Occupational Therapist Salary in Farmington, NM: $96,454 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Farmington, NM earns a median $96,454/year (≈ $46.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Farmington's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.7), that paycheck buys what $109,973 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the New Mexico state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapists in Farmington, NM can expect a median annual salary of $96,454 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $103,400. The compensation varies significantly depending on the setting and specific job role, with salaries ranging from $78,583 at the lower end (P10) to $125,610 at the higher end (P90). This information is derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports, which offer insights into salary trends. With approximately 50 occupational therapists employed in the area, local job opportunities may shift depending on whether practitioners work in hospitals, schools, or skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). This structural choice can impact both salary and job satisfaction immensely, making the decision critical for those entering the field or considering a transition within it.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,583 | $37.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $85,272 | $41.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $96,454 | $46.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $115,891 | $55.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $125,610 | $60.39 |
Median Salary Position
6.72% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Farmington
In Farmington, NM, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,027 (2026 est.). At $96,454, the local median is 6.72% below the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Farmington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Farmington Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Farmington median: $96,454/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Farmington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Average | $97,625 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -6.72% less |
Occupational Therapists in Farmington, NM earn a median of $96,454 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.72% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 1.20% below the New Mexico state average of $97,625.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Farmington has a cost of living 12.29% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Farmington, NM has a cost-of-living index of 87.707 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $96,454 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $109,973 in an average-cost city — an effective 14.02% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$79,243
2025 BLS Actual
$93,590
2026 Current Est.
$96,454
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Farmington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $79,243 | Actual |
| 2020 | $80,484 | Actual |
| 2021 | $79,822 | Actual |
| 2022 | $86,920 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,810 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,455 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,590 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,454 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $99,405 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Farmington metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $79,243 (2019) to $93,590 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $99,405 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,162 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Farmington 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $78,583 – $85,272 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $85,272 – $96,454 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $96,454 – $115,891 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $115,891 – $125,610 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Farmington
Job market dynamics in Farmington reveal an interesting interplay between salary and cost of living, which is relatively low at a cost-of-living index of 87.707. This means that even a salary close to the median can provide a comfortable lifestyle for therapists in the area. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities often offer the most competitive pay, but those seeking higher salaries might pursue positions in hospital inpatient rehabilitation or outpatient hand therapy clinics. Factors influencing pay diversity include certification levels, productivity expectations, and the nature of the contracts—year-round positions often outperform school-year roles in terms of salary. To maximize earnings in this specific market, occupational therapists should consider obtaining board certifications like the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) designation, as this specialty often commands a premium. Understanding the local industry and pursuing avenues that enhance skills and certifications can lead to better compensation for those navigating their careers in Farmington, NM.
More salary data for Farmington, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Farmington, NM in 2026?
Is Farmington, NM a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Farmington?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Farmington?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Farmington?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $93,590 for occupational therapistsin the Farmington metropolitan area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 3-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 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