Las Cruces vs Roswell: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Las Cruces, NM and Roswell, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Las Cruces, NM | Roswell, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $123,311▲ | $97,501 |
| Hourly Rate | $59.28▲ | $46.88 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,386▲ | $73,623 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,608▲ | $80,910 |
| 75th Percentile | $136,139▲ | $112,978 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $167,573▲ | $122,796 |
| Total Employed | 200▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Las Cruces, NM offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Roswell.
The salary gap between Las Cruces and Roswell is $25,810 (26.47%). 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 Las Cruces spans $88,187,Roswell spans $49,173. Las Cruces has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Las Cruces ($136,690 effective) pays 32.34% more than Roswell ($103,285 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Las Cruces if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($123,311/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($167,573)
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $136,690)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Roswell if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Las Cruces grew 25.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.9% growth in Roswell over the same period.
Las Cruces, NM
$96,150 (2019) → $120,350 (2025)
Roswell, NM
$90,752 (2024) → $95,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Las Cruces, NM
Roswell, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Las Cruces or Roswell?
What is the hourly rate difference between Las Cruces and Roswell?
Should I relocate from Las Cruces to Roswell as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Las Cruces vs Roswell?
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