CPA (Certified Public Accountant) in New Mexico
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NM
How to Become a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) in New Mexico
To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in New Mexico, candidates must meet the requirements set by the New Mexico Public Accountancy Board. This typically involves obtaining a bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours of education, including specific accounting coursework, and passing the Uniform CPA Examination. Additionally, applicants need to gain one to two years of supervised work experience, pass the AICPA Ethics Exam, and undergo a criminal background check. New Mexico also offers reciprocity for CPAs licensed in other states.
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Requirements in New Mexico
| Detail | New Mexico |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | New Mexico Public Accountancy Board |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours |
| Experience Required | 2,000.0 hours |
| Exam | Uniform CPA Examination ($1,463) |
| Application Fee | $175 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Continuing Education | 120.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age of 18. Requires passing the AICPA Ethics Exam with a score of 90% or higher. A criminal background check and fingerprinting are required. New Mexico offers several pathways to licensure, including a bachelor's degree plus 30 additional semester hours (total 150) and one year of experience, a bachelor's degree with a concentration in accounting or business and two years of experience, or a master's degree with one year of experience. All approved applicants are required to attend a board-sponsored Swearing In Ceremony within one year of licensure. |
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Salary in New Mexico
The median cpa salary in New Mexico is $77,420 per year, which is 5.2% below the national median of $81,680.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $51,590 |
| 25th | $62,590 |
| 50th (median) | $77,420 |
| 75th | $97,450 |
| 90th (experienced) | $119,020 |
New Mexico employs approximately 6,660 cpas.
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Job Outlook
AI Impact on CPAs
High AI Exposure (Score: 1.48/1.00)
Many tasks in this career are susceptible to AI automation. Long-term career planning should account for potential disruption.
Is Becoming a CPA in New Mexico Worth It?
With an estimated total investment of $1,200 and a median salary of $77,420 in New Mexico, the rough payback period is approximately 0 months.
Factors to consider: New Mexico's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, elevated AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.