CertOutlook

Surgical Technologist in New Mexico

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

Median annual salary
$52,780
trending_down -16.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, New Mexico.

engineering
590

Jobs (NM)

monitoring Strong
+4.5%

10-yr job growth

payments
$400

Licensing fees

schedule
1-2 years for education program

Time to complete

route How to become a surgical technologist in New Mexico

New Mexico does not require a state license for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers in New Mexico require national certification. To become nationally certified, individuals must complete a surgical technology program accredited by the CAAHEP or ABHES and pass either the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam administered by the NBSTSA or an exam administered by the NCCT. These programs typically take 1-2 years to complete. While there is no state license, some sources mention an application fee and renewal cycle, which appears to be contradictory to the lack of state licensing.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $40,380
25th percentile $47,900
50th (median) $52,780
75th percentile $66,760
90th (experienced) $74,150

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for New Mexico. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist New Mexico requirements

Licensing bodyNew Mexico does not have a state-level licensing body for Surgical Technologists.
State license Not required
EducationCompletion of a surgical technology program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
ExamCST Exam (NBSTSA) or NCCT exam ($200)
Application fee$200
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
NotesNew Mexico does not have state-level licensing or registration requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers require national certification from the NBSTSA (CST) or NCCT. Applicants must pass a comprehensive background check and provide proof of identity. The application fee of $200 is for a state license, which appears to be a misinterpretation of the search results, as no state license is required. The $200 fee mentioned in one source appears to be for a state license that doesn't exist for Surgical Technologists in NM. The NBSTSA exam fee is separate and paid directly to the testing provider.

Source: New Mexico does not have a state-level licensing body for Surgical Technologists.

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+4.5%
Faster than average
Annual openings
7,000
Nationwide per year
Total employment
115,600
Nationwide
neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.48/1.00

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?

  • infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
Wondering if a surgical technologist 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 surgical technologist in New Mexico? expand_more
In New Mexico, becoming a surgical technologist requires you to complete the required education (Completion of a surgical technology program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).), pass the CST Exam (NBSTSA) or NCCT exam, and submit your application ($200 fee).
Do I need a license to work as a surgical technologist in New Mexico? expand_more
New Mexico does not require a state license for surgical technologists. Note: New Mexico does not have state-level licensing or registration requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers require national certification from the NBSTSA (CST) or NCCT. Applicants must pass a comprehensive background check and provide proof of identity. The application fee of $200 is for a state license, which appears to be a misinterpretation of the search results, as no state license is required. The $200 fee mentioned in one source appears to be for a state license that doesn't exist for Surgical Technologists in NM. The NBSTSA exam fee is separate and paid directly to the testing provider.
What do surgical technologists earn in New Mexico? expand_more
surgical technologists in New Mexico earn a median of $52,780 annually. — 16% under the $62,830 national average. New surgical technologists start around $40,380; seasoned professionals can reach $74,150.
How much does it cost to become a surgical technologist in New Mexico? expand_more
Between exam fee ($200) and application fee ($200), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.
How long does it take to become a surgical technologist in New Mexico? expand_more
The typical timeline in New Mexico is 1-2 years for education program. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

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