What to Pay a Physical Therapist in Albuquerque, NM (2026)
How to set your PT pay range in Albuquerque
Three pay positions, modeled against current Albuquerque market data. Pick the one that matches your comp philosophy and the role's strategic value.
PT salary percentile distribution in Albuquerque, NM
Where the Albuquerque market actually sits for PT base pay.
Most Albuquerque employers building a range for this role anchor the midpoint to the market median ($86,000) and set range width at 30–35% — a min of $75,000 and a max of $99,000. This keeps the band wide enough for experience-based progression without concentrating range penetration at the cap.
New Mexico pay transparency compliance for PT job postings
What you must post when hiring a PT in New Mexico.
For a PT role in Albuquerque, a compliant good-faith range looks like $75,000 to $99,000. No statutory requirement applies, but if you disclose voluntarily, post a good-faith range of $75,000–$99,000 rather than a single number — it screens out misaligned candidates and reduces offer-stage fallout.
Top PT employers in Albuquerque — who you're competing against
Top healthcare employers hiring PTs in the Albuquerque metro and what they're posting.
| Employer | Type | Disclosed Range | Sign-on Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNM Health / UNM Hospital | Academic medical center / Level I trauma | $81K–$101K | Very common ($8K–$15K) |
| Presbyterian Healthcare Services | Integrated health system | $81K–$101K | Very common ($8K–$15K) |
| Lovelace Health System (Ardent) | Health system | $81K–$101K | Very common ($8K–$15K) |
| UNM Children's Hospital | Pediatric specialty | $81K–$101K | Very common ($8K–$15K) |
| Sandoval Regional Medical Center | Hospital | $77K–$98K | Very common ($8K–$15K) |
PT talent supply and hiring difficulty in Albuquerque
How hard is it to fill a PT role in Albuquerque.
Albuquerque physical therapist market spans outpatient orthopedic, hospital inpatient rehab, home health, and skilled nursing. Outpatient orthopedic PT drives the largest employment share.
Skill premiums PT candidates command in Albuquerque, NM
| Skill / Credential | Pay Premium | Demand Signal |
|---|---|---|
| Orthopedic specialty (OCS) | +6–9% | Very high |
| Neurologic specialty (NCS) | +6–9% | High — stroke/TBI centers |
| Sports specialty (SCS) | +6–9% | High — collegiate/pro affiliations |
| Pelvic health specialty | +5–8% | Growing |
PT total compensation in Albuquerque — what candidates expect beyond base
Total rewards mix for PTs in Albuquerque. "Prevalence" reflects share of Albuquerque disclosed-range postings including each element.
| Component | Typical Value | Prevalence in Albuquerque Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Base salary | $86,000 (median) | 100% |
| Productivity bonus | $5K–$15K | ~52% |
| Sign-on bonus | $5K–$12K | ~64% |
| Continuing education allowance | $1,500–$3,500/yr | ~78% |
| Loan repayment (HRSA/some employers) | $20K–$40K total | ~28% |
| Estimated total comp benchmark | ~$100K–$117K | — |
Shift differentials and sign-on bonuses are typically table stakes rather than differentiators. Tuition reimbursement for LPN-to-RN bridge programs is increasingly the lever that wins competitive offers, particularly for early-career candidates.
PT pay by setting in Albuquerque — SNF, hospital, clinic, home health
Where the PT range splits by employer type in the Albuquerque metro.
| Setting | Median | Competitive Range | Hiring Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outpatient orthopedic clinic | $83,000 | $74K–$95K | Moderate |
| Hospital inpatient rehab | $89,000 | $79K–$101K | Above national avg |
| Home health | $91,000 | $81K–$103K | High — rapid growth |
| Skilled nursing facility (SNF) | $88,000 | $77K–$100K | High |
| School / pediatric | $77,000 | $69K–$88K | Moderate |
FAQ: hiring a Physical Therapist in Albuquerque, NM
Related PT pay benchmarks — New Mexico metros and nearby nursing roles
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Data refreshed May 15, 2026. Next scheduled update: August 15, 2026.
© 2026 BetterComp. Market data informational only — not legal advice.