therapists in New Mexico often earn upwards of $70.38 an hour, or $146,400 a year, once they reach the top of the field. The top 10% of earners make over that figure, compared with just $77,260 for those starting out, a spread of $69,140. Setting, years of experience, and city all play into where an individual lands within that range.

New Mexico's typical pay for Physical Therapists climbed from $87,930 in 2015 to $106,880 in 2025, a gain of $18,950. That's a 22% rise over the decade, according to the same wage data. The increase came steadily, with a small dip in 2019 before climbing again through 2025.

That 22% rise matches the national decade increase for Physical Therapists, so New Mexico's gains kept pace with the country as a whole rather than pulling ahead or falling behind. For someone entering the field now, the past decade shows pay has moved steadily upward, though nothing about future increases is guaranteed.

Pay runs highest in Santa Fe, where Physical Therapists typically earn $124,870 a year ($60.03 an hour), about 17% above the state figure. Las Cruces follows closely at $120,350 a year ($57.86 an hour). Both cities post pay well above the statewide typical figure of $106,880.

The lowest pay in the state is in Farmington, at $98,260 a year ($47.24 an hour), putting the spread between the highest- and lowest-paying cities at $26,610. Albuquerque holds the largest Physical Therapist workforce at 690, with typical pay of $103,510 a year. These figures reflect full metro-area pay, and cities with higher costs of living tend to post higher numbers.

New Mexico's typical pay outpaces all four of its neighbors. Texas comes closest at $105,810 a year, just 1% below New Mexico, while Arizona sits at $103,220 (3% lower) and Colorado at $102,030 (5% lower). Oklahoma trails furthest behind at $98,590, about 8% below New Mexico's figure. Physical Therapist licenses can often be endorsed or transferred between neighboring states, which makes comparing nearby pay worthwhile for anyone considering a move.

Physical Therapists in New Mexico typically earn $106,880 a year ($51.38 an hour), up 22% over the past decade from $87,930 in 2015. That puts the state 4% above the national figure and 6th among all states for this occupation. Anyone pursuing licensure should check New Mexico's state licensing board for current requirements, and review city-level figures for Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Albuquerque, and Farmington to see how location affects pay.