Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Albuquerque, NM: $50.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Albuquerque, NM runs $50.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $106,056 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Albuquerque's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.5, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $53.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,628 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Albuquerque, the projected physical therapist hourly rate for 2026 is $50.98, which is slightly above the national median of $50.62. This rate provides a solid foundation for both full-time and part-time work arrangements. For those looking to work part-time, such as three days per week, the pay can still prove competitive, particularly in outpatient clinics, sports performance centers, and home health services. Per-diem physical therapists can expect to earn within a range from $38.21 for entry-level positions up to $66.66 for experienced professionals. This official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data captures a broad spectrum of opportunities, reflecting the diverse settings in which physical therapists operate across Albuquerque, NM.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.21 | $305.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.58 | $348.61 |
| Median (P50) | $50.98 | $407.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62.37 | $498.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.66 | $533.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Albuquerque
Based on $50.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.98/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Albuquerque, NM can expect to earn approximately $106,047 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,181. With a cost-of-living index of 95.55 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Albuquerque.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Albuquerque
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,039.36 | $8,837 | $106,047 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,223.62 | $5,302 | $63,628 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $815.75 | $3,535 | $42,419 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Albuquerque) | $50.98 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Chiropractor (National Avg) | $36.85 |
| Exercise Physiologist (National Avg) | $26.75 |
Physical Therapists in Albuquerque, NM earn a median of $106,056 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.73% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 6.70% above the New Mexico state average of $99,397.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.98/hr = $63,628/year (purchasing power: $66,594).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $106,047/year (purchasing power: $110,990).
CoL index: 95.546 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Albuquerque (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Albuquerque grew 22.6% from $40.58/hr (2019) to $49.76/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.24/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Albuquerque 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.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist in Albuquerque
When considering annual earnings potential, a physical therapist working part-time for three days a week, approximately 24 hours, could see their take-home pay significantly differ from those in full-time roles. For example, part-time therapists would bring in around $62,740 annually, depending on their specific hourly engagements. Many per-diem physical therapists can also find lucrative options, billing anywhere from $50 to $75 per hour, while travel contracts can further enhance earnings, with some positions offering weekly rates between $1,800 and $2,800. The variability in hourly rates among different employer types in Albuquerque, including outpatient orthopedic chains and skilled nursing facilities, reflects how therapists may better negotiate their pay based on the benefits offered. For those in need of health insurance, accepting a slightly lower hourly rate might be a strategic trade-off compared to cash-pay models that promise a higher hourly wage but often come without benefits. Understanding the local job market and leveraging insights is essential for negotiating a favorable position in Albuquerque's dynamic landscape of physical therapist hourly pay.
More salary data for Albuquerque, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Albuquerque in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Albuquerque?
Are physical therapists in Albuquerque paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Albuquerque?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Albuquerque?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapists in Albuquerque. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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