Farmington vs Los Alamos: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Farmington, NM and Los Alamos, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Farmington, NM | Los Alamos, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,677▲ | $91,607 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.40▲ | $44.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,863 | $73,974▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,704▲ | $79,399 |
| 75th Percentile | $127,225▲ | $106,404 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $139,335▲ | $115,332 |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Farmington, NM offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Alamos.
The salary gap between Farmington and Los Alamos is $9,070 (9.90%). Farmington's median is -4.38% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Farmington spans $70,472,Los Alamos spans $41,358. Farmington has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Farmington ($114,788 effective) pays 18.29% more than Los Alamos ($97,041 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Farmington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,677/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($139,335)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,788)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Los Alamos if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Farmington grew 11.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.9% growth in Los Alamos over the same period.
Farmington, NM
$87,990 (2019) → $98,260 (2025)
Los Alamos, NM
$85,267 (2024) → $89,408 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Farmington, NM
Los Alamos, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Farmington or Los Alamos?
What is the hourly rate difference between Farmington and Los Alamos?
Should I relocate from Farmington to Los Alamos as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Farmington vs Los Alamos?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov