Automotive Technician Career Guide in New Mexico
Explore automotive technician salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in New Mexico.
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How to Become an Automotive Technician in New Mexico
Technicians may complete community-college automotive programs, dealership-sponsored pathways, manufacturer training, or paid shop experience.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Automotive Technician Salary in New Mexico
The salary figure shown on this page represents the New Mexico median wage for automotive technician workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $49,670, the median wage in New Mexico is approximately $1,520 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Automotive Technicians in New Mexico
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONAutomotive Technician Training Requirements in New Mexico
Automotive technicians in New Mexico generally qualify through college-level automotive education and supervised workplace training.
- Learn engine performance, brakes, suspension, steering, electrical systems, transmissions, diagnostics, HVAC, hybrids, and EV systems.
- Develop practical proficiency with scan tools, meters, alignment systems, lifts, service databases, and manufacturer software.
- Obtain EPA Section 609 certification before servicing motor-vehicle refrigerant systems.
- Complete emissions-inspector training when working in the Albuquerque-Bernalillo County emissions program.
- Pursue ASE and manufacturer certifications based on employer and career requirements.
Automotive Technician Training Providers in New Mexico
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Central New Mexico Community College | Albuquerque | View Program |
| San Juan College | Farmington | View Program |
| New Mexico Junior College | Hobbs | View Program |
| Eastern New Mexico University–Roswell | Roswell | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESAutomotive Technician Apprenticeship Programs in New Mexico
General Motors Automotive Service Educational Program
Organization: Central New Mexico Community College and GM
Toyota Technician Training and Education Network
Organization: Toyota Motor North America
Registered Apprenticeship Program
Organization: New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions
Automotive Technician Licensing Requirements in New Mexico
New Mexico does not issue a general automotive technician license. Technicians participating in the Albuquerque-Bernalillo County emissions program must meet the applicable inspector certification requirements. EPA Section 609 certification is required for refrigerant service.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSAutomotive Technician Job Outlook in New Mexico
New Mexico’s latest long-term projection indicates approximately 6% employment growth and about 560 annual openings during the 2022–2032 period.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the automotive technician salary in New Mexico?
The statewide median wage for automotive technicians in New Mexico is approximately $48,150 per year, or $23.15 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does New Mexico require automotive technician licensing?
Licensing requirements for automotive technician workers in New Mexico vary by work scope, license category, and jurisdiction. Applicants should verify current requirements with City of Albuquerque Environmental Health Department — Vehicle Pollution Management before beginning work or applying for an examination.
How long does it take to become an automotive technician in New Mexico?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 6 Months–2 Years, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are automotive technicians in demand in New Mexico?
New Mexico projects automotive technician employment to grow by approximately 6% from 2022 to 2032, with about 560 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- New Mexico Wages for Automotive Technician (SOC 49-3023) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. New Mexico Automotive Technician Wages
- New Mexico Automotive Technician Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. New Mexico Automotive Technician Employment Trends
- City of Albuquerque Environmental Health Department — Vehicle Pollution Management — Licensing authority. City of Albuquerque Environmental Health Department — Vehicle Pollution Management