Respiratory Therapist in New Mexico
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NM
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in New Mexico
To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in New Mexico, individuals must complete an Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program and pass the NBRC RRT exam. Additionally, applicants need to pass a New Mexico Jurisprudence Exam and undergo a state background check. The initial application fee is $150, and licenses are renewed every two years, requiring 20 hours of continuing education per cycle, including specific hours in ethics and human trafficking awareness (effective October 25, 2025).
Respiratory Therapist Requirements in New Mexico
| Detail | New Mexico |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | New Mexico Respiratory Care Board |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program |
| Exam | NBRC RRT exam and New Mexico Jurisprudence Exam ($340) |
| Application Fee | $150 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 20.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | A state background check is required. As of January 1, 2018, all applicants must hold a current Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. A jurisprudence exam with a passing score of 75% or higher is required. Effective October 25, 2025, licensees must complete at least one hour of human trafficking related continuing education per cycle, in addition to one hour of ethics. |
Respiratory Therapist Salary in New Mexico
The median respiratory therapist salary in New Mexico is $66,460 per year, which is 17.4% below the national median of $80,450.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $59,280 |
| 25th | $64,000 |
| 50th (median) | $66,460 |
| 75th | $80,250 |
| 90th (experienced) | $85,530 |
New Mexico employs approximately 600 respiratory therapists.
Respiratory Therapist Job Outlook
AI Impact on Respiratory Therapists
Low AI Exposure (Score: -0.19/1.00)
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 Respiratory 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.