Las Cruces vs Roswell: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Las Cruces, NM and Roswell, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Las Cruces, NM | Roswell, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,879▲ | $68,834 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.44▲ | $33.09 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,792▲ | $49,244 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,765▲ | $58,174 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,214▲ | $74,054 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,802▲ | $81,796 |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Las Cruces, NM offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Roswell.
The salary gap between Las Cruces and Roswell is $9,045 (13.14%). Las Cruces's median is +4.77% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Las Cruces spans $26,010,Roswell spans $32,552. Roswell has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapy assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Las Cruces ($86,329 effective) pays 18.39% more than Roswell ($72,917 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Las Cruces if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,879/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,802)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $86,329)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Roswell 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 Las Cruces grew -0.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 3.3% growth in Roswell over the same period.
Las Cruces, NM
$76,230 (2024) → $75,750 (2025)
Roswell, NM
$64,823 (2024) → $66,953 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Las Cruces, NM
Roswell, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Las Cruces or Roswell?
What is the hourly rate difference between Las Cruces and Roswell?
Should I relocate from Las Cruces to Roswell as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Las Cruces vs Roswell?
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