Carpentry Schools in New Mexico

Carpenters in New Mexico enjoy an impressive annual average salary, are highly in demand for their expertise, and have several opportunities for career improvement and entrepreneurship. Individuals in the state who would like to become successful carpenters must prioritize proper education and take the necessary steps to put themselves in a strong position for career advancement.

In the following section, we analyze the most important considerations prospective carpenters must make to enjoy all of these benefits. We also examine some other important aspects of the process, including top training programs to consider, licensing and certification, and annual average salary projections.

How to Become a Carpenter in New Mexico

The following are the steps involved in becoming a carpenter in New Mexico.

Completing a Training Program

Completing a carpentry training program in New Mexico is key to succeeding on the job, regardless of a candidate’s talent. An academic program helps them refine their skills, learn in a structured way, and pick up valuable skills.

Speaking of awards, candidates may pick up a certificate after a few months of study or an associate degree after a couple of years of education. Many training programs also offer additional benefits, including career services, industry credentials, and tuition assistance via financial aid initiatives.

On-the-Job Training

Academic programs may provide foundational training in the classroom and practical training in the laboratory/workshop, but they are limited in their ability to provide real-world experience.

This, however, is where on-the-job training comes into play.

Apprenticeship programs are valuable to interested individuals who want to get both classroom training and real-world experience. Some students can also receive payment while they are still learning.

Professional Attributes

Developing professional skills is also valuable on the journey to becoming a carpenter. This is why training destinations try to help candidates develop effective oral and written communication, dexterity, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.

It is also essential for candidates to have strong marketing skills that help them when they become contractors.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a welder in New Mexico

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Carpenters in New Mexico can work without a license if employed by a licensed contractor. However, to operate independently on projects valued over $10,000, they must hold a contractor license. Applicants typically need 2–4 years of documented experience in carpentry work before applying for a license.

To get a contractor license in the state, applicants must first obtain a Qualifying Party (QP) certificate, pass the required exams (trade and business/law), and then apply for a contractor license with the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (NM RLD) through PSI. Candidates need to complete an application along with a notarized work experience affidavit, complete with a $36 fee.

They may then sit for and pass both the trade exam and the business and law exam relevant to their chosen contractor license classification.

Top Carpentry Schools in New Mexico

The following are the top training programs to attend as an aspiring carpenter in New Mexico.

Explore carpentry schools in New Mexico by city:

• Carpentry schools in Albuquerque

Salary & Career Outlook

Carpenters in Clovis make an annual average salary of $75,332, while those in Arroyo Seco make an annual average salary of $73,875. These are the two highest-paying destinations for carpenters in New Mexico.

Mosquero employees are also competitively rewarded, with an annual average salary of $70,910.

As a carpenter in New Mexico, it is more common to earn an annual average salary of $60,327. This is because this figure is the most relevant to the median earners, and the median earning category is where most professionals fall.

For those who happen to start their careers among the low-level earners, the annual average salary to expect is $42,523. However, with time, experience, and other factors in their favor, carpenters in New Mexico can earn an annual average salary of $85,584, putting them in the top 10% category.