Las Vegas vs Santa Fe: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Las Vegas, NM and Santa Fe, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Las Vegas, NM | Santa Fe, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $92,392 | $127,942▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.42 | $61.51▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,332 | $99,970▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,040 | $105,882▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $102,982 | $145,924▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $117,557 | $156,088▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 80▲ |
Verdict
Santa Fe, NM offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Las Vegas.
The salary gap between Las Vegas and Santa Fe is $35,550 (38.48%). Santa Fe's median is +21.52% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Las Vegas spans $41,225,Santa Fe spans $56,118. Santa Fe has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Santa Fe ($129,539 effective) pays 32.35% more than Las Vegas ($97,873 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Las Vegas if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Fe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($127,942/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($156,088)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $129,539)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Las Vegas grew 4.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 37.1% growth in Santa Fe over the same period.
Las Vegas, NM
$85,998 (2024) → $90,174 (2025)
Santa Fe, NM
$91,090 (2019) → $124,870 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Las Vegas, NM
Santa Fe, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Las Vegas or Santa Fe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Las Vegas and Santa Fe?
Should I relocate from Las Vegas to Santa Fe as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Las Vegas vs Santa Fe?
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