Santa Fe vs Taos: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Santa Fe, NM and Taos, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Santa Fe, NM | Taos, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $70,848▲ | $64,552 |
| Hourly Rate | $34.06▲ | $31.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,134▲ | $49,280 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,699▲ | $56,806 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,009▲ | $68,203 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,187▲ | $74,384 |
| Total Employed | 20▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Santa Fe, NM offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Taos.
The salary gap between Santa Fe and Taos is $6,296 (9.75%). Santa Fe's median is -4.69% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Santa Fe spans $38,053,Taos spans $25,104. Santa Fe 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 ($75,051 effective) pays 9.75% more than Taos ($68,381 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Santa Fe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,848/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,187)
- ✓Larger job market (20 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,051)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Taos if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Santa Fe grew 3.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 3.3% growth in Taos over the same period.
Santa Fe, NM
$66,720 (2024) → $68,912 (2025)
Taos, NM
$60,791 (2024) → $62,788 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Santa Fe, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Santa Fe or Taos?
What is the hourly rate difference between Santa Fe and Taos?
Should I relocate from Santa Fe to Taos as a occupational therapy assistant?
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Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.81% 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 Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov