Occupational Therapist Salary in Los Lunas, NM: $90,723 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Los Lunas, NM earns a median $90,723/year (≈ $43.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Los Lunas's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 94.4), that paycheck buys what $96,105 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.1% below the New Mexico state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected occupational therapist salary in Los Lunas, NM, is approximately $90,723, which reflects the ongoing economic adjustments following Medicare cuts impacting skilled nursing facilities and outpatient services. With salaries ranging from $71,440 for entry-level positions to $112,518 for experienced professionals, there is a significant spectrum of earnings influenced by various factors. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026 and adjusted for regional price differences, indicating the local job market's unique structure. Those considering the career should keep in mind that salaries in Los Lunas are roughly 12.26% lower than the national median of $103,400, which may affect decisions for prospective occupational therapists in the area.
About the Los Lunas Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($94,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,440 | $34.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $78,054 | $37.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $90,723 | $43.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102,896 | $49.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112,518 | $54.10 |
Median Salary Position
12.26% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Los Lunas
In Los Lunas, NM, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,078 (2026 est.). At $90,723, the local median is 12.26% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Los Lunas: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Los Lunas Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Los Lunas median: $90,723/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Los Lunas Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Average | $97,656 | -7.10% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -12.26% less |
Occupational Therapists in Los Lunas, NM earn a median of $90,723 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.26% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 7.10% below the New Mexico state average of $97,656.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Los Lunas has a cost of living 5.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Los Lunas, NM has a cost-of-living index of 94.4 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $90,723 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $96,105 in an average-cost city — an effective 5.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$74,535
2025 BLS Actual
$88,029
2026 Current Est.
$90,723
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Los Lunas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $74,535 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,702 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,079 | Actual |
| 2022 | $81,756 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,555 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,474 | Actual |
| 2025 | $88,029 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $90,723 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $93,499 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Los Lunas metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $74,535 (2019) to $88,029 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $93,499 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,964 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Los Lunas 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) | $71,440 – $78,054 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $78,054 – $90,723 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $90,723 – $102,896 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $102,896 – $112,518 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Los Lunas
Currently, Los Lunas employs a modest number of occupational therapists—just four—suggesting a specialized but possibly limited job market. The cost of living index stands at 94.4, below the national average, which enhances purchasing power despite lower salary figures. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation services tend to offer the highest compensation, while school districts may provide lower salaries but greater job security during academic years. Variances in pay are influenced by factors such as productivity expectations and additional stipends associated with board certifications like CHT. To optimize earnings in this local market, therapists should seek opportunities for continuing education, networking, and considering diverse employment settings that might broaden their scope—ultimately enhancing their appeal and salary potential.
More salary data for Los Lunas, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Los Lunas, NM in 2026?
Is Los Lunas, NM a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Los Lunas?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Los Lunas?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Los Lunas?
Related Pages
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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 $88,029 for occupational therapistsin the Los Lunas 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
Salary data for Los Lunas 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