EMT in New Mexico
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NM. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
Median annual salary
$36,850
trending_down
-10.9% vs. national
BLS OEWS 2024, New Mexico.
engineering
1,400
Jobs (NM)
monitoring
Strong
+5.1%
10-yr job growth
payments
$169
Licensing fees
schedule
3-6 months
Time to complete
route How to become an emt in New Mexico
To become a certified EMT in New Mexico, individuals must complete a New Mexico EMS Bureau-approved EMT-Basic training program and hold a high school diploma or GED. Applicants must also pass the NREMT cognitive and psychomotor exams and a state and nationwide criminal background check. The licensing body is the New Mexico Department of Health, EMS Bureau, and the minimum age for EMT-Basic licensure is 17 with parental consent if under 18.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
10th percentile (entry)
$30,870
25th percentile
$34,610
50th (median)
$36,850
75th percentile
$44,710
90th (experienced)
$50,700
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 Department of Health, EMS Bureau |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Completion of a New Mexico EMS Bureau-approved EMT-Basic training program (minimum 160 hours) and a High School Diploma/GED. Current CPR/BLS for Healthcare Providers certification is also required. |
| Exam | NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams ($104) |
| Application fee | $65 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 40.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Must be at least 17 years old (with parental consent if under 18). Requires a state and nationwide criminal background check, including fingerprinting. All applications are online-only. New Mexico does not require you to maintain NREMT certification for state license renewal, but it is recommended to check NREMT requirements if you wish to maintain that certification. |
workspace_premium New Mexico license tiers
New Mexico offers multiple tiers of emt licensing:
| Tier | Hours required |
|---|---|
| EMR | N/A |
| EMT-Basic | N/A |
| EMT-Intermediate | N/A |
| Paramedic | N/A |
work_outline Job outlook
10-year growth
+5.1%
Faster than average
Annual openings
14,100
Nationwide per year
Total employment
181,000
Nationwide
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleNew Mexico license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.1%)
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Frequently asked questions
What's required to work as an emt in New Mexico? expand_more
New Mexico requires emts to complete the required education (Completion of a New Mexico EMS Bureau-approved EMT-Basic training program (minimum 160 hours) and a High School Diploma/GED. Current CPR/BLS for Healthcare Providers certification is also required.), pass the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams, and submit your application ($65 fee).
Is an emt license required in New Mexico? expand_more
Yes, New Mexico requires a state license to practice as an emt. The licensing body is New Mexico Department of Health, EMS Bureau. You must pass the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams.
How much do emts make in New Mexico? expand_more
The median emt salary in New Mexico is $36,850 per year. — 11% under the $41,340 national average. New emts start around $30,870; seasoned professionals can reach $50,700.
How expensive is emt licensing in New Mexico? expand_more
The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($104) and application fee ($65) and required training.
How quickly can I become an emt in New Mexico? expand_more
Most candidates in New Mexico complete the process in 3-6 months, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.
What are the continuing education requirements for emts in New Mexico? expand_more
Yes — emts in New Mexico must complete 40.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.
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