by 
Electricians have stable occupation and the demand for such skilled workers is steady.
Electricians start off as apprentices, and when they accumulate enough experience, they’ll earn a license from the New Mexico Electrical Bureau.
Article Table of Contents
Apprenticeship
The apprenticeship can be completed in a variety of ways:
- Union or Non-Union Apprenticeship
- Trade School
- On-the-Job Training
In New Mexico, there are more licenses issued to electricians, and each of them has a different requirement when it comes to how long the apprenticeship will last.
4 Years or 8,000 hours:
- Residential and commercial electrical
- Electrical distribution systems/transmission lines
2 Years or 4,000 hours:
- Residential wiring
- Electrical sign and outline lighting
- Cathodic and lightning protection systems
- Sound intercommunication, alarm systems, and systems equal to or less than 50 volts
- Telephone and interconnect systems
- Water well pump installer
- Residential water well pump installer
Trade School
New Mexico has several technical schools offering an electrical educational program and students usually obtain an Associates’ degree which is helpful for those seeking a career.
The subjects at these schools include:
- Electrical Basics and Tools
- The Service Entrance and Electrical Panels
- Electrical Equipment for Commercial Installation
- Electrical Circuits and Systems
- Grounding and Wiring
- Electrical Wiring Protection Devices
- Electrical Boxes, Receptacles, and Switches
- Installing Lighting, Ceiling Fans, and Appliances
- Introduction to Commercial Wiring
- Conduit Work
Some of these schools also offer apprenticeship placement which can turn into full-time employment after graduation.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Central New Mexico Community College | 525 Buena Vista SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106 |
| Luna Community College | 336 Luna Drive, Las Vegas, NM 87701 |
| Navajo Technical University | Lower Point Road, Crownpoint, NM 87313 |
| New Mexico State University | 1500 University Dr, Carlsbad, NM 88220 |
| New Mexico State University | 1500 N. Third Street, Grants, NM 87020 |
| New Mexico State University | 2800 N. Sonoma Ranch Blvd., Las Cruces, NM 88011 |
| Northern New Mexico College | 921 Paseo de Onate, Espanola, NM 87532 |
Union or Non-Union Apprenticeship
Direct entry apprenticeships are also a popular way to gain the experience required to become a journeyman electrician.
The New Mexico Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC) is where union apprenticeships are found, and union membership is a mandatory requirement to be accepted.
Those who don’t want to be union members can contact the Northern New Mexico Independent Electrical Contractors chapter, Southern New Mexico IEC chapter or the Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. to find out about any available apprenticeship programs.
On-the-Job Training
This is still a form of apprenticeship.
The advantage here is for those who already know a licensed electrician seeking an apprentice.
This is also an option available to those who prefer working with a specific electrical company.
Becoming a Journeyman
To become licensed as a journeyman electrician in New Mexico, candidates need to:
- Complete their training as mentioned above
- Fill out an application with PSI Exams
- Pay the exam fee
- Score at least 70% on the exam
Only those who get accepted can take the journeyman exam.
The exam has 2 parts:
- Code Examination
- Theory Examination
The subjects of the test will cover:
- Electrical Installation Requirements
- Services, Feeders, and Branch Circuits
- Overcurrent Protection
- Grounding and Bonding
- Conductors and Cables
- Raceways and Boxes
- Hazardous Locations, Special Occupancies, and Special Equipment
- Lighting, Signs, and General-Use Equipment
- Motors, Transformers, and Generators
- NM State Code
Electrical Contractor
In New Mexico, a contractor’s license is needed to bid and contract electrical work, regardless of its type.
Requirements:
- Fill out the application
- Proof of financial responsibility
- Proof of current New Mexico tax ID number
- Score at least 75% on the exams organized by PSI Exams
In New Mexico, electrical contractors need to pass:
- The Business and Law exam
- The Electrical Inspector exam
The questions of the Business and Law Examination cover:
- Licensing Requirements
- Estimating and Bidding
- Business Organization and Financial Management
- Tax and Labor Laws
- Project Management and Lien Law
- Contracts
- Risk Management
- Environmental and Safety
The questions of the Electrical Inspector Examination cover:
- General Knowledge
- New Mexico State Code
- Low Voltage
- Electrical Installation Requirements
- Services, Feeders, and Branch Circuits
- Overcurrent Protection
- Grounding and Bonding
- Conductors and Cables
- Raceways and Boxes
- Hazardous Locations, Special Occupancies, and Special Equipment
- Lighting, Signs, and General-Use Equipment
- Motors, Transformers, and Generators
Candidates can bring the most current edition of the National Electrical Code as well as the New Mexico Electrical Code during the exam.
The Business and Law exam is also open-book.
Salary
The accumulated experience of an electrician in New Mexico will decide how much they earn.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Albuquerque | $45,735 |
| Las Cruces | $41,345 |
| Rio Rancho | $45,589 |
| Santa Fe | $45,966 |
| Roswell | $42,659 |
| Farmington | $45,121 |
| Clovis | $43,089 |
| Hobbs | $41,963 |
| Alamogordo | $43,388 |
| Carlsbad | $42,659 |
Regional Salary in New Mexico
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM | 2,770 | $58,950 | $28.34 | $77,430 | $37,210 |
| Farmington, NM | 310 | $68,720 | $33.04 | $111,560 | $42,000 |
| Las Cruces, NM | 320 | $52,620 | $25.3 | $83,090 | $34,530 |
| Santa Fe, NM | 130 | $53,310 | $25.63 | $73,850 | $31,480 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
License Renewal
The journeyman certificate expires every 3 years and renewal applications are sent to PSI.
Individuals also need to complete at least 16 hours of continuing education:
- 8 hours in code changes
- 8 hours in other industry-related topics, from a list of approved classes.
The electrical contractor license expires annually, and a $50 fee is needed to renew it.
Read the full guide: How to Become an Electrician
Electrician Schools by City
Electrician Schools by State