NEW MEXICO CAREER DATA PROFILE

Roofer Career Guide in New Mexico

Explore roofer salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in New Mexico.

Last reviewed Reviewed by Career In Trades Editorial Team

Roofer in New Mexico Snapshot
Median Salary $45,300
Hourly Wage $21.78
Job Growth +8% (2024–2034)
License Required

How to Become a Roofer in New Mexico

New Mexico roofers typically train through employers, registered apprenticeship, technical education, or construction programs. Important subjects include built-up and membrane roofs, shingles, tile, flashing, waterproofing, fall protection, and heat safety.

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.

Roofer Salary in New Mexico

The salary figure shown on this page represents the New Mexico median wage for roofer 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.

New Mexico Median $45,300
Hourly Wage $21.78
National Median $55,440

Compared with the national median of $55,440, the median wage in New Mexico is approximately $10,140 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.

OFFICIAL REGULATORY SOURCE

Licensing Authority for Roofers in New Mexico

New Mexico Construction Industries Division

Official Website: https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/

License Types:

  • GS-21 Roofing
  • GB-98 General Building Contractor

Authority Notes:

The GS-21 classification covers installation, alteration, and repair of roof systems and related materials. The qualifying party must meet experience and examination requirements. A broader classification may cover roofing only when performed within its authorized scope.

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 PREPARATION

Roofer Training Requirements in New Mexico

1Registered Apprenticeship
2Trade or Technical School
3Employer Training

New Mexico roofers generally learn through supervised employment, registered apprenticeship, or construction education. Businesses offering roofing services must hold the contractor classification appropriate to the work performed.

  • Complete hands-on training in shingles, tile, metal, built-up roofing, membranes, and flashing.
  • Complete OSHA fall-protection, ladder, scaffold, heat-illness, and personal protective equipment training.
  • Document the required qualifying experience for the GS-21 Roofing classification.
  • Pass applicable trade and business-and-law examinations.
  • Maintain the required contractor license, bond, business registration, and local permits.
EDUCATION DIRECTORY

Roofer Training Providers in New Mexico

Provider City Program Website
Central New Mexico Community College Albuquerque View Program
Santa Fe Community College Santa Fe View Program
San Juan College Farmington View Program
New Mexico State University–Doña Ana Community College Las Cruces 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 OPPORTUNITIES

Roofer Apprenticeship Programs in New Mexico

New Mexico Registered Apprenticeship

Organization: New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions

Program Website

Construction Apprenticeship

Organization: Associated Builders and Contractors New Mexico Chapter

Program Website

Construction Pre-Apprenticeship

Organization: New Mexico Workforce Connection

Program Website

Roofer and Waterproofer Apprenticeship

Organization: United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers

Program Website

STATE AND LOCAL RULES

Roofer Licensing Requirements in New Mexico

New Mexico requires businesses that contract to perform roofing work to hold an appropriate Construction Industries Division contractor license. Roofing is covered by the GS-21 Roofing specialty classification. Employees working under a licensed contractor generally do not need an individual roofer license.

EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS

Roofer Job Outlook in New Mexico

+8% (2024–2034) Projected Employment Growth
2024 - 2034 Projection Period
100 Annual Openings

New Mexico projects roofing employment to increase from approximately 1,320 jobs in 2024 to 1,430 in 2034, representing 8% growth 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 QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the roofer salary in New Mexico?

The statewide median wage for roofers in New Mexico is approximately $45,300 per year, or $21.78 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 roofer licensing?

Yes. New Mexico requires individuals performing regulated, non-exempt roofer work to hold the appropriate license or credential. Applicants should verify the current license category, experience, examination, and renewal requirements with New Mexico Construction Industries Division.

How long does it take to become a roofer in New Mexico?

The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately Up to 1 Year On-the-Job Training, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.

Are roofers in demand in New Mexico?

New Mexico projects roofer employment to grow by approximately 8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 100 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.

DATA TRANSPARENCY

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.

  1. May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
  2. New Mexico Wages for Roofer (SOC 47-2181) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. New Mexico Roofer Wages
  3. New Mexico Roofer Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. New Mexico Roofer Employment Trends
  4. New Mexico Construction Industries Division — Licensing authority. New Mexico Construction Industries Division
CAREER DISCOVERY

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STATE CAREER GUIDES

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