Occupational licensing · New Mexico · burden rank #9 of 51
New Mexico Occupational Licensing Requirements
New Mexico's licensing burden varies by profession. This registry brings together education hours, initial and renewal fees, exams, background checks and reciprocity notes for 97 professions. Its source trail records the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) compilation and responsible boards. Use the table to compare occupations, then verify the current rule with the responsible state board before applying.
New Mexico sits in the high-burden band (#9 of 51). Highest education-hour licenses here: Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber; Psychologist. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Mortgage Loan Originator; Veterinarian; Psychologist; General Contractor. Nearest burden-rank peers: Washington; Hawaii; Montana; Louisiana. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology. Open a named profession or a peer state before treating rank as a career verdict.
- Professions licensed
- 97
- Burden rank
- #9 of 51
- Avg education hours
- 2,398
- Avg initial fee
- $237
New Mexico vs all states by licensing burden score
Where this state's Institute for Justice License to Work composite sits among every state and D.C. Lower score = heavier documented barriers.
37 Among the heaviest more restrictive than 82% of 51 states
States and D.C., banded by IJ License to Work composite burden score (low = heavy)
Each bar is a band; taller bars hold more states. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count and share, and where it sits relative to this entry.
Source Institute for Justice License to Work · 2026
Highest education-hour licenses here: Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber; Psychologist. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Mortgage Loan Originator; Veterinarian; Psychologist; General Contractor. Nearest burden-rank peers: Washington; Hawaii; Montana; Louisiana. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology.
Education-hour spotlight 1
Electrician
In New Mexico, Electrician lists 7,081 education hours with an exam and a $199 initial fee. Compare the same license in Washington on the burden ladder.
Education-hour spotlight 2
Elevator Installer
In New Mexico, Elevator Installer lists 7,081 education hours with an exam and a $281 initial fee. Compare the same license in Washington on the burden ladder.
Initial-fee spotlight 1
Mortgage Loan Originator
Mortgage Loan Originator is among New Mexico's higher initial fees at $585 after 20 education hours. Open Hawaii for a peer-state fee shape.
Initial-fee spotlight 2
Veterinarian
Veterinarian is among New Mexico's higher initial fees at $408 after 5,541 education hours. Open Hawaii for a peer-state fee shape.
Compare New Mexico against peer states
Open the side-by-side compare tool with New Mexico already selected on state A and a peer jurisdiction on state B.
Opens the live compare tool with both states and the profession already selected. Browse all comparisons.
Nationwide jurisdictions with similar burden or fee shape
Two peer sets for New Mexico: IJ composite burden rank and average confirmed initial license fee, distinct from the inline burden neighbors above.
Similar licensing burden rank
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by Institute for Justice composite burden (#9 of 51 here; #1 = most restrictive).
- Hawaii · burden #8/51
- Montana · burden #10/51
- Louisiana · burden #11/51
- Washington · burden #7/51
Similar average initial fee
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by average confirmed initial license fee ($237 here).
- Hawaii · avg $237 initial fee
- Montana · avg $230 initial fee
- Rhode Island · avg $229 initial fee
- Washington · avg $247 initial fee
Agriculture in New Mexico
| NM profession | NM edu hrs | NM exam | NM initial $ | NM renew $ | NM cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist / Tree Surgeon
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Pesticide Applicator (Commercial)
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Water Well Driller
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Dakota.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Dakota |
Animal Care in New Mexico
| NM profession | NM edu hrs | NM exam | NM initial $ | NM renew $ | NM cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeder
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Farrier / Horseshoer
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New York.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New York |
| Veterinarian
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 5,541 | Yes | $408 | $331 | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Veterinary Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 2,270 | Yes | $204 | $166 | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
Construction in New Mexico
| NM profession | NM edu hrs | NM exam | NM initial $ | NM renew $ | NM cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| 7,081 | Yes | $199 | $160 | 1 yr | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Elevator Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| 7,081 | Yes | $281 | $243 | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| General Contractor
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| - | Yes | $402 | $325 | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Glazier
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Pennsylvania |
| HVAC Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Oklahoma.
| 5,081 | Yes | $160 | $121 | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Oklahoma |
| Land Surveyor
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Locksmith
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Mobile Home Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Painter (Contractor)
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Pest Control Applicator
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 31 | Yes | $160 | $141 | 3 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Plumber
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 7,081 | Yes | $238 | $199 | 1 yr | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Roofer
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Security Alarm Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Septic System Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Oklahoma.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Oklahoma |
Cosmetology in New Mexico
| NM profession | NM edu hrs | NM exam | NM initial $ | NM renew $ | NM cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
| 1,385 | Yes | $131 | $67 | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Pennsylvania |
| Body Piercer
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Cosmetologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 1,462 | Yes | $151 | $75 | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Electrologist
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| 875 | Yes | $160 | $121 | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Esthetician
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 830 | Yes | $133 | $64 | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Funeral Director / Embalmer
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Hair Braider
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Massage Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| 846 | Yes | $163 | $84 | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Nail Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| 574 | Yes | $117 | $59 | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Tattoo Artist
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
Design in New Mexico
| NM profession | NM edu hrs | NM exam | NM initial $ | NM renew $ | NM cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| - | Yes | $281 | $204 | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Landscape Architect
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| - | Yes | $325 | $248 | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
Education in New Mexico
| NM profession | NM edu hrs | NM exam | NM initial $ | NM renew $ | NM cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 92 | No | $160 | $121 | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Elementary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| - | Yes | $201 | $124 | 5 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| School Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| - | Yes | $239 | $162 | 5 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Secondary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| - | Yes | $201 | $124 | 5 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Substitute Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
Engineering in New Mexico
| NM profession | NM edu hrs | NM exam | NM initial $ | NM renew $ | NM cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE)
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and Ohio.
