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 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Massage Therapist 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
Certification: Certification required.
- 6
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 7
License to practice massage therapy in New Mexico.
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 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 (7)
- 1. Meet New Mexico eligibility requirements for Massage Therapist 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 Regulation & Licensing Department~Boards and Commissions Division~Massage Therapy 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 $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 Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.9%Average Weekly Wage
$1,189Median 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 | Varies by board |
| Colorado | $59,560 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $48,140 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $56,540 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Arizona | $59,550 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Utah | $61,010 | 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 | 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
Official website verified
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 | Varies by board |
| Cosmetologist | $28,150 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Esthetician | $36,000 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Nail Technician | $42,840 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Massage Therapist 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 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/.
How often do you renew a Massage Therapist license in New Mexico?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.