NM

Certifications & licenses in New Mexico

Compare requirements, salaries, and career paths for 27 professional credentials in NM. Data from BLS OEWS and primary state licensing sources.

Tracked careers
27
Top-paying
Dental Hygienist
$96,410
insights

What's different about New Mexico

Licensing landscape
New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department
29
distinct boards
COSMETOLOGY

A cosmetology license in New Mexico requires the completion of a 1,600-hour course of instruction from a licensed school.

New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists

MASSAGE THERAPY

To become a licensed massage therapist, a minimum of 650 hours of massage therapy training is required as of 2024.

New Mexico Massage Therapy Board

EMT

EMT licensure requires passing the National Registry (NREMT) exam and paying a $65 fee to the EMS Bureau as of 2024.

New Mexico EMS Bureau

TRADES

Journeyman electricians must complete 16 hours of continuing education every 3 years to renew their license.

New Mexico Construction Industries Division

Metro concentration
Where certified careers cluster
Albuquerque, NM
13,950 jobs
Architecture and Engineering
BLS OEWS May 2024
Las Cruces, NM
7,560 jobs
Healthcare Support
BLS OEWS May 2024
Farmington, NM
5,040 jobs
Construction and Extraction
BLS OEWS May 2024
Cost-of-living adjusted
What nominal wages are actually worth in New Mexico
92.5
COL composite index
MERIC Q3 2025
85.6
Housing index
17th lowest in US
National rank

A $75K salary in a high-cost state has roughly the purchasing power of a $81K salary in New Mexico.

Regional comparison
New Mexico vs. neighboring states
Certified Nursing Assistant · Median annual wage
State Median annual wage vs NM
NM $36,960
AZ $37,970 +2.7% vs NM
CO $39,520 +6.9% vs NM
OK $31,450 -14.9% vs NM
TX $34,270 -7.3% vs NM
UT $37,630 +1.8% vs NM
Massage Therapist · Required training hours
State Required training hours vs NM
NM 650 hours
AZ 700 hours +50 hours
CO 650 hours 0 hours
OK 500 hours -150 hours
TX 500 hours -150 hours
UT 600 hours -50 hours
health_and_safety

Healthcare in New Mexico

13 paths
Career License Median salary
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Required $37,030
Dental Assistant No $38,840
EMT Required $36,850
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Required $60,760
Medical Assistant No $39,000
Medical Coder No $50,340
Paramedic Required $36,850
Pharmacy Technician Required $44,970
Phlebotomist No $38,480
Radiology Technologist Required $74,060
Respiratory Therapist Required $66,460
Surgical Technologist No $52,780
Dental Hygienist Required $96,410
construction

Trades in New Mexico

8 paths
Career License Median salary
CDL Truck Driver Required $48,360
Electrician Required $56,890
HVAC Technician Required $55,020
Plumber Required $59,660
Welder No $52,460
Barber Required
Cosmetologist Required $28,150
Massage Therapist Required $47,660
business_center

Professional in New Mexico

6 paths
Career License Median salary
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Required $77,420
Notary Public Required
Paralegal No $56,620
Personal Trainer No $45,760
Insurance Agent Required $46,990
Real Estate Agent Required $79,790

leaderboard New Mexico careers ranked by salary

Compare other states