Licensing Guides
New Mexico Septic License: How to Become a Septic Contractor in New Mexico
Septic, NM
October 1st, 2026
Table of Contents
What Is the Mean Wage for a Septic Professional in New Mexico?
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Septic License in New Mexico?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Septic License in New Mexico?
How Can I Prepare for the Septic License Exam in New Mexico?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Septic License in New Mexico?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Septic Work in New Mexico?
Septic License Requirements in New Mexico
We all need safe, reliable sewage management for our homes and businesses. Those homeowners and businesses that rely on septic tanks, also known as on-site sewage facilities (OSSF), depend on people who know how to install and maintain those systems while protecting the water supply.
According to a report from the American Society of Civil Engineers approximately 29% of New Mexico residents use on-site sewage systems, including an estimated 215,000 septic tanks and cesspools, 2,400 advanced wastewater treatment systems, and 24,000 privies or other systems.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are 30,650 septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners nationwide, and New Mexico employs 160 of them. Nationally, employment is projected to grow 8% from 2024 to 2034, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website. In New Mexico, the projected growth rate is even higher, at 21%, according to CareerOneStop.
Skilled trade workers remain in demand across New Mexico. The Associated General Contractors of America reports steady construction employment in the state, and septic and on-site wastewater work is essential wherever homes and businesses sit beyond municipal sewer lines. With the right training and license, you should have steady work to choose from once you are ready.
If you’re thinking about starting a septic business or working in this field, you need to know the requirements to become a licensed contractor in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need before you get started in New Mexico.
Is a license required to perform septic work in New Mexico? Yes. Anyone who pumps, installs, maintains, or evaluates on-site liquid waste systems must hold the appropriate credential from the state, including the Septage Pumper, Installer Specialist, Advanced Treatment System (ATS) Maintenance Service Provider, and Third-Party Evaluator certifications. Performing this work without the required certification is a violation of the New Mexico Liquid Waste Disposal regulations (20.7.3 NMAC) and can result in enforcement action, including penalties and permit denial.
Types of Septic Licenses in New Mexico
The types of septic licenses in New Mexico are:
Septage Pumper: Authorizes individuals or companies to pump, transport, and dispose of septic waste from residential and commercial septic systems.
Installer Specialist: Required for professionals who install septic systems, including conventional and advanced treatment systems.
Advanced Treatment System (ATS) Maintenance Service Provider: Allows individuals to maintain and service advanced treatment septic systems.
Third-Party Evaluator: Authorizes individuals to inspect and assess septic systems for real estate transactions, property owner compliance, and operational efficiency.
Steps to Get a Septic License in New Mexico
Follow these steps to obtain a Septage Pumper license:
Complete the Vacuum Truck Technician Training (VTT) certification program through the National Association of Wastewater Technicians (NAWT).
Submit application.
Pay $30 certificate fee.
Follow these steps to obtain an Installer Specialist license:
Meet prerequisite requirement: Must hold a plumbing (MM-1, MM-98, MS-1) or contractor (MS-3) license from the Construction Industries Division (CID).
Must meet one of the following experience requirements:Three years of professional experience installing on-site liquid waste systems in New MexicoInstalled or repaired at least 100 on-site liquid waste systems in New Mexico in accordance with permits approved by NMED or Bernalillo CountyCertified as an installer by a national industry or trade organization and have installed at least 50 on-site liquid waste systems in New Mexico
Complete 16 hours of training credits approved by NMED.
Complete NMED Liquid Waste Regulation training class and pass an exam.
Submit the application.
Pay a $150 fee.
Follow these steps to obtain an ATS Maintenance Service Provider license:
Must be certified by manufacturers you intend to service.
Must have NM Operator Certification for Small Advanced Wastewater Systems or Certification as Wastewater Operator from another state.
Submit the application.
Pay a $50 fee.
Follow these steps to obtain a Third-Party Evaluator license:
Meet prerequisite requirement: Must be certified by the NAWT as an onsite system inspector and have three years experience inspecting and evaluating onsite liquid waste systems in New Mexico.
Submit the application.
Pay a $50 fee.
