How to Become an Electrician in New Mexico

If you’re looking for a stable career that involves hands-on work, logical thinking, and daily variety, becoming an electrician could be a great choice. Electricians handle installation, repair, and maintenance of electrical wiring systems. Their responsibilities also include cable splicing, blueprint reading, and using power tools to diagnose and fix systems.

In 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported 4,270 electricians working in New Mexico. Employment in this field is projected to grow by 16% over the next ten years, creating strong job opportunities in the state. [En Español]

In New Mexico, the path to becoming an electrician starts with apprenticeship training, followed by passing the journeyman electrician exam and later qualifying for an electrical contractor license. Before beginning, it’s essential to understand the apprenticeship programs, training schools, and licensing requirements in the state.

Requirements for Becoming an Electrician in New Mexico

In New Mexico, the Electrical Bureau oversees electrician licensing. The first license available is the journeyman electrician license, which allows work in residential and commercial settings, as well as on electrical distribution systems and transmission lines.

To qualify for the journeyman exam, you must complete four years of apprenticeship under a licensed electrician. Alternatively, you can apply for a limited license, which permits work on residential wiring, electrical signs, low-voltage systems (50 volts or less), and water well pump installations. This requires two years of documented work experience.

A journeyman license must be renewed every three years, and electricians must complete 16 hours of continuing education to qualify for renewal.

To obtain an electrical contractor’s license in New Mexico, you must have two to four years of experience as a journeyman electrician. Applicants must pass two exams: the Business and Law Exam and the Electrical Inspector Exam. Both exams allow reference to the National Electrical Code (NEC) and the New Mexico Electrical Code, and a minimum score of 75 is required to pass each. This license must be renewed annually.

The following states have a reciprocal license agreement with New Mexico for journeyman licenses: Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Wyoming.

Apprenticeship Programs in New Mexico

The best way to gain the work experience needed for electrician licensing in New Mexico is through an apprenticeship program. Apprentices earn paid on-the-job training while completing educational courses. Many union apprenticeship programs also assist members with job placement after completion. New Mexico offers both union and non-union apprenticeship programs for those pursuing a career in the electrical trade.

The New Mexico Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC) is the state’s primary union apprenticeship program. It partners with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) to sponsor apprenticeships. These programs last five years and provide the 8,000 hours of work experience required to take the journeyman license exam.

Apprentices in New Mexico receive training in following the National Electrical Code (NEC), reading blueprints, understanding local and state regulations, and installing and maintaining electrical systems in commercial and industrial settings. They also attend six hours of classroom instruction per week, covering topics such as electrical theory, heating and air conditioning, power tool usage, and first aid and safety.

For those interested in a non-union apprenticeship, options include the Northern New Mexico Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC), Southern New Mexico IEC, and Northern New Mexico IEC. These programs typically take four years to complete and are recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training and Veterans Affairs. Apprentices receive 8,000 hours of work training and 150 hours of classroom instruction, preparing them for journeyman licensing.

New Mexico Electrician Programs

Whether you take an educational training program instead of doing an apprenticeship or you just want to further your education in the field, several colleges in New Mexico have electrical training certificate and degree programs. These programs usually take one to two years to complete and may cover coursework such as: electrical basics and tools, grounding and wiring, electrical wiring protection devices and electrical circuits and systems. Here are some programs to consider:

• Central New Mexico Community College. Central Mexico Community College offers an electrical trades certificate program that consists of 42 credit hours spread out over three semesters. This program counts as two of the four years of work experience needed to become licensed as a journeyman. Coursework ranges from personal safety, electrical formulas and identifying materials in the first semester to blueprint reading, technical skills and cable installation by the third semester.
• Luna Community College. At Luna, you can aim to get an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Electronics Engineering Technology. Students receive instructional learning as well as hands-on learning in labs. The labs allow students to work with modern diagnostic equipment and simulation software to simulate real life work experiences. This program consists of 62 credit hours. These hours are a combination of general education courses, electives and program specific courses. This program takes two years to complete.
• Northern New Mexico College. Northern New Mexico College also offers an AAS in electrical technology. This two-year program prepares students to work in the electrical field by covering residential and commercial wiring, industrial maintenance, troubleshooting techniques and more. Coursework consists of 33 program requirement credits and 27 general education credits to be taken over the two years that students are at Northern.

Outlook and Salary Expectations

The BLS has predicted an 16 percent increase in the number of electricians employed in the state of New Mexico by the year 2030. This will add approximately 540 electrician jobs within the state. With 4,960 electricians working there, the city of Albuquerque employs more than half of the state’s electricians.

As stated in the 2020 BLS data, electricians in New Mexico were averaging $26.92 hourly and $56,000 annually at that time. The top earners in the state can potentially make as much as $82,020 a year.

