Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Los Alamos, NM: $43.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Los Alamos, NM runs $43.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,966 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Los Alamos's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,981 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Los Alamos, NM, the occupational therapist hourly pay is projected at $43.25 for 2026, which is markedly lower than the national median of $49.71. This rate is significant for those looking to work part-time; an occupational therapist on a three-day workweek could expect to earn around $696 per week, making it feasible for professionals balancing multiple roles or commitments. Entry-level positions may start around $33.27 per hour, showcasing a pathway toward eventual top earners who can reach rates as high as $54.46. Various practice settings, including hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics, contribute to the diversity of work experiences for occupational therapists and influence the compensation rates based on case loads and patient needs.
About the Los Alamos Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($94,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.27 | $266.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.77 | $294.17 |
| Median (P50) | $43.25 | $346.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.56 | $396.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.46 | $435.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Los Alamos
Based on $43.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.25/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Los Alamos, NM can expect to earn approximately $89,969 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,905. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Los Alamos.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Los Alamos
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,730.17 | $7,497 | $89,969 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,038.10 | $4,498 | $53,981 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $692.07 | $2,999 | $35,988 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Los Alamos) | $43.25 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (National Avg) | $43.80 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapists in Los Alamos, NM earn a median of $89,966 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.99% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 7.80% below the New Mexico state average of $97,577.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.25/hr = $53,981/year (purchasing power: $57,184).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,969/year (purchasing power: $95,306).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Los Alamos (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Los Alamos grew 18.1% from $35.54/hr (2019) to $41.97/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.58/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Los Alamos 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 3.06% 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 Occupational Therapist in Los Alamos
Part-time occupational therapists in Los Alamos, working 24 hours a week, could find their annual earnings to be significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, limiting some to around $54,000 with no access to comprehensive benefits. For those interested in flexibility, per-diem occupational therapist pay in Los Alamos typically ranges between $50 to $75 an hour, while certified hand therapists (CHTs) can command even higher rates, reaching $80 to $110, particularly in cash-pay settings. Hourly wages may also differ across various employer types, such as skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics, leading some therapists to opt for positions with lower wages but better benefits. Negotiating for competitive hourly pay is crucial in this market; understanding the value of one’s credentials, particularly with specialty certifications, can provide an edge in securing favorable compensation.
More salary data for Los Alamos, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Los Alamos in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Los Alamos?
Are occupational therapists in Los Alamos paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Los Alamos?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Los Alamos?
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Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
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 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapists in Los Alamos. 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 Los Alamos 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 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov