Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Los Alamos, NM: $73,974 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Los Alamos, NM job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $73,974 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Los Alamos's local price level (BEA RPP 94.4 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,362 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($91,607) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of physical therapy in Los Alamos, NM, can realistically expect an entry-level salary averaging around $73,974 in 2026. This figure falls below the city median of $91,607, illustrating a substantial gap that entry-level therapists should consider when negotiating their first positions. Over the initial years, it's common for early-career professionals to see gradual increases, particularly as they gain experience and take on more responsibilities, with potential progression from the entry-level figure to around $79,399 within just a few years. Overall, while starting salaries in Los Alamos may not match higher-paying markets, the steady growth trajectory and a favorable local employment landscape suggest it can be an accessible market for new graduates.
About the Los Alamos Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Los Alamos
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Los Alamos
Entry-level physical therapists in Los Alamos, NM typically start between $73,974 and $79,399 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $41,358 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $91,607 — 12.99% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in New Mexico of $90,000 represents just 121.66% of the starting physical therapist pay ($73,974/year) in Los Alamos. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. Tuition varies substantially between public in-state DPT programs and private institutions; most programs require a prerequisite bachelor's degree.
PT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Los Alamos
- 1Research the Los Alamos market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $73,974 to $79,399, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in NM often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Los Alamos, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Los Alamos for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Los Alamos's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Compensation Range
The physical therapist wage spread in Los Alamos is $41,358 ( 55.91%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $73,974, experienced hygienists can earn up to $115,332.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$58,140
2025 BLS Actual
$72,198
2026 Current Est.
$73,974
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Los Alamos (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,140 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,460 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,962 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,559 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,631 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,585 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,198 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,974 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,794 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Los Alamos, NM grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $58,140 in 2019 to $72,198 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $75,794. New graduates entering the Los Alamos job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Los Alamos metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.46% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Los Alamos
Employers in Los Alamos hiring new graduates include outpatient orthopedic chains, which typically focus on structured productivity models that can lead to bonuses, and local hospital systems, often providing residency options for board certification. For those seeking better starting pay, skilled nursing facilities like Genesis or RehabCare can present attractive opportunities as they frequently offer higher salaries. Credentials such as a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from a CAPTE-accredited program, along with the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) and state licensure, are essential for employment in New Mexico. Additionally, pursuing optional fellowships or specializations can enhance earning potential. Given the evolving reimbursement landscape influenced by CMS, new professionals should anticipate a modest salary increase in the first few years as they adapt to productivity expectations and navigate their career paths in Los Alamos.
More salary data for Los Alamos, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Los Alamos in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Los Alamos?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Los Alamos?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Los Alamos?
How do I become a physical therapist in New Mexico?
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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.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Los Alamos. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Los Alamos is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.46%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapists (SOC 29-1123).
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov