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New Mexico has dry and hot days with cold nights, thus HVAC systems are in high demand, as are those servicing them.
Let’s have a look at what it takes to become an HVAC mechanic in New Mexico.
Article Table of Contents
Job Outlook
By 2024, the demand for these mechanics is expected to grow 21% in New Mexico.
The median salary in New Mexico in the field is $42,636 per year, and while the entry level jobs pay much less, those at the top earn around $48,312 per year.
As a benchmark, the average salary in the United States is $46,648 per year, with the best HVAC technicians making around $52,858 per year.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Albuquerque | $43,860 |
| Las Cruces | $39,651 |
| Rio Rancho | $43,720 |
| Santa Fe | $44,082 |
| Roswell | $40,910 |
| Farmington | $43,271 |
| Clovis | $41,323 |
| Hobbs | $40,243 |
| Alamogordo | $41,610 |
| Carlsbad | $40,910 |
Regional Salary in New Mexico
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM | 880 | $50,440 | $24.25 | $67,170 | $36,160 |
| Farmington, NM | 70 | $46,010 | $22.12 | $59,800 | $31,920 |
| Las Cruces, NM | 180 | $50,040 | $24.06 | $73,350 | $32,250 |
| Santa Fe, NM | 120 | $49,900 | $23.99 | $65,240 | $37,130 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Licensing Requirements
It’s best to start your career by attending a training school and remember to complete your apprenticeship as well.
The apprenticeship period lasts anywhere from 2 years up to 4 years.
Most programs available for this trade don’t last for too long and completing one will greatly increase your chances of getting hired and getting better paid.
Check out the schools below for one near you.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Central New Mexico Community College | 525 Buena Vista SE Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106 |
| Clovis Community College | 417 Schepps Blvd Clovis, New Mexico 88101 |
| Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell Campus | 52 University Blvd Roswell, New Mexico 88202 |
| New Mexico State University-Carlsbad | 500 University Dr Carlsbad, New Mexico 88220 |
| New Mexico State University-Dona Ana | 3400 S Espina Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003 |
| Santa Fe Community College | 6401 Richards Ave Santa Fe, New Mexico 87508 |
Once you learn the trade you have the option to become an HVAC contractor, but for this, you’ll have to get a license as a Conditioning Contractor and in Business and Law.
This license allows you to work both on residences and on commercial properties, and perform any type of work.
The Natural Gas Fitting Contractors license is needed by those who will work with ventilation systems that use natural gas fittings.
This includes servicing or installing natural gas systems or appliances.
Requirements for the Heat, Air Conditioning Contractors License
- Submit a bond for $500 to $5,000: it can be cash collateral or an audited financial statement
- Prove 2 to 4 years of experience, depending on the classification
- Attach a certificate of competence
- Pass both the trade exam and the business and law exam
The fee to apply to sit for the exam is $30 while the licensing fee is $30.
Your license must be renewed after 2 years and you will need 5 hours of continued education and also pay the additional $30 annual renewal fee.
Requirements for the Natural Gas Fitting License
- Submit a bond of the same amount as above
- Prove between 2 and 4 years of experience
- Attach a certificate of competence
- Pass the appropriate examination
- Pay the licensing fee of $30
The fee to apply to sit for the exam is $30.
The license must be renewed and you’ll have to pay the renewal fee of $30.
Examination
To take the exam, you apply as described above and you can only take it if you get approved.
PSI is the body overseeing the testing process, and you can contact them to learn when and where you can sit through the exam.
Heat, Air Conditioning Contractors Exam
This test lasts for 3 hours and consists of 100 questions.
To pass, you have to score at least 75%.
Business and Law Exam
This exam lasts for 2 hours and you have to answer 50 questions.
To take it, you have to pay $45 and the passing score is at least 75%.
Topics:
- licensing requirements,
- giving estimates,
- bidding,
- how to organize a business,
- managing finances,
- state laws,
- environment,
- safety,
- risk assessment
- project management
MM-2 Natural Gas Fitting Exam
This exam has 100 questions and you have 4 hours to answer them all.
The passing score is the same as above, and you have to take it in tandem with the Business and Law exam.
Topics:
- piping,
- gas sizing,
- appliances,
- combustion,
- air,
- chimneys,
- flues,
- vents,
- systems
Final Thoughts
Unlike other fields, HVAC is easy to access in New Mexico and is one that offers life-long money-making opportunities.
Since the demand for these professionals is ever-growing, now it’s time to pick a long-lasting career path.
Read the full guide: How to Become an HVAC Technician
HVAC Schools by City
HVAC Schools by State