New Mexico requires a state-level interpreter license. The licensing authority is State Court System / Certification body (varies). The median salary is $51,951 per year.
Last updated 2026-05-08
New Mexico requires an interpreter to hold a state license. Convert spoken or sign language from one language to another in legal, medical, and conference settings. Licensing is administered by the State Court System / Certification body (varies).
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education | Fluency in 2+ languages + interpreter training program |
| Experience Details | Fluency in 2+ languages + interpreter training program |
New Mexico requires passing the New Mexico Court/Medical Interpreter Certification Exam with a minimum score of 70%. The application fee is $300.
| Exam Name | New Mexico Court/Medical Interpreter Certification Exam |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Code Edition | Court/Medical Interpreter Certification Exam |
| Application Fee | $300 |
Getting licensed as an interpreter in New Mexico takes 24 months on the typical path. Here are the steps.
The total cost includes an exam application fee of $300 and renewal fees of $300 every 2 years. Continuing education of 12 hours is required per renewal cycle.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Exam Application | $300 |
| License Renewal | $300 every 2 years |
| Continuing Education | 12 hours |
Interpreters in New Mexico earn a median salary of $51,951, which is less than the national average. Data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
| Mean (average) | — / year |
| Entry level (10th pct) | — |
| Top earners (90th pct) | — |
| Total employed | — in New Mexico |
| National average | $57,090 |
Yes — New Mexico requires a state-level interpreter license. Convert spoken or sign language from one language to another in legal, medical, and conference settings.
The required exam is the New Mexico Court/Medical Interpreter Certification Exam. You need a score of 70% to pass. The exam fee is $300.
The median annual salary for interpreters in New Mexico is $51,951. The national median is $57,090.
New Mexico requires 12 hours of continuing education for license renewal every 2 years.
The fastest path takes approximately 6 months. The typical path takes 24 months including experience requirements.