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Maybe you want to start working in the plumbing industry in New Mexico.
In such a case, check out this article for info regarding the training and licensing process.
Article Table of Contents
- 1 Plumber Job Description and Requirements
- 2 How to Become an Apprentice in New Mexico
- 3 How to Get a Journeyman License in New Mexico
- 4 How to Get a Contractor Plumber License in New Mexico
- 5 Plumber Employment and Salary Information
- 6 Additional Information
- 7 Schools Offering Plumbing Programs in New Mexico
Plumber Job Description and Requirements
In New Mexico, a plumber has to finish the following common daily job duties:
- Reading or drafting blueprints
- Installing the piping system
- Maintaining the water system
- Repairing the system whenever needed
- Ensuring the safety standards
- Meeting building regulations
- Using the appropriate devices to measure or solder
There are 2 plumbing certifications you can get in New Mexico:
- Licensed plumber or journeyman
- Plumber contractor
How to Become an Apprentice in New Mexico
First of all, you need to enroll in a training program where your skills can be developed.
You should make sure to pick a program that is approved by the state board in New Mexico.
Students attend both theory and practice classes, such as:
- Drafting,
- Mathematics,
- Science,
- Sprinkler installation,
- Pipefitting
- Reading blueprints
If you are too busy to attend an in-person program, you can choose to attend one online.
When you enroll in a program, you will be called an apprentice.
You will also need to register your apprenticeship in order for it to be valid.
To be eligible for an apprenticeship program, you have to:
- Being 18 years old of age
- High-school diploma or equivalent
- Driver’s license
- Birth certificate copy
- Proof of being a citizen of the US
- A processing fee
- Pass a background check
- Pass a drug test
- Be a good driver
Your apprenticeship will expire yearly, so you will need to renew it.
Usually, plumbing training programs in this state have a duration of 4 years.
You will also have to attend at least 144 hours of education.
While you are allowed to work as an apprentice, you will be making less than a licensed plumber.
Your plumbing work will need to be supervised by a journeyman or master plumber at all times.
Another way of getting the training you need is to pursue a bachelor’s or associate’s degree.
How to Get a Journeyman License in New Mexico
New Mexico requires you to pass an exam before getting your license issued.
Getting a license will allow you to perform plumbing work without supervision.
To be eligible for the exam, you have to:
- Be 18 years old
- Send in an application form and pay a $30 fee
- Comply with the required training
- Social security number
- Proof of experience
You will also have to pay a $68.88 exam fee.
The journeyman plumber exam in New Mexico has 100 questions.
It is also open-book and requires a passing score of $75.
The journeyman license has to be renewed every year, which will cost $50.
How to Get a Contractor Plumber License in New Mexico
In New Mexico, a contractor plumber license will allow you to work on small and big plumbing systems.
You will be able to work in residences as well as large office buildings.
You may also supervise apprentice plumbers if needed.
As a contractor, you can work independently or for a company.
To get the contractor license in New Mexico, you have to:
- Have a journeyman license
- Send in an application form
- Submit an application fee
- Pass the contractor exam
- Documented proof of experience
The topics in the exam include:
- Plumbing fundamentals and safety;
- Materials you need to use and specifications;
- Traps, interceptors, and backwater valves;
- Plumbing fixtures, fixture fittings, and plumbing appliances;
- Water supply systems;
- Backflow prevention;
- Drain, waste, and vent systems;
- Special topics;
- Gas appliances and piping;
- Plumbing mathematics.
You will have 4 hours to complete the exam, which is open-book and has 100 questions.
Plumber Employment and Salary Information
In New Mexico, an average salary for a licensed plumber is $52,613 per year.
There are about 10,000 people who get licensed every year.
Living in a large region will give you more job opportunities and you can advance your career faster.
The salary will also see an increase if you choose to run your own plumbing business.
Apprentices earn less than licensed plumbers, but getting hired will help you gain experience.
You may also want to consider joining a union.
A union will provide increased career opportunities and job stability.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Albuquerque | $53,891 |
| Las Cruces | $48,929 |
| Rio Rancho | $53,718 |
| Santa Fe | $54,398 |
| Roswell | $50,483 |
| Farmington | $53,281 |
| Clovis | $51,856 |
| Hobbs | $51,387 |
| Alamogordo | $51,347 |
| Carlsbad | $50,483 |
Regional Salary in New Mexico
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM | 1,500 | $58,480 | $28.12 | $81,880 | $37,710 |
| Farmington, NM | 260 | $49,900 | $23.99 | $83,100 | $32,810 |
| Las Cruces, NM | 180 | $51,030 | $24.54 | $73,030 | $34,150 |
| Santa Fe, NM | 160 | $51,010 | $24.52 | $65,630 | $36,550 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information
You can learn more about the licensing process on New Mexico E-Services for Contractor Licensing.
You will also get to learn when your license expires and when it needs to be renewed.
Working as a plumber in New Mexico can be rewarding.
The first step in building a solid career is getting the training you need to gain experience.
Schools Offering Plumbing Programs in New Mexico
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Santa Fe Community College | 6401 Richards Avenue Santa Fe, New Mexico 87508 |
| Central New Mexico Community College | 900 University Blvd. SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 |
| Doña Ana Community College | 3400 Espina St, Las Cruces, NM 88003 |
| Navajo Technical University | Lowerpoint Rd State Hwy 371, Crownpoint, NM 87313 |
| Northern New Mexico College | 921 N. Paseo de Oñate Española, NM 87532 |
| At Your Pace Online | |
| UA LOCAL 412 PLUMBERS AND PIPEFITTERS TRAINING CENTER | 411 Arizona SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108 |
| TLC Plumbing & Utility | 5000 Edith Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87107 |
| Granite State Trade School | 42 Old Manchester Road Raymond, NH 03077 |
Read the full guide: How to Become a Plumber
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Plumbing License by State