Plumber Career Guide in New Mexico
Explore plumber salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in New Mexico.
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How to Become a Plumber in New Mexico
Candidates normally complete a registered apprenticeship or acquire equivalent supervised experience before applying for a journeyman plumber certificate and taking the required examination.
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.
Plumber Salary in New Mexico
The salary figure shown on this page represents the New Mexico median wage for plumber 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 $62,970, the median wage in New Mexico is approximately $7,850 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Plumbers 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 PREPARATIONPlumber Training Requirements in New Mexico
New Mexico plumbers must obtain the journeyman certificate or contractor classification appropriate to their work.
- Complete a registered apprenticeship or document qualifying supervised plumbing experience.
- Study plumbing codes, mathematics, blueprint reading, drainage, venting, water distribution, gas piping, and safety.
- Submit experience verification for the applicable journeyman classification.
- Pass the examination required by the New Mexico Construction Industries Division.
- Contracting businesses must obtain the appropriate classification and employ an approved qualifying party.
Plumber Training Providers in New Mexico
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Central New Mexico Community College | Albuquerque | View Program |
| Doña Ana Community College | Las Cruces | View Program |
| San Juan College | Farmington | View Program |
| Santa Fe Community College | Santa Fe | 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 OPPORTUNITIESPlumber Apprenticeship Programs in New Mexico
Registered Apprenticeship Program
Organization: New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions
Plumber Licensing Requirements in New Mexico
New Mexico requires individuals performing regulated plumbing work to hold the applicable journeyman certificate. Plumbing contractors must obtain the appropriate contractor classification and employ a qualifying party.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSPlumber Job Outlook in New Mexico
New Mexico’s current long-term forecast projects continued demand for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters, with growth supported by residential construction, public infrastructure, energy, and building maintenance.
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 plumber salary in New Mexico?
The statewide median wage for plumbers in New Mexico is approximately $55,120 per year, or $26.50 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 plumber licensing?
Yes. New Mexico requires individuals performing regulated, non-exempt plumber work to hold the appropriate license or credential. Applicants should verify the current license category, experience, examination, and renewal requirements with New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department — Construction Industries Division.
How long does it take to become a plumber in New Mexico?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 4–5 Years Apprenticeship, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are plumbers in demand in New Mexico?
New Mexico projects plumber employment to grow by approximately 12% from 2022 to 2032. 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 Plumber (SOC 47-2152) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. New Mexico Plumber Wages
- New Mexico Plumber Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. New Mexico Plumber Employment Trends
- New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department — Construction Industries Division — Licensing authority. New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department — Construction Industries Division