Massage Therapist in New Mexico
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NM. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, New Mexico.
Jobs (NM)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a massage therapist in New Mexico
To become a licensed Massage Therapist in New Mexico, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. They need to complete a minimum of 650 hours of training from an approved massage therapy program, pass the MBLEx examination, and submit a completed application with a $75 fee. Additionally, a background check with fingerprinting and current CPR/AED and first aid certification are required. New Mexico does not currently offer reciprocity with other states, meaning out-of-state licensees must meet all New Mexico's requirements.
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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 Massage Therapy |
| State license | Required |
| Education | 650-hour training program |
| Exam | Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) ($265) |
| Application fee | $75 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 16.0 hours per cycle |
| Reciprocity | New Mexico has no reciprocity; out-of-state licensees must meet all New Mexico licensure requirements.Reciprocal states: New Mexico does not currently have a reciprocity agreement with other states. Applicants licensed in other states must meet all New Mexico licensure requirements. |
| Notes | Minimum age 18. Requires high school diploma or equivalent, background check with fingerprinting, and current CPR/AED and first aid certification. 4 of the 16 CE hours must be in ethics, and a minimum of 8 hours must be live, in-person training. |
Source: New Mexico Board of Massage Therapy
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to New Mexico? See whether New Mexico recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Massage Therapist license reciprocity guide.
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleNew Mexico license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+15.4%)
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
Compare Massage Therapist head-to-head
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