Paramedic 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

$260

Licensing fees

schedule

1-2 years

Time to complete

route How to become a paramedic in New Mexico

To become a licensed Paramedic in New Mexico, individuals must complete a state-approved Paramedic program and successfully pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Paramedic cognitive exam. The licensing body is the New Mexico Department of Health, EMS Bureau. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, hold current CPR certification, and pass a criminal background check. New Mexico also offers a reciprocity process for paramedics licensed in other states, which includes a background check and a New Mexico-specific reciprocity examination.

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	State-approved Paramedic program
Exam	NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive and Psychomotor) ($175)
Application fee	$85
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	40.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age is 18. Requires a criminal background check (fingerprints required). Must have a high school diploma or GED and current CPR certification. The NREMT Paramedic exam no longer includes a psychomotor portion as of July 1, 2024. Successful completion of the education program and licensing examination process must be within 24 months of course completion. Applicants have 12 months to complete the initial licensing examination attempt and a maximum of six attempts to pass the bureau-approved licensing examination. Failure to meet these deadlines requires completion of a new initial education course.

Source: New Mexico Department of Health, EMS Bureau

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%)

psychology

Wondering if a paramedic career is the right fit?

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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a paramedic in New Mexico? expand_more

In New Mexico, becoming a paramedic requires you to complete the required education (State-approved Paramedic program), pass the NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive and Psychomotor), and submit your application ($85 fee).

Is a paramedic license required in New Mexico? expand_more

A state license is required in New Mexico. New Mexico Department of Health, EMS Bureau handles paramedic licensing — the NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive and Psychomotor) is part of the process.

What do paramedics earn in New Mexico? expand_more

New Mexico paramedics bring home a median salary of $36,850. This trails the $41,340 national median by 11%. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $30,870, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $50,700.

How much does it cost to become a paramedic in New Mexico? expand_more

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($175) and application fee ($85) plus your education and training.

How quickly can I become a paramedic in New Mexico? expand_more

The typical timeline in New Mexico is 1-2 years. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

Does New Mexico require continuing education for paramedics? expand_more

License renewal in New Mexico requires completing 40.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.