Albuquerque vs Las Cruces: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Albuquerque, NM and Las Cruces, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albuquerque, NM | Las Cruces, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,056 | $123,311▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.98 | $59.28▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,478▲ | $79,386 |
| 25th Percentile | $90,636 | $98,608▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $129,714 | $136,139▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $138,649 | $167,573▲ |
| Total Employed | 690▲ | 200 |
Verdict
Las Cruces, NM offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Albuquerque.
The salary gap between Albuquerque and Las Cruces is $17,255 (16.27%). Las Cruces's median is +17.12% 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,Las Cruces spans $88,187. Las Cruces has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Las Cruces ($136,690 effective) pays 23.14% more than Albuquerque ($111,000 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albuquerque if…
- ✓Larger job market (690 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Las Cruces if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($123,311/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($167,573)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $136,690)
- ✓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 25.2% growth in Las Cruces over the same period.
Albuquerque, NM
$84,410 (2019) → $103,510 (2025)
Las Cruces, NM
$96,150 (2019) → $120,350 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albuquerque, NM
Las Cruces, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Albuquerque or Las Cruces?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albuquerque and Las Cruces?
Should I relocate from Albuquerque to Las Cruces as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Albuquerque vs Las Cruces?
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.
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