Cosmetologist in New Mexico

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NM. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$28,150

trending_down -20.1% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, New Mexico.

engineering

1,380

Jobs (NM)

monitoring Strong

+5.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$303

Licensing fees

schedule

10-13 months

Time to complete

route How to become a cosmetologist in New Mexico

To become a licensed Cosmetologist in New Mexico, applicants must complete a 1600-hour training program at a Board-approved school and have at least a 10th-grade education or its equivalent. Candidates must pass the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams, as well as a New Mexico State Law examination. The application process involves submitting a complete application with supporting documentation and paying the required fees to the New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists. New Mexico offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees who meet specific criteria, including comparable training hours and passing the New Mexico Jurisprudence exam.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $25,950

25th percentile $26,850

50th (median) $28,150

75th percentile $44,810

90th (experienced) $62,400

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for New Mexico. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist New Mexico requirements

Licensing body	New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
State license	Required
Education	1600-hour training program and 10th grade education or equivalent
Exam	NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams, and New Mexico State Law examination (administered by PSI/PCS) ($203)
Application fee	$100
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Notes	Minimum age: 17 years old. Must pass all required examinations within 24 months of training completion. A background check is mandatory.

Source: New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+5.6%

Faster than average

Annual openings

75,800

Nationwide per year

Total employment

575,200

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.68/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleNew Mexico license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.6%)
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a cosmetologist career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a cosmetologist in New Mexico? expand_more

In New Mexico, becoming a cosmetologist requires you to complete the required education (1600-hour training program and 10th grade education or equivalent), pass the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams, and New Mexico State Law examination (administered by PSI/PCS), and submit your application ($100 fee).

Is a cosmetologist license required in New Mexico? expand_more

A state license is required in New Mexico. New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists handles cosmetologist licensing — the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams, and New Mexico State Law examination (administered by PSI/PCS) is part of the process.

How much do cosmetologists make in New Mexico? expand_more

In New Mexico, the median pay for cosmetologists comes to $28,150/year. This trails the $35,250 national median by 20%. Wages range from $25,950 (10th percentile) up to $62,400 (90th percentile).

What's the total cost to get cosmetologist certified in New Mexico? expand_more

Between exam fee ($203) and application fee ($100), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

How many months or years does cosmetologist certification take in New Mexico? expand_more

In New Mexico, becoming a cosmetologist generally takes 10-13 months, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.