Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NM Board of Trades
General Contractor Licensing in New Mexico
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for general contractor in New Mexico, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for General Contractor 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.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- certificate may prepare appraisals on all real estate and may indicate that such appraisals are state certified
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department • Boards and Commissions Division • New Mexico Real Estate Appraisers Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$100,580 median (6% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#35 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet New Mexico eligibility requirements for General Contractor licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State 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~New Mexico Real Estate Appraisers Board 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 $100,580, General Contractors in New Mexico earn 6% below the national median of $106,980. New Mexico ranks #35 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
$100,580Hourly estimate
$48.366% below national median
Difference: -$6,400
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationGeneral Contractor Salary Ranking
#35 of 50 statesfor General Contractor median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Massachusetts | $147,750 |
| #2 | Washington | $136,180 |
| #3 | Alaska | $135,630 |
| #4 | New York | $135,530 |
| #5 | Delaware | $135,200 |
Nearby States Comparison
General Contractor licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | $100,580 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Colorado | $113,520 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 1-18 years |
| Oklahoma | $96,310 | No educational requirements | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Texas | $99,600 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arizona | $110,120 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Utah | $99,900 | 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 | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Oklahoma | 72 | Medium | Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Texas | 50 | 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 Regulation & Licensing Department • Boards and Commissions Division • New Mexico Real Estate Appraisers Board
5500 San Antonio Drive NE, Suite B, Albuquerque, NM, 87109
Phone: 5052229820
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 General Contractor 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 General Contractors in New Mexico?
New Mexico lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for General Contractors.
What education do you need to become a General Contractor in New Mexico?
The board typically expects Degree required for General Contractor licensure in New Mexico.
What is the typical General Contractor salary in New Mexico?
The median annual salary for General Contractors in New Mexico is $100,580. Salaries range from $63,110 (10th percentile) to $157,320 (90th percentile).
How does the General Contractor salary in New Mexico compare to the national average?
General Contractors in New Mexico earn 6% below the national median of $106,980, with a state median of $100,580.
How many General Contractors work in New Mexico?
New Mexico employs approximately 1,780 General Contractors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my General Contractor 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 General Contractors in New Mexico?
The licensing agency is New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department / Boards and Commissions Division / New Mexico Real Estate Appraisers Board. Review agency details at https://www.rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/real-estate-appraisers/.
How often do you renew a General Contractor license in New Mexico?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.