Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in South Valley, NM: $46.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in South Valley, NM runs $46.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $96,252 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against South Valley's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,746 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in South Valley, NM, can expect a median hourly pay of $46.27, which is notably lower than the national median of $50.62. This hourly pay reflects the potential earnings available to part-time professionals who work about three days a week in various settings such as outpatient clinics, home health visits, or skilled nursing facilities. For therapists just starting their careers, hourly rates can begin at approximately $33.96, while more experienced professionals can earn up to $59.97 hourly, showcasing the range of pay based on experience and specialization. These figures, estimated from annual salary data, indicate the financial landscape facing physical therapists in the area and can influence their decisions regarding part-time versus full-time employment.
About the South Valley Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.96 | $271.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.49 | $323.94 |
| Median (P50) | $46.27 | $370.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.65 | $437.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.97 | $479.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Valley
Based on $46.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.27/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Valley, NM can expect to earn approximately $96,244 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,525. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in South Valley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Valley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,850.84 | $8,020 | $96,244 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,110.50 | $4,812 | $57,746 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $740.33 | $3,208 | $38,497 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (South Valley) | $46.27 |
| 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 South Valley, NM earn a median of $96,252 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.58% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 3.20% below the New Mexico state average of $99,434.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.27/hr = $57,746/year (purchasing power: $61,172).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $96,244/year (purchasing power: $101,953).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in South Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in South Valley grew 14.9% from $39.31/hr (2019) to $45.16/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.41/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 South Valley 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 South Valley
Focusing on practical implications, a part-time physical therapist working 24 hours a week in South Valley might take home significantly less annually than their full-time counterparts, impacting their financial stability. Per diem physical therapists in the region often charge between $50 and $75 per hour, and travel positions can command weekly pay ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, including additional stipends. This variation indicates that while traditional hourly roles may seem less lucrative, opportunities within agency or locum tenens assignments could be financially rewarding. Hourly rates can also differ based on employer types; outpatient orthopedic clinics might offer lower base salaries compared to hospitals, which often provide comprehensive benefits. Understanding these contrasts allows physical therapists to negotiate effectively, balancing hourly compensation with the benefits provided, especially in a market where many value job security and healthcare coverage in exchange for lower pay.
More salary data for South Valley, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in South Valley in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in South Valley?
Are physical therapists in South Valley paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in South Valley?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in South Valley?
Related Pages
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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 South Valley. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for South Valley 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