Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NM Board of Trades
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Licensing in New Mexico
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators in New Mexico, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in New Mexico
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
New Mexico Environment Department
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$46,680 median (20% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#45 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet New Mexico eligibility requirements for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators licensure.
- 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
- 3. Pass required state examinations.
- 4. Submit the application to New Mexico Environment Department and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in New Mexico
With a median salary of $46,680, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in New Mexico earn 20% below the national median of $58,260. 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
$46,680Hourly estimate
$22.4420% below national median
Difference: -$11,580
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationWater and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Ranking
#45 of 50 statesfor Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $82,100 |
| #2 | Nevada | $79,140 |
| #3 | Washington | $78,810 |
| #4 | Alaska | $76,910 |
| #5 | New Jersey | $75,200 |
Nearby States Comparison
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | $46,680 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Colorado | $68,220 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $41,380 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $48,110 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Arizona | $61,480 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Utah | $59,120 | No educational requirements | State 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 | 78 | High | Board-specific review 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.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
New Mexico Environment Department
See official licensing board website
Phone: N/A
Related Careers in New Mexico
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $76,480 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $47,040 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Carpenter | $52,010 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $62,470 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators 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 is the typical Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in New Mexico?
The median annual salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in New Mexico is $46,680. Salaries range from $34,980 (10th percentile) to $77,150 (90th percentile).
How does the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in New Mexico compare to the national average?
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in New Mexico earn 20% below the national median of $58,260, with a state median of $46,680.
How many Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss work in New Mexico?
New Mexico employs approximately 2,180 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators license to New Mexico from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in New Mexico?
The licensing agency is New Mexico Environment Department. Review agency details at https://www.env.nm.gov/drinking_water/utility-operator-certification-program/.
How often do you renew a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators license in New Mexico?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.