Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Taos, NM: $29.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Taos, NM runs $29.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,005 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Taos's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,603 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Taos, New Mexico, physical therapist assistants can expect a median hourly pay of $29.33, which is notably below the national median of $33.77. This hourly rate provides a decent income for those considering part-time positions, particularly if working three days a week in various healthcare settings. Opportunities abound in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health environments, allowing PTAs to tailor their schedules to fit personal needs. The hourly range within Taos spans from $21.95 for entry-level positions to $35.65 for more experienced practitioners, reflecting the varied demand and skill levels in this profession. Given the region's relatively lower cost of living index, these rates may afford PTAs a stable financial lifestyle, despite being lower than national counterparts.
About the Taos Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.95 | $175.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.45 | $211.62 |
| Median (P50) | $29.33 | $234.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.58 | $260.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.65 | $285.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Taos
Based on $29.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.33/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Taos, NM can expect to earn approximately $61,005 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,195. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Taos.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Taos
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,173.18 | $5,084 | $61,005 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $703.91 | $3,050 | $36,603 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $469.27 | $2,034 | $24,402 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Taos) | $29.33 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Massage Therapist (National Avg) | $27.10 |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Taos, NM earn a median of $61,005 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.16% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 8.00% below the New Mexico state average of $66,310.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.33/hr = $36,603/year (purchasing power: $38,774).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,005/year (purchasing power: $64,624).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Taos (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Taos grew 16.3% from $24.55/hr (2019) to $28.55/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.13/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapist assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Taos 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 2.73% 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 Assistant in Taos
For a three-day workweek, a physical therapist assistant in Taos earnings can mean an annual take-home of approximately $45,110, compared to full-time PTAs, who might make closer to $61,005 if they work 40 hours weekly. Moreover, part-time roles typically provide flexibility but may lack benefits which can be a deciding factor. Per diem arrangements, on the other hand, can offer significantly higher wages, often realizing between $32 and $48 per hour. For licensed agency or travel positions, they can expect weekly contracts ranging from $1,200 to $1,800, although recent Medicare cuts have pressured pay rates, especially in skilled nursing settings. Various employers, including hospitals and pediatric clinics, tend to offer varying rates based on the uniqueness of each organization and patient demographic. PTAs may find negotiation beneficial when discussing pay structures, emphasizing experience or additional certifications, especially in a market where benefits and hourly pay must be weighed carefully.
More salary data for Taos, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Taos in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Taos?
Are physical therapist assistants in Taos paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Taos?
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Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan 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 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapist assistants in Taos. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Taos 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 2.73%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapist assistants (SOC 31-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov