Lineworker Career Guide in New Mexico
Explore lineworker salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in New Mexico.
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How to Become a Lineworker in New Mexico
Applicants can pursue a lineworker program and supervised apprenticeship. For covered customer-owned line work, verify EL-1J certification or apprentice-supervision requirements with the Construction Industries Division.
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.
Lineworker Salary in New Mexico
The salary figure shown on this page represents the New Mexico median wage for lineworker 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 $92,560, the median wage in New Mexico is approximately $16,090 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Lineworkers 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 PREPARATIONLineworker Training Requirements in New Mexico
New Mexico lineworkers should combine classroom instruction with supervised field experience. Covered customer-owned electrical power-line work has specific state certification rules.
- Complete entry-level lineworker or electrical training.
- Gain supervised experience in overhead or underground power-line work.
- Check EL-1J journeyman lineman or apprentice-supervision requirements for customer-owned facilities.
- Confirm separate contractor licensing and employer commercial-driver requirements.
Lineworker Training Providers in New Mexico
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Junior College — Lineman Training | Hobbs | View Program |
| Doña Ana Community College — Electrical Programs | Las Cruces | View Program |
| Central New Mexico Community College — related electrical training | Albuquerque | View Program |
| UNM–Valencia — Power Pros pre-apprenticeship partnership | Los Lunas | 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 OPPORTUNITIESLineworker Apprenticeship Programs in New Mexico
Lineworker Licensing Requirements in New Mexico
New Mexico has a specific EL-1J journeyman lineman certification route for covered customer-owned electrical power-line work. An apprentice may work under appropriate supervision. Utility-owned work and contractor licensing must be evaluated separately.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSLineworker Job Outlook in New Mexico
New Mexico projects 13% growth from 2024 to 2034 and approximately 100 annual openings.
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 lineworker salary in New Mexico?
The statewide median wage for lineworkers in New Mexico is approximately $76,470 per year, or $36.76 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 lineworker licensing?
Licensing requirements for lineworker workers in New Mexico vary by work scope, license category, and jurisdiction. Applicants should verify current requirements with New Mexico Construction Industries Division — Electrical Bureau before beginning work or applying for an examination.
How long does it take to become a lineworker in New Mexico?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 3–4 Years to Journey Level, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are lineworkers in demand in New Mexico?
New Mexico projects lineworker employment to grow by approximately 13% from 2024 to 2034, with about 100 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 Lineworker (SOC 49-9051) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. New Mexico Lineworker Wages
- New Mexico Lineworker Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. New Mexico Lineworker Employment Trends
- New Mexico Construction Industries Division — Electrical Bureau — Licensing authority. New Mexico Construction Industries Division — Electrical Bureau