Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Santa Fe, NM: $61.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Santa Fe, NM runs $61.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $127,942 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Santa Fe's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.8, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $62.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,760 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Santa Fe, the median physical therapist hourly pay stands at $61.51, significantly surpassing the national median of $50.62. This rate provides a substantial income opportunity for part-time workers, such as those operating three days a week, while also benefiting per-diem therapists working in various settings, including outpatient clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and sports performance centers. The hourly earnings for physical therapists in this region range from $48.06 for entry-level positions to $75.04 for top earners. These figures reflect official data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which indicates the promising financial landscape for physical therapists in the area.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48.06 | $384.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.90 | $407.22 |
| Median (P50) | $61.51 | $492.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.15 | $561.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75.04 | $600.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Fe
Based on $61.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.51/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Fe, NM can expect to earn approximately $127,934 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,808. With a cost-of-living index of 98.77 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Santa Fe.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Fe
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,460.27 | $10,661 | $127,934 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,476.16 | $6,397 | $76,760 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $984.11 | $4,264 | $51,174 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Santa Fe) | $61.51 |
| 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 Santa Fe, NM earn a median of $127,942 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.52% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 28.70% above the New Mexico state average of $99,411.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.51/hr = $76,760/year (purchasing power: $77,719).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $127,934/year (purchasing power: $129,531).
CoL index: 98.767 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$43.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Santa Fe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Santa Fe grew 37.1% from $43.79/hr (2019) to $60.03/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.02/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 Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe
When considering part-time work, a physical therapist working 24 hours a week can expect to earn a solid income, approximately $76,051 annually, in contrast to full-time professionals. Per diem physical therapist pay in Santa Fe typically falls between $50 and $75 per hour, but travel physical therapy contracts can yield even higher earnings, ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 per week when including stipends. Hourly rates will vary depending on the type of employer, with outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offering less compared to hospital systems or specialized clinics. While some physical therapists may opt for lower-paying positions that include benefits like health insurance, others may prioritize a higher hourly rate without such perks, compelling them to seek out more flexible opportunities. Negotiating hourly wages requires an understanding of Santa Fe's job market dynamics and local employer expectations, enabling therapists to maximize their potential earnings.
More salary data for Santa Fe, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Santa Fe in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Santa Fe?
Are physical therapists in Santa Fe paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Santa Fe?
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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 Santa Fe. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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