Hobbs vs Santa Fe: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Hobbs, NM and Santa Fe, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hobbs, NM | Santa Fe, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $94,913 | $115,675▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $45.63 | $55.61▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,742 | $94,382▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,969 | $95,227▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $110,887 | $129,052▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $123,990 | $136,101▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 50▲ |
Verdict
Santa Fe, NM offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hobbs.
The salary gap between Hobbs and Santa Fe is $20,762 (21.87%). Santa Fe's median is +11.87% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hobbs spans $57,248,Santa Fe spans $41,719. Hobbs has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Santa Fe ($117,119 effective) pays 16.49% more than Hobbs ($100,543 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hobbs if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Fe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($115,675/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($136,101)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $117,119)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Hobbs grew 6.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.5% growth in Santa Fe over the same period.
Hobbs, NM
$86,284 (2024) → $92,095 (2025)
Santa Fe, NM
$85,360 (2019) → $112,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Santa Fe, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Hobbs or Santa Fe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hobbs and Santa Fe?
Should I relocate from Hobbs to Santa Fe as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Hobbs vs Santa Fe?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov