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Verified by NM Board of Science

Environmental Scientist Licensing in New Mexico

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for environmental scientist in New Mexico, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Environmental Scientist in New Mexico

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.

  4. 4

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  6. 6

    Professional Engineers - The individual is qualified to practice engineering by reason of his intensive preparation and knowledge in the use of mathematics, chemistry, physics and engineering sciences, including the principles and methods of engineering analysis and design acquired by professional education and engineering experience.

  7. 7

    Although the license is Professional Engineer other governmental jurisdictions may require work to be performed by individuals who have qualified in a specific engineering discipline.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    New Mexico State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers & Professional Surveyors

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $79,250 median (1% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #19 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet New Mexico eligibility requirements for Environmental Scientist licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to New Mexico State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers & Professional Surveyors and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in New Mexico

With a median salary of $79,250, Environmental Scientists in New Mexico earn 1% below the national median of $80,060. New Mexico ranks #19 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.9%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,189

Median annual salary

$79,250

Hourly estimate

$38.10
1% below national median

Difference: -$810

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$49,640
  • P2525th percentile$66,360
  • P50Median$79,250
  • P7575th percentile$103,000
  • P9090th percentile$133,300

State vs National Median

State: $79,250
National: $80,060

Total employment: 1,160 | Annual openings: N/A

Environmental Scientist Salary Ranking

#19 of 50 statesfor Environmental Scientist median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$97,520
#2Massachusetts$96,330
#3Oregon$93,560
#4Rhode Island$90,460
#5Illinois$89,010

Nearby States Comparison

Environmental Scientist licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
New Mexico$79,250Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Colorado$86,720Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Oklahoma$67,530Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Texas$78,560Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Arizona$78,870Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Utah$81,480Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
New Mexico50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Colorado50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Oklahoma50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Texas50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arizona78HighBoard-specific review required.
Utah78HighBoard-specific review 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 State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers & Professional Surveyors

2550 Cerrillos Road, Third Floor, P.O. Box 1967, Santa Fe, NM, 87505

Phone: 5054764565

Related Careers in New Mexico

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Biological Technicians$52,000Specific course requiredVaries by board
Chemical Technicians$62,610Specific course requiredVaries by board
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health$57,930Degree requiredVaries by board
Forester$63,860Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Environmental Scientist 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 Environmental Scientists in New Mexico?

New Mexico lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Environmental Scientists.

What education do you need to become a Environmental Scientist in New Mexico?

The board typically expects Degree required for Environmental Scientist licensure in New Mexico.

What is the typical Environmental Scientist salary in New Mexico?

The median annual salary for Environmental Scientists in New Mexico is $79,250. Salaries range from $49,640 (10th percentile) to $133,300 (90th percentile).

How does the Environmental Scientist salary in New Mexico compare to the national average?

Environmental Scientists in New Mexico earn 1% below the national median of $80,060, with a state median of $79,250.

How many Environmental Scientists work in New Mexico?

New Mexico employs approximately 1,160 Environmental Scientists according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Environmental Scientist 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 Environmental Scientists in New Mexico?

The licensing agency is New Mexico State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers & Professional Surveyors. Review agency details at https://www.sblpes.state.nm.us/.

How often do you renew a Environmental Scientist license in New Mexico?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.