Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NM Board of Public Safety
Firefighter Licensing in New Mexico
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for firefighter 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 Firefighter in New Mexico
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 4
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 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
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
- Licensing Authority
New Mexico State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers & Professional Surveyors
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$42,920 median (28% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#43 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet New Mexico eligibility requirements for Firefighter licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree 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 State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers & Professional Surveyors 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 $42,920, Firefighters in New Mexico earn 28% below the national median of $59,530. New Mexico ranks #43 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
$42,920Hourly estimate
$20.6328% below national median
Difference: -$16,610
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationFirefighter Salary Ranking
#43 of 50 statesfor Firefighter median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washington | $93,490 |
| #2 | New York | $88,380 |
| #3 | New Jersey | $87,660 |
| #4 | California | $83,400 |
| #5 | Illinois | $79,080 |
Nearby States Comparison
Firefighter licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | $42,920 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Colorado | $76,560 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 4 years |
| Oklahoma | $47,270 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Texas | $60,840 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Arizona | $58,650 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Utah | $49,270 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 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 | 64 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Continuing education compliance is required. |
| Oklahoma | 72 | Medium | Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Texas | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arizona | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Utah | 78 | High | Board-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
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Officer | $47,420 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Police Officer | $63,340 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Security Guards | $38,650 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Acupuncturist | $83,220 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Firefighter 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 Firefighters in New Mexico?
New Mexico lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Firefighters.
What education do you need to become a Firefighter in New Mexico?
The board typically expects Degree required for Firefighter licensure in New Mexico.
What is the typical Firefighter salary in New Mexico?
The median annual salary for Firefighters in New Mexico is $42,920. Salaries range from $31,200 (10th percentile) to $59,580 (90th percentile).
How does the Firefighter salary in New Mexico compare to the national average?
Firefighters in New Mexico earn 28% below the national median of $59,530, with a state median of $42,920.
How many Firefighters work in New Mexico?
New Mexico employs approximately 2,200 Firefighters according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Firefighter 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 Firefighters 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 Firefighter license in New Mexico?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.