Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Taos, NM: $43.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Taos, NM runs $43.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $91,436 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Taos's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,856 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Taos, New Mexico, physical therapists earn a median hourly rate of $43.96, which falls below the national hourly median of $50.62. This discrepancy may influence the choices of part-time or per-diem workers looking for flexible schedules in various settings, such as outpatient clinic gyms, hospital rehabilitation units, or skilled nursing facilities. The hourly range extends from $35.36 for entry-level positions to $53.69 for those at the top of their field, highlighting the potential for growth within the profession. With four physical therapists currently practicing in this area, these figures illustrate that while opportunities exist, earning potential may be somewhat limited compared to national averages, affecting how professionals plan their careers in Taos and NM.
About the Taos 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) | $35.36 | $282.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.00 | $304.02 |
| Median (P50) | $43.96 | $351.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.03 | $400.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.69 | $429.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Taos
Based on $43.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.96/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Taos, NM can expect to earn approximately $91,427 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,746. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Taos.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Taos
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,758.21 | $7,619 | $91,427 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,054.93 | $4,571 | $54,856 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $703.29 | $3,048 | $36,571 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Taos) | $43.96 |
| 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 Taos, NM earn a median of $91,436 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.16% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 8.00% below the New Mexico state average of $99,387.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.96/hr = $54,856/year (purchasing power: $58,110).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $91,427/year (purchasing power: $96,851).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Taos (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Taos grew 14.9% from $37.34/hr (2019) to $42.90/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.04/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 Taos 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 Taos
Evaluating the part-time earning potential for those working three days a week, a physical therapist might expect to take home a considerably lower annual income than their full-time counterparts. Although per-diem physical therapist pay in Taos can vary, many specialists in the region bill anywhere from $50 to $75 per hour for short-term assignments. For traveling physical therapists, weekly contracts can yield between $1,800 and $2,800, including stipends that enhance overall compensation. Variations in hourly rates across employer types in Taos reflect differing expectations; for example, those at outpatient orthopedic clinics may see different earnings compared to hospital inpatient rehab settings or skilled nursing facilities. Accepting lower hourly pay for roles tied to health benefits can be a strategic choice for many, showcasing the trade-offs within the field. Negotiating terms in this local environment, particularly emphasizing experience and specialization, can enable physical therapists to maximize their hourly compensation in this evolving landscape of healthcare in Taos.
More salary data for Taos, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Taos in 2026?
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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 Taos. 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 Taos 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