Cosmetology Schools in New Mexico
Do you want to pursue a career that combines a love for beauty and a desire to help people feel and look their best? Becoming a cosmetologist in New Mexico could be right for you! And now may be the perfect time! The number of cosmetology careers in the state is expected to grow by 15% by 2032.
Browse our directory of cosmetology schools in New Mexico, or skip ahead to learn about the state's cosmetology licensing requirements and job outlook.
Browse All Cosmetology Schools in New Mexico
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2434 Cerillos Road
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Adorabella Beauty Academy – Accredited
Albuquerque, NM 87123
Olympian Academy of Cosmetology - Albuquerque – Accredited
Albuquerque, NM 87109
Olympian Academy of Cosmetology - Las Cruces – Accredited
Las Cruces, NM 88001
Olympian Academy of Cosmetology - Roswell – Accredited
Roswell, NM 88201
Paul Mitchell the School Albuquerque – Accredited
Albuquerque, NM 87110
You must attend a school that meets any licensure requirements as defined by your state. Most states require that you graduate from an accredited or state-approved school.
Related Beauty Careers
Not sure this is the right fit for you? Learn more about other career options in the beauty industry. Related specializations include:
Cosmetology Schools Near Me
Check out the Cosmetology schools these cities in New Mexico have to offer.
How to Become a Cosmetologist in New Mexico
To become a cosmetologist in New Mexico, you need to complete cosmetology school and pass exams, as well as meet other requirements. You'll also need to renew your license every two years. Read on to learn more!
- Cosmetology School Hours: 1600
- Renewal Years: 2
- Continuing Education Requirements: 0 hours
- Average Cosmetology Salary: $28,150 ($13.54/hour)
- Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): 15%
What to Expect From a Cosmetology Program in New Mexico
Required to earn a cosmetology license
New Mexico cosmetology school lasts for 1600 hours and covers hair, nail, and skincare services, business skills, science, and more. Your beauty classes will be divided into theory and hands-on coursework, helping you gain the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful cosmetology career.
No matter what subject you're studying, you'll spend time studying the theory behind beauty topics and learning about working with customers, using the tools and supplies, and keeping everything clean and safe. And, of course, you'll learn how to perform the treatments themselves! The cosmetology curriculum in New Mexico includes, but isn't limited to:
New Mexico also requires you to complete a minimum number of different kinds of services:
Can I Apprentice as a Cosmetologist in New Mexico?
No, you can't get your cosmetology license through an apprenticeship in New Mexico. However, you can earn your barber license that way.
How to Get Your Cosmetology License in New Mexico
To get your cosmetology license in New Mexico, you need to complete a cosmetology program, pass exams, and meet other standards. You must:
Once all of that is done, you can apply for your license and, when approved, get your career going!
New Mexico Cosmetology Exams
You need to pass written and practical exams to get your cosmetology license in New Mexico. The written exam is accompanied by a state law test. A passing score is 70% on each test.
Professional Credential Services handles New Mexico's cosmetology exams. You schedule your tests and pay your fees through them.
The state uses National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) tests.
You need to dress professionally and provide your own kit and mannequin when you take the practical test. The exam covers the following subjects:
Your written test includes 110 questions, 100 of which are scored. The test covers:
The state law exam is taken along with the theory test.
If you don't pass your written and practical tests within 24 months of completing cosmetology school, you need to register for coursework, complete an evaluation to determine what skills you need to work on, and complete at least 150 more training hours. You can then try retaking the tests.
New Mexico Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity
You may be able to transfer your existing cosmetology license to New Mexico by submitting an application online. Your out-of-state license needs to be current and in good standing. Reciprocity comes with a $150 fee. The state will determine if your license can be transferred.
Cosmetology Specialties in New Mexico
If you want to be a beauty professional in New Mexico but aren't sure you want to provide a wide range of hair, skin, and nail services, you could specialize in a specific area. This could mean earning your cosmetology license and focusing on your preferred area, or it could mean getting a different beauty license altogether.
Some other beauty licenses in New Mexico are:
There's a lot of overlap between barbering and cosmetology in the state. Both can provide hairstyling, brow and lash, and facial services. Barbers can use a straight edge and other razor blades, but cosmetologists can't. Meanwhile, cosmetologists can provide manicuring and pedicuring services, but barbers can't.
However, you can get a barber license in addition to your cosmetology license by completing a crossover program. Cosmetology-to-barber crossover programs last 150 hours, and barber-to-cosmetology courses are 175 hours.
You don't need a license to provide only the following beauty services in New Mexico:
Most medical professionals and funeral service workers also don't need beauty-specific licenses to provide hair and makeup treatments that naturally fall into the scope of their work.
New Mexico Cosmetology Licensure Renewal
License renewal period
Continuing education required
You need to renew your New Mexico cosmetology license by the end of your birth month every two years. Cosmetologists don't need to complete any continuing education (unless you decide to become a cosmetology teacher), but taking classes to keep on top of your game is always a good idea.
It costs $100 to renew your license, and you can only do so online.
Cosmetologist Salary and Projected Job Growth in New Mexico
Median yearly salary for cosmetology in New Mexico
The future of cosmetology in New Mexico is bright! According to CareerOneStop, the number of jobs is expected to grow by 15% over the next decade. This is more than double the national projection!
Many factors affect cosmetology pay, including years of experience, services offered, and location. In New Mexico, the lowest-paid 10% of cosmetologists earn $25,950 or less, and the highest-paid 10% made $62,400 or more. The median cosmetology salary is $28,150.
You can get a better sense of how much you might make by looking at your specific location. New Mexico cosmetologists in different parts of the state earn:
| Area | 2024 Salary Range |
| Northern New Mexico Balance of State | $26,180–$93,600 (Median: $26,180) |
| Santa Fe, NM Metro Area | $27,370–$66,950 (Median: $29,470) |
| Albuquerque, NM Metro Area | $26,680–$62,640 (Median: $28,950) |
| Eastern New Mexico Balance of State | $24,960–$60,230 (Median: $27,460) |
| Farmington, NM Metro Area | $25,700–$45,150 (Median: $26,420) |
| Las Cruces, NM Metro Area | $24,960–$44,790 (Median: $26,300) |
Source: CareerOneStop (2026)
Contact the New Mexico State Board of Cosmetology
- Website: NMRLD – Barbers and Cosmetologists
- Mailing Address: P.O. Box 25101, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504
- Phone: (505) 476-4622
- Email: barber.cosmoboard@rld.nm.gov