Electrician Schools in New Mexico

Electricians in New Mexico are usually called upon whenever electrical installations are needed. Of course, these professionals can oversee much more than just installing electrical components; they can also maintain, repair, upgrade, and oversee large-scale projects.

As in several locations across the country, more and more individuals are looking to become electricians in New Mexico, thanks to the profession’s appeal. However, to meet the requirements to become a successful electrician, residents of the state must ensure that they are familiar with the steps involved in the process as early as possible.

The guide on this page introduces interested candidates to relevant considerations they have to make in this regard. These include the basic educational requirements, advanced educational requirements, apprenticeship options, licensing and certification requirements, and more.

How to Become an Electrician in New Mexico

The state of New Mexico has the following requirements for prospective electricians.

Basic Requirements

Most training programs for aspiring electricians in New Mexico will only admit candidates with a high school diploma, but candidates with a GED equivalent will also be considered.

Furthermore, candidates with a strong knowledge of basic mathematics and algebra will thrive more on the job.

Receiving Training

Most candidates turn to academic training to acquire fundamental skills in electrical technology. The most common academic training arrangements for electricians are two-year associate degree programs offered by trade schools and community colleges.

In an upcoming section, we explore some of the best schools and programs for students to consider in this regard.

Gaining Work Experience

Apprenticeship programs—including those organized by unions and non-union organizations—offer comprehensive hands-on training for aspiring electricians in New Mexico. Candidates receive basic classroom training but with more focus on real-world experience.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become a plumber in New Mexico

Licensure & Certification Requirements

The New Mexico Construction Industries Division’s Regulation and Licensing Department oversees the licensing process for electricians in New Mexico. Anyone looking to perform electrical work in the state must have a license.

Fresh candidates just starting out are expected to obtain a journeyman license. Then, if they would like to take on their own contracts, they may pursue an electrical contractor license. In order to receive a license, candidates must follow the steps above, including receiving training and gaining work experience.

The state issues several categories of licenses under the journeyman classification. The specific license they choose will depend on how many years of experience they have accumulated on the job.

Those with 2 years of experience may apply for the electrical signs and outline lighting license, the residential license, the telephone communication lines license, and more.

Candidates must also pass the licensing exam with a score of at least 70% to officially receive their license.

Top Electrician Schools in New Mexico

The entries below are among the best schools to study as an aspiring electrician in New Mexico.

Explore electrician schools in New Mexico by city:

• Electrician schools in Albuquerque

Salary & Career Outlook

New Mexico employees who work as electricians can fall among the bottom 10% of earners, in the midpoint, or among the highest-paid in the top 10%. This categorization is relevant to helping candidates identify factors that can be optimized and worked on to scale their earnings as they go.

Some of the most prominent factors include experience, specific location within the state, specialty area, nature of employer, and more. The average earner takes home an annual salary of around $74,238, while the top 10% takes home an annual average salary of $111,097.

The lowest-paid in the bottom 10% still manage to earn an average salary of at least $49,608 at the end of the year.

Sorting these figures by location, we find that electricians in Rio Rancho are the highest-paid in the state, with an annual average salary of $112,623. Those in Carlsbad manage an average annual salary of $82,891, while those in Hobbs make around $80,655 at the end of each year.