Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NM Board of Science
Geologist Licensing in New Mexico
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for geologist in New Mexico, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Geologist in New Mexico
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: No educational requirements.
- 2
Experience: No 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
- No exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- No continuing education requirement 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
$93,720 median (6% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#20 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet New Mexico eligibility requirements for Geologist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: No 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: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in New Mexico
With a median salary of $93,720, Geologists in New Mexico earn 6% below the national median of $99,240. New Mexico ranks #20 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
$93,720Hourly estimate
$45.066% below national median
Difference: -$5,520
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationGeologist Salary Ranking
#20 of 50 statesfor Geologist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Texas | $155,330 |
| #2 | Rhode Island | $128,870 |
| #3 | Oklahoma | $128,240 |
| #4 | Mississippi | $113,730 |
| #5 | California | $111,400 |
Nearby States Comparison
Geologist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | $93,720 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Colorado | $99,900 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $128,240 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $155,330 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Arizona | $83,630 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Utah | $104,000 | 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 | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Colorado | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Oklahoma | 50 | 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 | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Utah | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement 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
2550 Cerrillos Road, Second Floor, P.O. Box 25101, Santa Fe, NM, 87505
Phone: 5054764622
Related Careers in New Mexico
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological Technicians | $52,000 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Chemical Technicians | $62,610 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $57,930 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Environmental Scientist | $79,250 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Geologist 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 Geologists in New Mexico?
New Mexico lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Geologists.
What education do you need to become a Geologist in New Mexico?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Geologist licensure in New Mexico.
What is the typical Geologist salary in New Mexico?
The median annual salary for Geologists in New Mexico is $93,720. Salaries range from $52,530 (10th percentile) to $170,080 (90th percentile).
How does the Geologist salary in New Mexico compare to the national average?
Geologists in New Mexico earn 6% below the national median of $99,240, with a state median of $93,720.
How many Geologists work in New Mexico?
New Mexico employs approximately 90 Geologists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Geologist license to New Mexico from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Geologists 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/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/athletic-commission/.
How often do you renew a Geologist license in New Mexico?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.