Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NM Board of Healthcare
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Licensing in New Mexico
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for mental health and substance abuse social workers in New Mexico, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Both state and third-party exams requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in New Mexico
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Both state and third-party exams 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 • New Mexico Board of Social Work Examiners
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$65,600 median (9% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#11 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet New Mexico eligibility requirements for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Both state and third-party exams required.
- 5. Submit the application to New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department~Boards and Commissions Division~New Mexico Board of Social Work Examiners and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in New Mexico
With a median salary of $65,600, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in New Mexico earn 9% above the national median of $60,060. New Mexico ranks #11 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
$65,600Hourly estimate
$31.549% above national median
Difference: +$5,540
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary Ranking
#11 of 50 statesfor Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New York | $80,230 |
| #2 | Connecticut | $78,820 |
| #3 | Minnesota | $77,100 |
| #4 | California | $75,320 |
| #5 | Oregon | $71,830 |
Nearby States Comparison
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | $65,600 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Colorado | $65,080 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $43,190 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $44,790 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Arizona | $46,650 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Utah | $60,060 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 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 | 56 | Medium | 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 | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Utah | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be 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 Board of Social Work Examiners
2550 Cerrillos Road, Second Floor, P.O. Box 25101, Santa Fe, NM, 87505
Phone: 5054764622
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|---|---|---|---|
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers 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 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in New Mexico?
New Mexico lists Both state and third-party exams required as part of the licensure process for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss.
What education do you need to become a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in New Mexico?
The board typically expects Degree required for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure in New Mexico.
What is the typical Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in New Mexico?
The median annual salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in New Mexico is $65,600. Salaries range from $36,150 (10th percentile) to $124,270 (90th percentile).
How does the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in New Mexico compare to the national average?
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in New Mexico earn 9% above the national median of $60,060, with a state median of $65,600.
How many Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss work in New Mexico?
New Mexico employs approximately 620 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers 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 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in New Mexico?
The licensing agency is New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department / Boards and Commissions Division / New Mexico Board of Social Work Examiners. Review agency details at https://www.rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/social-work/.
How often do you renew a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license in New Mexico?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.