Benefits of Getting a Septic License in New Mexico
Earning a New Mexico septic license does more than keep you compliant. It opens the door to more work and higher earnings. Key benefits include:
It is required by law to legally pump, install, maintain, or evaluate on-site liquid waste systems in the state.
It proves your skill and experience to homeowners, businesses, and inspectors.
It lets you operate and advertise a septic business under your own credential.
It allows you to pull permits and pass inspections through the NMED liquid waste permitting process.
It makes you eligible for larger residential, commercial, and public projects.
It supports higher earning potential as you move from pumping into installation and evaluation work.
It protects your customers and your business by confirming work meets state standards.
What Is the Mean Wage for a Septic Professional in New Mexico?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners in New Mexico earn a mean annual wage of $43,450, with a median annual wage of $40,230. Nationwide, the same occupation earns a mean annual wage of $53,500.
The mean is the average of all wages reported, while the median is the midpoint, where half of workers earn more and half earn less. Your pay in New Mexico depends on where you work, your years of experience, the certifications you hold, and whether you own the business. Moving from a Septage Pumper credential into Installer Specialist or evaluation work, and adding national certifications, generally raises earning potential.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Septic License in New Mexico?
The cost depends on the credential type:
The Septage Pumper license incurs a $200 course fee and a $30 application fee.
An Installer Specialist incurs a $150 application fee, plus the cost of training.
ATS Maintenance Service Providers and Third-Party Evaluators pay a $50 application fee.
You may also incur fees for local liquid waste permit applications.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of a septic installation technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan cloud-based, all-in-one septic business software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive the average ticket.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How to Get a Septic License in New Mexico
The path to a New Mexico septic license depends on the credential you want. The most accessible entry point is the Septage Pumper certification, which requires completing an approved training course and submitting an application to the New Mexico Environment Department. From there, many professionals build experience and pursue the Installer Specialist credential, which first requires holding a plumbing (MM-1, MM-98, MS-1) or contractor (MS-3) license through the Construction Industries Division, plus documented on-site liquid waste experience, 16 hours of NMED-approved training, and passing the NMED Liquid Waste Regulation exam.
Applications are submitted directly to NMED using the credential-specific forms, and applicants should be prepared to document their experience or manufacturer certifications. Local jurisdictions such as Bernalillo County may require separate permits for the work you perform.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Septic License in New Mexico?
Septage Pumpers must take a training course.
Installer Specialists must already hold a plumbing or general contractor license, and meet one of the following requirements:
Three years of experience
Install or repair at least 100 on-site liquid waste systems in New Mexico
Certification by a national industry or trade organization and install at least 50 on-site liquid waste systems in New Mexico
ATS Maintenance Service Providers must have an NM Operator Certification for Small Advanced Wastewater Systems or Certification as Wastewater Operator from another state.
Finally, Third-Party Evaluators need three years of experience.
New Mexico Septic Training Programs and Schools
The New Mexico Environment Department lists approved training programs, which include the National Association of Wastewater Technicians (NAWT), the New Mexico Water and Wastewater Association, Lagooniversity, and others. There are free and fee-based options.
New Mexico Septic Licensing Exam Details
The Installer Specialist license has a required exam based on the NMED Liquid Waste Regulation training class. The class and exam should be scheduled with the New Mexico Environment Department.
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How Can I Prepare for the Septic License Exam in New Mexico?
The Installer Specialist exam is based on the NMED Liquid Waste Regulation training class, so the best preparation is completing that class and reviewing the New Mexico Liquid Waste Disposal regulations (20.7.3 NMAC). Focus your study on site evaluation, system design and installation standards, setback and permitting rules, and inspection requirements. Completing the required NMED-approved training hours and any coursework offered through the New Mexico Water and Wastewater Association or the National Association of Wastewater Technicians will help you feel ready on exam day.
Who Issues Septic Licenses in New Mexico?
The New Mexico Environment Department issues licenses for septic professionals in the state of New Mexico. NMED regulates wastewater in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Roswell, and Grants.
Does My New Mexico Septic License Work in Any Other State?
