Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NM Board of Personal Care
Massage Therapist Licensing in New Mexico
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for massage therapist in New Mexico, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Massage Therapist in New Mexico
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: Work experience required
- Background Check: Background check required
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department • Boards and Commissions Division • Massage Therapy Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$47,660 median (18% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#45 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
Salary Insights in New Mexico
With a median salary of 47,660, Massage Therapists in New Mexico earn 18% below the national median of $57,950. New Mexico ranks #45 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$47,660Hourly estimate
$22.9118% below national median
Difference: -$10,290
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMassage Therapist Salary Ranking
#45 of 50 statesfor Massage Therapist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Alaska | 135,200 |
| #2 | Vermont | 105,490 |
| #3 | Oregon | 82,860 |
| #4 | Washington | 82,820 |
| #5 | Hawaii | 80,590 |
Nearby States Comparison
Massage Therapist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | $47,660 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Colorado | $59,560 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Oklahoma | $48,140 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Texas | $56,540 | Specific course required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Arizona | $59,550 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Utah | $61,010 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
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 | 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: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department • Boards and Commissions Division • Massage Therapy Board
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barber | $38,960 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| Cosmetologist | $28,150 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| Esthetician | $36,000 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| Nail Technician | $42,840 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Massage Therapist in New Mexico?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Massage Therapists in New Mexico?
New Mexico lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Massage Therapists.
What education do you need to become a Massage Therapist in New Mexico?
The board typically expects Degree required for Massage Therapist licensure in New Mexico.
What is the typical Massage Therapist salary in New Mexico?
The median annual salary for Massage Therapists in New Mexico is 47,660. Salaries range from $29,590 (10th percentile) to $89,120 (90th percentile).
How does the Massage Therapist salary in New Mexico compare to the national average?
Massage Therapists in New Mexico earn 18% below the national median of $57,950, with a state median of 47,660.
How many Massage Therapists work in New Mexico?
New Mexico employs approximately 320 Massage Therapists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Massage Therapist 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 Massage Therapists in New Mexico?
The licensing agency is New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department / Boards and Commissions Division / Massage Therapy Board. Review agency details at https://www.rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/massage-therapy/.