Massage Therapist in New Mexico: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
New Mexico employs 360 massage therapists, with a statewide median of $37,840 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact New Mexico licensing picture, and where to train.
What Massage therapists Earn in New Mexico (May 2025)
- New Mexico median pay
- $37,840 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $29,430
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $49,050
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $91,730
- Employed in New Mexico
- 360
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $54,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for massage therapists in major New Mexico markets:
- Santa Fe
- $47,390 (50 employed)
- Albuquerque
- $36,440 (240 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in New Mexico
Prices in New Mexico run about 8% below the national average (cost-of-living index 92.2 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $37,840 median stretches to roughly $41,041 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in New Mexico (2024–2034)
New Mexico is projected to grow massage therapists employment +16.1%, faster than the +15.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 80 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
New Mexico License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) — regulated by the New Mexico Massage Therapy Board (RLD).
- Complete 650 hours at an approved massage therapy program.
- Pass the MBLEx.
- Apply to the New Mexico Massage Therapy Board.
Official requirements: New Mexico Massage Therapy Board (RLD) →
Training in New Mexico
650 hours is a moderate path. Medical/clinical and resort/spa roles differ a lot in pay.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in New Mexico include:
- Carrington College-Albuquerque — Certificate
- Santa Fe Community College — Certificate
- University of New Mexico-Main Campus — Certificate
- University of New Mexico-Taos Campus — Certificate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who are physically strong, enjoy helping others, and want a licensed practice they can build independently.
Think twice if: Physical strain on hands and wrists, scheduling unpredictability as a self-employed practitioner, or close physical contact sound difficult.
Why it's resilient: Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.
First Steps
Check your state's hour requirement and find a state-licensed massage therapy school — programs range from 500 to 1,000 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do massage therapists make in New Mexico?
The median wage for massage therapists in New Mexico is $37,840 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $29,430, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $91,730. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Massage Therapist in New Mexico?
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), overseen by the New Mexico Massage Therapy Board (RLD). Complete 650 hours at an approved massage therapy program.
Is being a Massage Therapist a good career in New Mexico?
Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.
Which New Mexico metros pay massage therapists the most?
Among New Mexico metro areas, Santa Fe leads at $47,390, followed by Albuquerque ($36,440). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Massage Therapist in New Mexico?
Real New Mexico options include Carrington College-Albuquerque, Santa Fe Community College, University of New Mexico-Main Campus. Most massage therapists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Massage Therapist a growing career in New Mexico?
New Mexico projects massage therapists employment to change +16.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 80 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), New Mexico statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9011. Licensing summary compiled from the New Mexico Massage Therapy Board (RLD) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET New Mexico wages · New Mexico licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.