No. A New Mexico septic certification is issued by the New Mexico Environment Department and is valid only for work performed in New Mexico. Other states run their own on-site wastewater licensing programs, so you would need to apply directly under each state's rules to work there.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Septic License in New Mexico?
New Mexico does not offer formal reciprocity for septic certifications. There is no agreement that automatically recognizes another state's septic or liquid waste credential. However, being accredited by a national industry or trade organization, or holding certifications from another state, can help you meet certain prerequisite requirements. For example, an ATS Maintenance Service Provider applicant may qualify using a Wastewater Operator certification from another state. In every case, you must still complete the New Mexico application and training process to be certified here.
Septic-Specific Requirements in New Mexico
Septic work in New Mexico carries requirements that go beyond a general contractor credential. Septage Pumpers must complete National Association of Wastewater Technicians Vacuum Truck Technician training. Installer Specialists must first hold a plumbing or contractor license from the Construction Industries Division before adding the septic credential. ATS Maintenance Service Providers must be certified by the manufacturers of the advanced treatment systems they service and hold an operator certification. Third-Party Evaluators must be certified by NAWT as onsite system inspectors. All work must comply with the New Mexico Liquid Waste Disposal regulations (20.7.3 NMAC).
National Septic Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The National Association of Wastewater Technicians and the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association offer certifications. Those and other professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Other Requirements Unique to New Mexico
A few New Mexico rules are easy to overlook. Installer Specialists must hold a plumbing (MM-1, MM-98, MS-1) or contractor (MS-3) license from the Construction Industries Division before they can be certified for septic installation. Local jurisdictions, including Bernalillo County, administer their own liquid waste permitting, so you may need to work with a county program in addition to NMED. Every installation or repair also requires a liquid waste permit before work begins.
Are There Septic Scholarships in New Mexico?
There is no dedicated statewide scholarship specifically for septic professionals in New Mexico. However, aspiring wastewater workers can look to industry associations and workforce programs to offset training costs. The New Mexico Water and Wastewater Association offers training and professional development, and national groups such as the National Association of Wastewater Technicians provide education resources. Check with local community colleges and workforce development boards for tuition assistance tied to the trades.
How Can Someone Verify My Septic License in New Mexico?
Homeowners and businesses can confirm that a septic professional and their permits are valid through the New Mexico Environment Department. Use the NMED tool to find an existing liquid waste permit, which lets you look up permitted systems and the professionals tied to them. For questions about a specific certification, contact the NMED Liquid Waste Program directly.
When Can a Septic License Get Suspended in New Mexico?
The New Mexico Environment Department can suspend or revoke a septic certification for cause. Common reasons include fraud or misrepresentation on an application, repeated violations of the Liquid Waste Disposal regulations (20.7.3 NMAC), performing work outside the scope of your certification, and letting a certification lapse without renewal. This information is general and is not legal advice. For specifics, consult NMED or a qualified attorney.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Septic Work in New Mexico?
Performing septic or liquid waste work without the required certification is illegal under the New Mexico Liquid Waste Disposal regulations (20.7.3 NMAC). Violations can lead to enforcement action, including civil penalties, orders to stop work, denial or revocation of permits, and referral for further legal action. Working without a permit also exposes you and your customers to liability if a system fails. This information is general and is not legal advice. Consult NMED or a qualified attorney for specifics.
Do I Need to Renew My New Mexico Septic License?
Yes. Septage Pumper must pay an annual $30 renewal fee per truck. Installer Specialists must renew their license every three years for a $75 fee.
For ATS Maintenance Service Provider, you should be trained annually on the treatment systems you’re approved to maintain, but there’s no renewal requirement with NMED.
Third Party Evaluators must renew their NAWT inspection certificate every two years.
Continuing Education
Installer Specialists are required to complete 16 hours of continuing education for renewal every three years.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all septic industry news several ways:
Check top septic blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your septic business.
Listen to top septic podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
The states have licensing requirements for other trades, too. You can find out more about how to get an HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing, or general contractor license in New Mexico, or in any of the other 49 states and the District of Columbia through the ServiceTitan Licensing Hub.
