CPA in New Mexico

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

Median annual salary

$77,420

trending_down -5.2% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, New Mexico.

engineering

6,660

Jobs (NM)

monitoring Strong

+4.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$1,200

Est. total cost

schedule

1-3 years post-bachelor's degree

Time to complete

route How to become a cpa in New Mexico

To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in New Mexico, candidates must meet the requirements set by the New Mexico Public Accountancy Board. This typically involves obtaining a bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours of education, including specific accounting coursework, and passing the Uniform CPA Examination. Additionally, applicants need to gain one to two years of supervised work experience, pass the AICPA Ethics Exam, and undergo a criminal background check. New Mexico also offers reciprocity for CPAs licensed in other states.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $51,590

25th percentile $62,590

50th (median) $77,420

75th percentile $97,450

90th (experienced) $119,020

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 Public Accountancy Board
State license	Required
Education	Bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours
Experience	2,000.0 hours
Exam	Uniform CPA Examination ($1,463)
Application fee	$175
Renewal	Every 1.0 year
Continuing education	120.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age of 18. Requires passing the AICPA Ethics Exam with a score of 90% or higher. A criminal background check and fingerprinting are required. New Mexico offers several pathways to licensure, including a bachelor's degree plus 30 additional semester hours (total 150) and one year of experience, a bachelor's degree with a concentration in accounting or business and two years of experience, or a master's degree with one year of experience. All approved applicants are required to attend a board-sponsored Swearing In Ceremony within one year of licensure.

Source: New Mexico Public Accountancy Board

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+4.6%

Faster than average

Annual openings

124,200

Nationwide per year

Total employment

1,579,800

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

error High exposure 1.48/1.00

Many tasks in this career are susceptible to AI automation. Long-term career planning should account for potential disruption.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

Rough payback period

0 months

~$1,200 investment ÷ $77,420 median salary

check_circleNew Mexico license required — clearer credential signal to employers
warningElevated AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a cpa career is the right fit?

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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a cpa in New Mexico? expand_more

To become a cpa in New Mexico, you need to complete the required education (Bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours), gain 2,000.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the Uniform CPA Examination, and submit your application ($175 fee).

Do I need a license to work as a cpa in New Mexico? expand_more

A state license is required in New Mexico. New Mexico Public Accountancy Board handles cpa licensing — the Uniform CPA Examination is part of the process.

What do cpas earn in New Mexico? expand_more

New Mexico cpas bring home a median salary of $77,420. — 5% under the $81,680 national average. Wages range from $51,590 (10th percentile) up to $119,020 (90th percentile).

What are the fees to become a cpa in New Mexico? expand_more

Between exam fee ($1,463) and application fee ($175), expect to invest around $1,200 in total to get started.

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

Expect to spend 1-3 years post-bachelor's degree from start to finish in New Mexico — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

How many CE hours do cpas need in New Mexico? expand_more

New Mexico requires 120.0 hours of continuing education every 1.0 year to maintain your cpa license.