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Verified by NM Board of Education

Substitute Teachers, Short-Term Licensing in New Mexico

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for substitute teachers, short-term in New Mexico, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

No exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Substitute Teachers, Short-Term in New Mexico

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Experience: No experience required.

  2. 2

    Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.

  3. 3

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  4. 4

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • No exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • certificate authorizes individuals to teach the native language and cultures of specific tribes and pueblos in any grade K through 12

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    New Mexico Public Education Department • Offices and Programs

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $37,100 median (4% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #23 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet New Mexico eligibility requirements for Substitute Teachers, Short-Term licensure.
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: No 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 Public Education Department~Offices and Programs 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 $37,100, Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms in New Mexico earn 4% below the national median of $38,470. 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

$37,100

Hourly estimate

$17.84
4% below national median

Difference: -$1,370

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$28,010
  • P2525th percentile$31,160
  • P50Median$37,100
  • P7575th percentile$37,720
  • P9090th percentile$41,950

State vs National Median

State: $37,100
National: $38,470

Total employment: 2,590 | Annual openings: N/A

Substitute Teachers, Short-Term Salary Ranking

#23 of 50 statesfor Substitute Teachers, Short-Term median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$57,260
#2Oregon$55,540
#3Washington$54,880
#4Hawaii$50,070
#5Minnesota$48,710

Nearby States Comparison

Substitute Teachers, Short-Term licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
New Mexico$37,100Varies by state boardNo exam requiredVaries by board
Colorado$38,470Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Oklahoma$22,450No educational requirementsState-approved examVaries by board
Texas$29,610Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Arizona$36,330Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Utah$33,100Varies 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.
Oklahoma72MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated.
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 Public Education Department • Offices and Programs

300 Don Gaspar, Room 103, Santa Fe, NM, 87501

Phone: 5058275800

Related Careers in New Mexico

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$63,990Specific course requiredVaries by board
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$81,700Specific course requiredVaries by board
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$80,590Specific course requiredVaries by board
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$62,460Specific course requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Substitute Teachers, Short-Term 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 Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms in New Mexico?

New Mexico lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms.

What is the typical Substitute Teachers, Short-Term salary in New Mexico?

The median annual salary for Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms in New Mexico is $37,100. Salaries range from $28,010 (10th percentile) to $41,950 (90th percentile).

How does the Substitute Teachers, Short-Term salary in New Mexico compare to the national average?

Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms in New Mexico earn 4% below the national median of $38,470, with a state median of $37,100.

How many Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms work in New Mexico?

New Mexico employs approximately 2,590 Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Substitute Teachers, Short-Term 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 Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms in New Mexico?

The licensing agency is New Mexico Public Education Department / Offices and Programs. Review agency details at https://webnew.ped.state.nm.us/bureaus/licensure/.

How often do you renew a Substitute Teachers, Short-Term license in New Mexico?

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