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 2023, 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.

According to BLS May 2025 OEWS data, electricians in New Mexico earn a mean of $28.66 an hour and $59,620 a year. The top 10 percent earn more than $86,830 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 Listings

Neighbor States

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