Salaries in New Mexico by Occupation

Occupation	Total Employment	Mean Hourly Wage	Mean Annual Wage	Annual Salary 10th Percentile	Annual Salary 25th Percentile	Annual Salary 75th Percentile	Annual Salary 90th Percentile
Electricians	4,270	$26.92	$56,000	$37,090	$45,200	$74,440	$82,020
Helpers--Electricians	860	$21.01	$43,700	$30,800	$37,210	$47,840	$49,650
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment	310	$38.31	$79,670	$58,610	$63,070	$85,980	$99,710
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay	140	$35.71	$74,280	$45,410	$46,950	$102,880	$103,430
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers	830	$31.34	$65,190	$40,860	$55,920	$91,480	$101,690

Electrician Salaries in New Mexico by Region

Area	Total Employment	Mean Hourly Wage	Mean Annual Salary	Hourly Wage 10th Percentile	Hourly Wage 25th Percentile	Hourly Wage 75th Percentile	Hourly Wage 90th Percentile
Albuquerque, NM	2,330	$27.28	$56,730	$17.89	$21.25	$36.41	$37.22
Farmington, NM	240	$30.39	$63,220	$20.19	$23.52	$40.72	$53.63
Las Cruces, NM	250	$23.26	$48,390	$16.60	$19.74	$29.13	$39.95
Santa Fe, NM	160	$24.66	$51,290	$15.13	$22.13	$28.53	$35.51

Working as an Electrician in New Mexico

The construction industry in New Mexico is experiencing strong growth, creating plenty of opportunities for electricians. Electricians are also needed to repair and maintain existing electrical systems. Employers typically specify licensure or certification requirements, with most requiring at least a high school diploma and a valid driver’s license.

Albuquerque is a prime location for electrician jobs. Major contractors in the area include Corbins Electric, Rogers Electric, and Tradesmen International, Inc. Electricians can also find work with independent contractors and at medical centers, hotels, and resorts across the state. If you’re considering a career as an electrician in New Mexico, now is a great time to start.

College Programs

• Albuquerque, NM
• Eastern New Mexico Nonmetropolitan Area
• North and West Central New Mexico Nonmetropolitan Area

Albuquerque, NM Area

525 Buena Vista SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106
(505) 224-3000
Electrical Trades – Certificate Program, Electrical Trades – Associate Program

Central New Mexico Community College offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and an Associate program. Classes are taken at their campus in the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico. This public college has approximately 25,760 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Tuition fees for in-state students are generally around $1,578 and for out-of-state students approximately $7,170 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $1,392, although this will depend on the program.

Eastern New Mexico Nonmetropolitan Area Area

1500 University Drive, Carlsbad, New Mexico 88220
(575) 234-9200
Electrical Engineering – Certificate Program

New Mexico State University offers various Certificate program options for future professionals. All programs are taught at their Carlsbad campus in Carlsbad in Eddy County, NM. The college has about 1,931 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The university is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Fees for tuition for in-district students are likely to be about $1,276 and are $2,068 and $4,108 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Learning materials may cost roughly $1,250, although this will vary with the program.

North and West Central New Mexico Nonmetropolitan Area Area

336 Luna Drive, Las Vegas, New Mexico 87701
(505) 454-2500
Electrical Wiring Technology – Certificate Program

The Electrical Wiring Technology Certificate program in Electrical Wiring Technology at Luna Community College can be taken at their campus in Las Vegas in San Miguel County. The college has approximately 1,481 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Fees for tuition for in-district students are roughly about $962 and are $1,298 and $2,426 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Learning materials may cost roughly $1,250, although this will vary with the program.

Lower Point Road, State Road 371, Crownpoint, New Mexico 87313-0849
(505) 786-4100
Electrical Trades – Certificate Program

The Certificate program in Electrical Trades at Navajo Technical University is offered at their campus in Crownpoint in Mckinley County, NM. Of the 1,686 students, about 0% are postgraduates. The university is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Fees for tuition are about $4,070 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $1,600, although this will depend on the program.

921 Paseo de Onate, Espanola, New Mexico 87532
(505) 747-2100
Electrical Technology – Associate Program, Electrical Technology – Certificate Program

Northern New Mexico College offers multiple training options, including an Associate program and a Certificate program. Classes are taken at their campus in the town of Espanola, NM. This public college has round 923 students in total, with most students on 4-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Fees for tuition for in-state students are likely to be in the order of $4,765 and for students from outside the state likely to be about $13,619 yearly. Study materials can cost about $900, depending on the program chosen.

705 Gurley Ave., Gallup, New Mexico 87301
(505) 863-7500
Electrical Trades – Certificate Program

The University of New Mexico-Gallup Campus’s Certificate program in Electrical Trades is offered at their Gallup campus in the town of Gallup, New Mexico. Most of the school’s 2,454 students are on 2-year programs. The University of New Mexico-Gallup Campus has institutional accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is around $1,932 and for out-of-state students around $4,708 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $1,102, depending on the program.

* College accredition status and tuition fees and are, to our best knowledge, correct at the time of writing, and sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (http://nces.ed.gov/). Check all details directly with college before applying.

Neighbor States

Residents of New Mexico may also wish to review their options in Utah, Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma and Colorado.

FAQs

How much do electricians earn in the state of New Mexico?

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricians in the state of New Mexico made an average of $50,460 per year in 2019. Entry-level electricians earned around $30,750 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $74,310.