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Verified by NM Board of Public Safety

Security Guards Licensing in New Mexico

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for security guards in New Mexico, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Security Guards in New Mexico

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.

  4. 4

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  5. 5

    Certification: Certification required.

  6. 6

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

Exam and processing details

  • State exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department • Boards and Commissions Division • Private Investigations Advisory Board

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $38,650 median (1% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #23 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet New Mexico eligibility requirements for Security Guards licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department~Boards and Commissions Division~Private Investigations Advisory Board and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in New Mexico

With a median salary of $38,650, Security Guardss in New Mexico earn 1% above the national median of $38,370. New Mexico ranks #23 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.9%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,189

Median annual salary

$38,650

Hourly estimate

$18.58
1% above national median

Difference: +$280

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$30,270
  • P2525th percentile$33,450
  • P50Median$38,650
  • P7575th percentile$49,420
  • P9090th percentile$66,480

State vs National Median

State: $38,650
National: $38,370

Total employment: 8,240 | Annual openings: N/A

Security Guards Salary Ranking

#23 of 50 statesfor Security Guards median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Alaska$48,620
#2Washington$48,010
#3Colorado$46,080
#4Minnesota$46,020
#5Massachusetts$44,950

Nearby States Comparison

Security Guards licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
New Mexico$38,650Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Colorado$46,080Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Oklahoma$36,580Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Texas$33,390No educational requirementsNo exam requiredVaries by board
Arizona$38,560Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Utah$42,440Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
New Mexico50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Colorado56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Oklahoma50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Texas54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arizona78HighBoard-specific review required.
Utah78HighBoard-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 • Private Investigations Advisory Board

2550 Cerrillos Road, Second Floor, P.O. Box 25101, Santa Fe, NM, 87505

Phone: 5054764622

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in New Mexico

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Corrections Officer$47,420Specific course requiredVaries by board
Firefighter$42,920Degree requiredVaries by board
Police Officer$63,340Specific course requiredVaries by board
Acupuncturist$83,220Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Security Guards 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 Security Guardss in New Mexico?

New Mexico lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Security Guardss.

What education do you need to become a Security Guards in New Mexico?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Security Guards licensure in New Mexico.

What is the typical Security Guards salary in New Mexico?

The median annual salary for Security Guardss in New Mexico is $38,650. Salaries range from $30,270 (10th percentile) to $66,480 (90th percentile).

How does the Security Guards salary in New Mexico compare to the national average?

Security Guardss in New Mexico earn 1% above the national median of $38,370, with a state median of $38,650.

How many Security Guardss work in New Mexico?

New Mexico employs approximately 8,240 Security Guardss according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Security Guards 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 Security Guardss in New Mexico?

The licensing agency is New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department / Boards and Commissions Division / Private Investigations Advisory Board. Review agency details at https://www.rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/private-investigations/.

How often do you renew a Security Guards license in New Mexico?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.