Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NM Board of Trades
Crane Operator Licensing in New Mexico
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for crane operator in New Mexico, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Crane Operator in New Mexico
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 4
Physical Requirement: Physical exam required.
- 5
Certification: Certification required.
- 6
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 7
Crane operators are required to have an approved NM license before operating a crane in the state.
- 8
Nationally accredited out-of-state Crane Operators must also have a NM license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department • Boards and Commissions Division • Boards and Commissions Division
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$60,950 median (8% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#39 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet New Mexico eligibility requirements for Crane Operator licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
- 6. Submit the application to New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department~Boards and Commissions Division~Boards and Commissions Division and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in New Mexico
With a median salary of $60,950, Crane Operators in New Mexico earn 8% below the national median of $66,370. New Mexico ranks #39 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.9%Average Weekly Wage
$1,189Median annual salary
$60,950Hourly estimate
$29.308% below national median
Difference: -$5,420
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCrane Operator Salary Ranking
#39 of 50 statesfor Crane Operator median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Nevada | $129,930 |
| #2 | Hawaii | $115,870 |
| #3 | Oregon | $110,280 |
| #4 | New York | $110,000 |
| #5 | Washington | $96,870 |
Nearby States Comparison
Crane Operator licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | $60,950 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Colorado | $74,140 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $71,500 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $72,870 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Arizona | $67,960 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Utah | $69,020 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Colorado | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Oklahoma | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Texas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arizona | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Utah | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department • Boards and Commissions Division • Boards and Commissions Division
5500 San Antonio Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87109
Phone: 5054902973
Related Careers in New Mexico
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $76,480 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $47,040 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Carpenter | $52,010 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $62,470 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Crane Operator in New Mexico?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Crane Operators in New Mexico?
New Mexico lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Crane Operators.
What education do you need to become a Crane Operator in New Mexico?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Crane Operator licensure in New Mexico.
What is the typical Crane Operator salary in New Mexico?
The median annual salary for Crane Operators in New Mexico is $60,950. Salaries range from $39,590 (10th percentile) to $86,670 (90th percentile).
How does the Crane Operator salary in New Mexico compare to the national average?
Crane Operators in New Mexico earn 8% below the national median of $66,370, with a state median of $60,950.
How many Crane Operators work in New Mexico?
New Mexico employs approximately 110 Crane Operators according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Crane Operator license to New Mexico from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Crane Operators in New Mexico?
The licensing agency is New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department / Boards and Commissions Division / Boards and Commissions Division. Review agency details at https://www.rld.nm.gov/crane-operators-safety-program-overview/.
How often do you renew a Crane Operator license in New Mexico?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.