Massage Therapist in New Mexico
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NM
How to Become a Massage Therapist in New Mexico
To become a licensed Massage Therapist in New Mexico, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. They need to complete a minimum of 650 hours of training from an approved massage therapy program, pass the MBLEx examination, and submit a completed application with a $75 fee. Additionally, a background check with fingerprinting and current CPR/AED and first aid certification are required. New Mexico does not currently offer reciprocity with other states, meaning out-of-state licensees must meet all New Mexico's requirements.
Massage Therapist Requirements in New Mexico
| Detail | New Mexico |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | New Mexico Board of Massage Therapy |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 650-hour training program |
| Exam | Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) ($265) |
| Application Fee | $75 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 16.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age 18. Requires high school diploma or equivalent, background check with fingerprinting, and current CPR/AED and first aid certification. 4 of the 16 CE hours must be in ethics, and a minimum of 8 hours must be live, in-person training. |
Massage Therapist Salary in New Mexico
The median massage therapist salary in New Mexico is $47,660 per year, which is 17.8% below the national median of $57,950.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $29,590 |
| 25th | $41,250 |
| 50th (median) | $47,660 |
| 75th | $80,270 |
| 90th (experienced) | $89,120 |
New Mexico employs approximately 320 massage therapists.
Massage Therapist Job Outlook
AI Impact on Massage Therapists
Low AI Exposure (Score: -1.41/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a Massage Therapist in New Mexico Worth It?
Factors to consider: New Mexico's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.