Physical Therapist Salary in Gallup, NM: $92,408 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Gallup, NM earns a median $92,408/year (≈ $44.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Gallup's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 94.4), that paycheck buys what $97,890 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.0% below the New Mexico state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gallup, New Mexico, physical therapist salaries reflect a growing trend influenced by the cash-pay orthopedic specialty market, which can significantly elevate top-end earnings. With a projected median annual salary of $92,408 for 2026, physical therapists in this region earn comparatively less than the national median of $105,288, highlighting a disparity in compensation that may be attributed to local demand and insurance reimbursement structures. The local salary range spans from $76,370 at the 10th percentile to an impressive $114,658 at the 90th percentile. These figures come from estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, offering a relevant snapshot of the earnings landscape for physical therapy professionals in Gallup, NM.
About the Gallup Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,370 | $36.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,071 | $38.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $92,408 | $44.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $108,254 | $52.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114,658 | $55.12 |
Median Salary Position
12.23% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gallup
In Gallup, NM, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,288 (2026 est.). At $92,408, the local median is 12.23% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gallup: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Gallup Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Gallup median: $92,408/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gallup Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Average | $99,363 | -7.00% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -12.23% less |
Physical Therapists in Gallup, NM earn a median of $92,408 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.23% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 7.00% below the New Mexico state average of $99,363.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gallup has a cost of living 5.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Gallup, NM has a cost-of-living index of 94.4 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $92,408 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $97,890 in an average-cost city — an effective 5.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$78,498
2025 BLS Actual
$90,189
2026 Current Est.
$92,408
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Gallup (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $78,498 | Actual |
| 2020 | $79,876 | Actual |
| 2021 | $83,922 | Actual |
| 2022 | $85,766 | Actual |
| 2023 | $87,512 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,012 | Actual |
| 2025 | $90,189 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,408 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,681 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gallup metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $78,498 (2019) to $90,189 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $94,681 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,183 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gallup 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $76,370 – $81,071 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,071 – $92,408 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $92,408 – $108,254 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $108,254 – $114,658 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Gallup
In terms of job availability, Gallup employs four physical therapists, which suggests a niche market that may not yet be saturated, potentially benefiting those looking to establish a foothold. With a cost-of-living index of 94.4, the financial reality for practitioners reveals that while local salaries seem lower in comparison to the national figures, the purchasing power might be more favorable. Among local employers, outpatient orthopedic clinics, including private practices like Athletico and larger chains, often provide competitive pay structures, bolstered by productivity bonuses. Factors contributing to pay variability include reimbursement models and the increasing prominence of cash-pay structures, which may allow for better compensation without insurance constraints. To maximize earnings, physical therapists in Gallup should consider specializing in high-demand areas, obtaining board certifications such as OCS or SCS, and aligning their practice model with the prevailing preference for either cash-pay or insurance-based services.
More salary data for Gallup, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Gallup?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $90,189 for physical therapistsin the Gallup metropolitan area. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Gallup 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