Physical Therapist in Roswell, NM

As a career analyst who has spent years tracking healthcare job markets across the Southwest, I can tell you that Roswell, New Mexico, offers a unique value proposition for physical therapists. It’s not the bustling growth engine of Albuquerque or the high-demand frontier of Farmington. Instead, it’s a stable, affordable mid-size market with a consistent need for rehab services. If you’re looking for a role where your salary stretches further and you can build a life without the chaos of a major metro, Roswell deserves a close look. This guide breaks down the real numbers, the local employers, and the day-to-day reality of living and working in the "Gateway to the Pecos."

The Salary Picture: Where Roswell Stands

The financial reality for a physical therapist in Roswell is defined by a comfortable median salary paired with a significantly lower cost of living. The median salary for a PT in the Roswell metro area is $97,765 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $47.0/hour. This figure sits just below the national average of $99,710/year, a difference that is more than made up for by Roswell's affordability.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to earn at different career stages. Keep in mind, these are estimates based on local hiring trends and the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data for the broader region.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$80,000 - $88,000	Often starts in acute care or home health. May involve signing bonuses for rural placements.
Mid-Career (3-7 yrs)	$97,765 (Median)	The sweet spot. Eligible for lead PT roles, outpatient clinic specialization, and more complex cases.
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$110,000 - $120,000	Typically involves management (e.g., clinic director), specialty clinic work, or consulting for local schools.
Expert/Specialist	$125,000+	Rare, but possible for those with dual certifications (e.g., ortho + pediatrics) who help establish new programs.

Insider Tip: The salary range is narrower here than in Albuquerque. You won't see the same wild swings from $85k to $140k. The market is stable, which means predictability. The 14% projected 10-year job growth is promising, especially considering the metro population of 47,823. With only 95 PT jobs currently in the metro, the market is tight but growing, meaning employers compete for experienced candidates.

Compared to Other NM Cities:

• Albuquerque: Higher median salary (~$102k), but 25% higher rent and a more competitive job market with over 600 PT positions.
• Las Cruces: Similar salary range (~$98k), but a different demographic and employer mix (more university-based).
• Farmington: Often higher base pay (~$105k+) due to the need to attract talent to the Four Corners region, but with a more isolated setting.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. Earning the Roswell median of $97,765 provides a strong quality of life, especially when you factor in local costs. After federal taxes, Social Security, Medicare, and state income tax (NM has a progressive system), your take-home pay is approximately $72,000 - $75,000 annually, or about $6,000 - $6,250 per month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Single PT:

• Net Monthly Income: ~$6,100 (conservative estimate)
• Rent (1BR Avg): $935
• Utilities (Pecos Valley Electric, Water): $180
• Groceries (for one): $400
• Car Payment/Insurance (essential in Roswell): $550
• Student Loans (if applicable): $400
• Retirement Savings (10%): $815
• Discretionary Spending: $1,820

This leaves a significant buffer for savings, travel, or hobbies—a stark contrast to the paycheck-to-paycheck feeling in pricier metros.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Roswell is around $220,000 - $240,000. With a 20% down payment ($48,000), a mortgage would be roughly $1,100/month (including taxes/insurance). This is feasible on a PT's salary, especially with dual-income households. Many local PTs I've spoken with purchased homes within 2-3 years of moving to Roswell.

The Where the Jobs Are: Roswell's Major Employers

Roswell's healthcare ecosystem is anchored by a few key players. Hiring is steady, but turnover is low, so patience is needed. The best approach is to network with current staff and apply even when no job is posted.

1. Eastern New Mexico Medical Center (ENMMC): The largest employer and the region's primary acute care hospital. They house a robust inpatient rehab unit. Hiring trends: They prioritize clinical rotations for new grads and often have internal promotions for outpatient roles. Insider Tip: Getting a foot in the door here is golden for resume building.
2. MountainView Medical Group: A large multi-specialty group with several outpatient ortho and neuro clinics across the city. They are consistently growing their rehab services. They tend to hire for mid-career PTs with strong manual therapy skills.
3. Gentiva Home Health: The dominant home health agency. They offer flexible schedules and a focus on geriatric care. Hiring is more frequent here, often with sign-on bonuses. Warning: The pay structure can be productivity-based, requiring strong time management.
4. Roswell Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine: A well-respected private practice known for sports rehab and orthopedics. They hire selectively, often seeking PTs with OCS or SCS certifications. This is a prime spot for those wanting a high-functioning outpatient environment.
5. Chaves County School District: While not a full-time position for most, many PTs pick up contract work for the district's special education program. It's a great way to diversify income and experience in pediatrics.
6. Gentiva Hospice: Based in Roswell, they cover a large region. Hospice PT is a growing specialty, and these roles offer a unique, deeply meaningful career path.
7. Local Skilled Nursing Facilities (e.g., Sunset Villa, Mission Arch): Consistent need for PTs for post-acute rehab. Often offer stable, full-time hours with a focus on geriatric mobility and fall prevention.

Insider Tip: The "Roswell Network" is real. Many positions are filled through referrals. Join the local New Mexico Physical Therapy Association (NMPTA) chapter and attend meetings. A personal introduction to a department manager at ENMMC or MountainView is worth more than 50 online applications.

