Physical Therapist Pay

Albuquerque vs Deming: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist salaries between Albuquerque, NM and Deming, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Albuquerque, NM
$106,056
$50.98/hr
Deming, NM
$92,737
$44.58/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAlbuquerque, NMDeming, NM
Median Salary$106,056$92,737
Hourly Rate$50.98$44.58
Entry Level (P10)$79,478$76,793
25th Percentile$90,636$81,764
75th Percentile$129,714$107,051
Top Earner (P90)$138,649$115,679
Total Employed6904
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Albuquerque ($106,056) and Deming ($92,737) physical therapist salaries.AlbuquerqueDemingMedian Salary$106,056$92,737Entry Level (P10)$79,478$76,793Top Earner (P90)$138,649$115,679US Median $105,288

Verdict

Albuquerque, NM offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Deming.

The salary gap between Albuquerque and Deming is $13,319 (14.36%). Albuquerque's median is +0.73% compared to the US national median of $105,288.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albuquerque spans $59,171,Deming spans $38,886. Albuquerque has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Albuquerque
P10 (Entry)$79,478
P25$90,636
Median$106,056
P75$129,714
P90 (Top)$138,649
Deming
P10 (Entry)$76,793
P25$81,764
Median$92,737
P75$107,051
P90 (Top)$115,679

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Albuquerque ($111,000 effective) pays 12.99% more than Deming ($98,238 effective).

Albuquerque
Nominal: $106,056
CoL Index: 95.546
Adjusted: $111,000
Deming
Nominal: $92,737
CoL Index: 94.4
Adjusted: $98,238

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Albuquerque if…

  • Higher median salary ($106,056/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($138,649)
  • Larger job market (690 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,000)
  • You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle

Choose Deming if…

  • You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Albuquerque grew 22.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.9% growth in Deming over the same period.

Albuquerque, NM

+22.6%

$84,410 (2019) → $103,510 (2025)

Deming, NM

+4.9%

$86,318 (2024) → $90,510 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: Albuquerque or Deming?

Albuquerque has a higher median physical therapist salary at $106,056/year, compared to Deming at $92,737/year — a difference of $13,319 (14.36%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Albuquerque and Deming?

Albuquerque physical therapists earn $50.98/hr while Deming hygienists earn $44.58/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Albuquerque to Deming as a physical therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Albuquerque and Deming. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Albuquerque = $111,000, Deming = $98,238), job availability (690 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Albuquerque vs Deming?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $79,478 in Albuquerque and $76,793 in Deming. The Albuquerque area offers higher starting salaries.
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Written by Alex Morgan, DPT

Career Analyst

Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.

Clinically reviewed by Jordan Lee, DPTData verified by Maria Garcia, DPT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov