Occupational Therapist Salary in Deming, NM: $91,074 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Deming, NM earns a median $91,074/year (≈ $43.79/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Deming's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 94.4), that paycheck buys what $96,477 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.7% below the New Mexico state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, occupational therapists working in Deming, NM, can expect to see a median annual salary of $91,074, which reflects a regional compensation structure influenced by the local healthcare setting. The salary range spans from $71,915 at the 10th percentile to $113,611 at the 90th percentile, providing a diverse landscape for OT professionals based on experience and specialization. Estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted by regional price parities, highlight a unique local market where job opportunities vary significantly between hospital inpatient rehabilitation and school contracts, each presenting different demands and remuneration outcomes.
About the Deming Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($94,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,915 | $34.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $78,789 | $37.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $91,074 | $43.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103,702 | $49.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $113,611 | $54.62 |
Median Salary Position
11.92% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Deming
In Deming, NM, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,696 (2026 est.). At $91,074, the local median is 11.92% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Deming: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Deming Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Deming median: $91,074/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Deming Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Average | $97,614 | -6.70% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -11.92% less |
Occupational Therapists in Deming, NM earn a median of $91,074 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.92% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 6.70% below the New Mexico state average of $97,614.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Deming 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.
Deming, NM has a cost-of-living index of 94.4 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $91,074 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $96,477 in an average-cost city — an effective 5.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$74,823
2025 BLS Actual
$88,370
2026 Current Est.
$91,074
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Deming (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $74,823 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,995 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,369 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,072 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,882 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,795 | Actual |
| 2025 | $88,370 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91,074 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $93,861 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Deming metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $74,823 (2019) to $88,370 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $93,861 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,038 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Deming 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) | $71,915 – $78,789 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $78,789 – $91,074 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $91,074 – $103,702 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $103,702 – $113,611 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Deming
The job market for occupational therapists in Deming is modest, with only four professionals currently employed in the area, which can affect opportunities and salary negotiations. With a cost-of-living index at 94.4, the economic reality means that the purchasing power of salaries is slightly below the national average, presenting specific challenges and opportunities for practitioners. Employers within skilled nursing facilities and hospitals typically offer higher compensation than school districts, driven by differing productivity expectations and the structure of contract work. To maximize earnings, occupational therapists should consider pursuing specialized certifications, such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential, which can command higher pay. Additionally, negotiating for year-round contracts rather than school-year positions can lead to more stable financial outcomes in Deming's healthcare environment.
More salary data for Deming, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Deming, NM in 2026?
Is Deming, NM a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Deming?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Deming?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Deming?
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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 $88,370 for occupational therapistsin the Deming 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 Deming 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