Getting Licensed in NM

New Mexico's licensing process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. You will apply through the New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department (RLD), Regulation and Licensing Department.

Requirements:

1. Graduation: From a CAPTE-accredited PT program.
2. NPTE Exam: Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (score of 600 or higher).
3. Jurisprudence Exam: Pass the NM-specific law exam.
4. Background Check: State and federal fingerprinting.
5. Clean Record: No disciplinary action from other states.

Costs & Timeline:

• Total Licensing Fees: Approximately $250 - $350 (application, exam, initial license).
• Timeline: Once you pass the NPTE, the NM RLD typically processes a complete application within 4-6 weeks. It's one of the faster state boards. Pro Tip: If you're relocating from a compact state (PT is not part of the ILC, but NM has reciprocity agreements), start your application 60 days before your move.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Where you live in Roswell impacts your commute and lifestyle. The city is spread out, but traffic is minimal.

1. Downtown / Historic District: Walkable, charming, with older homes and new loft conversions. Close to restaurants and the Roswell Museum & Art Center. A 5-10 minute commute to ENMMC and many clinics. Rent for a 1BR: $850 - $1,000.
2. South Roswell (Near MountainView Medical Center): Newer developments, more suburban feel, larger lots. Home to many young professionals and families. Commute to most employers is under 15 minutes. Rent for a 1BR: $950 - $1,100.
3. North Roswell (Near ENMMC): Established neighborhoods with a mix of older and newer homes. Very convenient for hospital staff. Feels more residential and quiet. Rent for a 1BR: $900 - $1,050.
4. West Roswell (Near the Airport and Base): More affordable, with a mix of military families and long-time residents. Older housing stock, but value is high. Commute to the city center is 10-15 minutes. Rent for a 1BR: $800 - $950.

Insider Tip: Most PTs I know live in South or North Roswell for the balance of space and convenience. The walkable Downtown is great for social life but can be noisy during events. If you have a car (you will), West Roswell offers the best value for single PTs looking to save aggressively.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Roswell isn't a hub for cutting-edge research, but it offers solid, meaningful advancement.

Specialty Premiums: While local salaries may not have huge jumps for specialties, having them makes you highly desirable.

• Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS): Can push you toward the top of the mid-career range ($110k+).
• Geriatric Certified Specialist (GCS): In high demand for home health and SNFs.
• Pediatric PT: Can lead to contract work with the school district or private practice.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Track: Senior PT -> Lead PT -> Clinic Director (at a larger practice like MountainView).
2. Management Track: Move from staff PT to Rehab Manager at a hospital (ENMMC) or Skilled Nursing Facility.
3. Entrepreneurial: Start a niche mobile PT practice serving the wider Chaves County area. The low overhead is a major advantage here.

10-Year Outlook: With 14% job growth projected, the market will expand. However, the growth will likely be in home health and outpatient ortho due to an aging population and an active retiree community. Specializing in these areas will future-proof your career.

The Verdict: Is Roswell Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High Affordability: Your salary goes much further here than in most US metros.	Limited Advancement: The ceiling is lower compared to major cities. Fewer ultra-specialized roles.
Stable Job Market: Consistent demand with low competition for experienced PTs.	Isolation: 3.5 hours to Albuquerque, 2.5 hours to Lubbock. Travel requires planning.
Work-Life Balance: Short commutes, a relaxed pace, and easy access to outdoor recreation.	Cultural & Social Scene: Limited dining, nightlife, and diversity compared to larger cities.
Meaningful Impact: You become a vital part of a close-knit community healthcare system.	Climate: Hot, dry summers (100°F+) and occasional dust storms.

Final Recommendation: Roswell is an excellent choice for a PT who values financial stability, a manageable pace of life, and the ability to own a home early in their career. It's ideal for mid-career professionals seeking a change from high-pressure urban environments, not for new grads chasing a fast-paced, diverse clinical experience. If you want to build a life where you can afford to invest, save, and enjoy your time outside of work, Roswell is a compelling and often overlooked destination.

FAQs

1. What is the job market like for new graduate PTs in Roswell?
It's cautious but possible. Hospitals like ENMMC have structured new grad residency programs, but they are competitive. Outpatient clinics may hire new grads, but they often prefer 1-2 years of experience. Consider starting in home health or a SNF to get your foot in the door, then transition to your preferred setting.

2. Are there opportunities for travel PT contracts in Roswell?
Yes, but they are less frequent than in larger metros. Agencies do place travelers at ENMMC and in various SNFs, especially during seasonal peaks (winter). The pay is high due to the rural location, but you need to be flexible.

3. How does the commute work without major public transit?
You will need a reliable car. The city is designed for driving. Most commutes are 10-20 minutes. Traffic is minimal, but public transit (Roswell Transit) is very limited and not practical for daily work commutes.

4. Is there a strong network for professional development?
Yes, through the New Mexico Physical Therapy Association (NMPTA). While the local chapter is smaller, it is active and hosts annual conferences (often in Albuquerque). Online continuing education is essential due to limited local workshops. Many PTs travel to Albuquerque for specialized courses.

5. What's the vibe like for PTs who are not from a small town?
You must adapt to a slower pace and a more personal community. Everyone knows everyone. If you value anonymity and constant new stimuli, it might be challenging. If you prefer knowing your neighbors and having a clear separation between work and a peaceful home life, you'll thrive.