| - | Yes | $402 | $325 | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs Ohio |
| Professional Geologist
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| - | Yes | $200 | - | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
Finance in New Mexico
| NM profession | NM edu hrs | NM exam | NM initial $ | NM renew $ | NM cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Dakota.
| - | Yes | $397 | $320 | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Dakota |
| Debt Collector
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Insurance Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 66 | Yes | $197 | $159 | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Mortgage Loan Originator
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| 20 | Yes | $585 | $392 | 1 yr | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Tax Preparer
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
Food & Hospitality in New Mexico
| NM profession | NM edu hrs | NM exam | NM initial $ | NM renew $ | NM cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartender / Alcohol Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Food Handler / Food Safety Certification
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
Healthcare in New Mexico
| NM profession | NM edu hrs | NM exam | NM initial $ | NM renew $ | NM cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 3,270 | Yes | $204 | $166 | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Dental Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Dental Hygienist
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 3,270 | Yes | $287 | $166 | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Dietetic Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and North Carolina.
| 182 | Yes | $141 | $121 | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs North Carolina |
| Hearing Aid Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Home Health Aide
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 1,385 | Yes | $171 | $127 | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Medical Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Medical Lab Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and North Carolina.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs North Carolina |
| Occupational Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 3,770 | Yes | $248 | $210 | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Optician (Dispensing)
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Optometrist
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| 4,770 | Yes | $402 | $325 | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Paramedic
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 1,816 | Yes | $204 | $166 | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Pharmacist
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| 5,155 | Yes | $293 | $254 | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Pharmacy Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Phlebotomist
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Physical Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and Ohio.
| 3,770 | Yes | $287 | $248 | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs Ohio |
| Physician Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 4,155 | Yes | $331 | $293 | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Radiologic Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| 2,339 | Yes | $204 | $166 | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| - | Yes | $243 | $204 | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Registered Nurse
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 2,770 | Yes | $210 | $146 | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Respiratory Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| 2,270 | Yes | $204 | $166 | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Speech-Language Pathologist
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| 3,770 | Yes | $287 | $210 | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Surgical Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
Legal & Security in New Mexico
| NM profession | NM edu hrs | NM exam | NM initial $ | NM renew $ | NM cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Security Guard
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| 63 | No | $198 | $120 | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Court Reporter / Stenographer
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Notary Public
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Private Investigator
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 4,631 | Yes | $320 | $281 | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Process Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
Mental Health in New Mexico
| NM profession | NM edu hrs | NM exam | NM initial $ | NM renew $ | NM cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oregon.
| 3,770 | Yes | $210 | $171 | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oregon |
| Licensed Professional Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 3,270 | Yes | $206 | $168 | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Marriage and Family Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| 3,270 | Yes | $248 | $210 | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Psychologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 6,541 | Yes | $408 | $331 | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
Miscellaneous in New Mexico
| NM profession | NM edu hrs | NM exam | NM initial $ | NM renew $ | NM cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement Ride Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Athletic Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Auctioneer
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Casino/Gaming Dealer
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oregon.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oregon |
| Sign Language Interpreter
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
Real Estate in New Mexico
| NM profession | NM edu hrs | NM exam | NM initial $ | NM renew $ | NM cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| 163 | Yes | $320 | $243 | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Real Estate Agent / Salesperson
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| 148 | Yes | $238 | $196 | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Real Estate Broker
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| 222 | Yes | $320 | $262 | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
Transportation in New Mexico
| NM profession | NM edu hrs | NM exam | NM initial $ | NM renew $ | NM cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeur / Limousine Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 31 | Yes | $120 | $82 | 4 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New York.
| 283 | Yes | $159 | $82 | 4 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New York |
| School Bus Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 102 | Yes | $120 | $82 | 4 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Taxi/Ride-Share Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Tow Truck Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
What to do with this
New Mexico ranks #9 of 51 jurisdictions on composite licensing burden (Top quartile, highest) -- here's how to use that.
- Compare New Mexico directly against another state, side by side. Compare states
- Before relocating or entering a profession, compare its education hours, fees, and exam requirements across states. Browse all professions
- Check whether your license transfers under an interstate compact before assuming you need to start over. Reciprocity guide
Burden scores are compiled from Institute for Justice License to Work research and NCSL board coverage; always confirm current rules with the licensing board before relying on any single row.
Related for New Mexico
NCSL and state-board extracts for New Mexico. Burden peers on this ladder include Washington, Hawaii, Montana, Louisiana; verify current rules with the named boards before applying.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential state file (current as of May 15, 2026) aggregates 4,947 licensing requirement records; see the methodology.
Every figure on PlainCredential is rendered directly from NCSL and state occupational- licensing board data, no number is typed in by an editor. Figures for New Mexico render from NCSL and state licensing board rows; no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.