Respiratory Therapist in New Mexico

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

Median annual salary

$66,460

trending_down -17.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, New Mexico.

engineering

600

Jobs (NM)

monitoring Surging

+12.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$490

Licensing fees

schedule

2-4 years

Time to complete

route How to become a respiratory therapist in New Mexico

To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in New Mexico, individuals must complete an Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program and pass the NBRC RRT exam. Additionally, applicants need to pass a New Mexico Jurisprudence Exam and undergo a state background check. The initial application fee is $150, and licenses are renewed every two years, requiring 20 hours of continuing education per cycle, including specific hours in ethics and human trafficking awareness (effective October 25, 2025).

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $59,280

25th percentile $64,000

50th (median) $66,460

75th percentile $80,250

90th (experienced) $85,530

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 Respiratory Care Board
State license	Required
Education	Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program
Exam	NBRC RRT exam and New Mexico Jurisprudence Exam ($340)
Application fee	$150
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	20.0 hours per cycle
Notes	A state background check is required. As of January 1, 2018, all applicants must hold a current Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. A jurisprudence exam with a passing score of 75% or higher is required. Effective October 25, 2025, licensees must complete at least one hour of human trafficking related continuing education per cycle, in addition to one hour of ethics.

Source: New Mexico Respiratory Care Board

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+12.1%

Much faster than average

Annual openings

8,800

Nationwide per year

Total employment

139,600

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.19/1.00

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 (+12.1%)
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a respiratory therapist 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

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

In New Mexico, becoming a respiratory therapist requires you to complete the required education (Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program), pass the NBRC RRT exam and New Mexico Jurisprudence Exam, and submit your application ($150 fee).

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

Yes, New Mexico requires a state license to practice as a respiratory therapist. The licensing body is New Mexico Respiratory Care Board. You must pass the NBRC RRT exam and New Mexico Jurisprudence Exam.

How much does a respiratory therapist make in New Mexico? expand_more

The median respiratory therapist salary in New Mexico is $66,460 per year. — 17% under the $80,450 national average. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $59,280, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $85,530.

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

Costs include exam fee ($340) and application fee ($150). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

How quickly can I become a respiratory therapist in New Mexico? expand_more

Most candidates in New Mexico complete the process in 2-4 years, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

Does New Mexico require continuing education for respiratory therapists? expand_more

New Mexico requires 20.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your respiratory therapist license.

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