New Mexico Trade Schools and Apprenticeships
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Showing all schools and apprenticeships in New Mexico.
We only list Accredited Schools and U.S. Department of Labor–registered Apprenticeships. Programs cannot pay to be featured.
Cost & Timeline to a Trade Career in New Mexico
Average Cost of Trade School in New Mexico
Most trade programs in New Mexico are offered through public technical schools and community colleges. The tuition figures below are a baseline for many career programs, while total out-of-pocket cost can vary by trade due to lab time, tools, and certification or licensing requirements.
In New Mexico, regional population centers drive most demand, and training opportunities can vary widely across the state’s geography.
Residency matters: Out-of-state tuition is about $5,385 higher than in-state on average.
| New Mexico Public 2-Year Tuition (In-State) | $2,091 |
|---|---|
| New Mexico Public 2-Year Tuition (Out-of-State) | $7,476 |
What this usually does not include: Tools/PPE, books, lab fees, certification exams, travel, and program-specific supply costs.
Trade type: Lab-heavy programs (welding, electrical, industrial maintenance) can carry higher equipment and lab fees than shorter programs (like CDL).
Average Cost of Apprenticeship in New Mexico
Apprenticeships are often paid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs while you build skills through supervised work and related instruction. Your out-of-pocket costs are often minimal to none (as the apprentice). The employer will typically cover tuition, while you earn a salary. Potential out-of-pocket costs for apprenticeships may include supplies, tools, or travel.
About this data: Tuition data sources include Apprenticeship.gov, College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Actual costs may vary by program length, residency, and supplies.
New Mexico Timeline, Pay & Licensing
- New Mexico trade training can be 6–18 months for entry-level credentials, while apprenticeships often take 3–5 years as you complete required hours and instruction.
- Licensing and permitting vary by trade and locality. Contractor-level work and regulated trades may require licensing and exams—confirm requirements with New Mexico licensing authorities and local building departments.
- Some trades require additional classroom hours, exams, or documented work hours. That can increase total time-in-training and overall cost.
- Requirements vary by trade and locality—some paths require exams and documented hours, while others focus more on employer training.
Typical timelines by trade
| Trade | School (Typical) | Apprenticeship (Typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | 6–18 months | 3–5 years |
| Plumber | 6–18 months | 3–5 years |
| HVAC Technician | 6–18 months | 2–5 years |
| Welder | 4–12 months | 1–4 years |
| Carpenter | 3–12 months | 3–4 years |
| CDL Truck Driver | 1–3 months | 0–1 year |
Timelines are general ranges and can vary by program, employer, and licensing requirements.
Average Trade Wages in New Mexico
Below is a snapshot of typical wages for popular trades in New Mexico. Figures are pulled from our state wage datasets for each trade.
Tip: Click a trade name to explore pay trends, training paths, and state-by-state comparisons.
| Trade | Avg Hourly | Avg Weekly | Avg Monthly | Avg Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Technician | $25.95 | $1,038 | $4,498 | $53,986 |
| AV Technician | $32.28 | $1,291 | $5,595 | $67,142 |
| Carpenter | $25.28 | $1,011 | $4,382 | $52,582 |
| CDL Truck Driver | $34.83 | $1,393 | $6,037 | $72,446 |
| CNC Machinist | $23.91 | $957 | $4,144 | $49,733 |
| Construction | $25.38 | $1,015 | $4,399 | $52,790 |
| Concrete Finisher | $27.83 | $1,112 | $4,821 | $57,847 |
| Diesel Technician | $28.89 | $1,156 | $5,008 | $60,091 |
| Electrician | $30.60 | $1,224 | $5,304 | $63,648 |
| Heavy Equipment | $24.98 | $974 | $4,221 | $50,648 |
| HVAC Technician | $28.14 | $1,128 | $4,886 | $58,635 |
| Industrial Mechanic | $27.81 | $1,112 | $4,821 | $57,850 |
| Ironworker | $26.50 | $1,059 | $4,590 | $55,083 |
| Lineworker | $41.49 | $1,659 | $7,192 | $86,298 |
| Marine Mechanic | $28.76 | $1,150 | $4,984 | $59,779 |
| Mason | $27.03 | $1,081 | $4,685 | $56,222 |
| Plumber | $32.45 | $1,266 | $5,484 | $65,808 |
| Roofer | $24.30 | $972 | $4,212 | $50,544 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $25.72 | $998 | $4,323 | $51,875 |
| Welder | $24.57 | $985 | $4,266 | $51,196 |
Wage figures are estimates and can vary by experience level, metro area, union status, and employer.
Why New Mexico Is a Strong State for Trade Careers
New Mexico’s trade demand is driven by infrastructure modernization, energy production, federal facilities, and steady residential construction. While population growth is moderate, large-scale public projects, national laboratories, military installations, and renewable energy development support long-term opportunities for skilled trades.
Looking for ways to fund your education? Check out scholarships available for New Mexico students and explore more financial aid resources at CollegeWhale.
Where Trade Demand Is Concentrated
- Albuquerque metro: Commercial construction, healthcare facilities, and infrastructure upgrades drive demand for electrical, HVAC, and plumbing trades.
- Southern New Mexico: Energy projects and industrial facilities create opportunities for welders, electricians, and maintenance trades.
- Federal and defense sites: National labs and military installations require skilled electrical, mechanical, and facilities trades.
- Renewable energy zones: Solar and wind projects support construction and electrical work in rural areas.
Major Employers and Contractors in New Mexico
Tradespeople in New Mexico frequently work on public, energy, and institutional projects involving established regional and national employers:
- Sandia National Laboratories — Ongoing facilities maintenance, electrical, and mechanical trade work.
- Los Alamos National Laboratory — Skilled trades supporting research, infrastructure, and facility operations.
- PNM Resources — Electrical, utility, and infrastructure-related trade opportunities.
Union vs Non-Union Trade Paths in New Mexico
New Mexico supports both union and non-union trade paths. Union work is more common on federal, utility, and large public projects, while non-union routes dominate residential construction and service-based trades.
Union Apprenticeships in New Mexico
Union apprenticeship programs are closely tied to infrastructure, energy, and institutional projects across the state.
- IBEW Local 611 — Electrical apprenticeships serving Albuquerque and much of the state.
- UA Local 412 — Plumbing, pipefitting, and HVAC apprenticeships based in Albuquerque.
- SMART Local 49 — Sheet metal and HVAC-related training serving New Mexico.
- Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters — Apprenticeship programs supporting construction projects across the Southwest.
Non-Union and Open-Shop Trade Routes
Non-union opportunities are widespread in residential construction, HVAC service, electrical service work, and smaller commercial projects. Many contractors hire entry-level workers and provide hands-on training without formal apprenticeship enrollment.
In New Mexico, union paths often align with large-scale public and energy projects, while non-union routes provide flexibility and faster entry into residential and service-oriented trades.
| Factor | Union Apprenticeships | Non-Union / Open-Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Training Structure | Formal apprenticeships tied to public, energy, and institutional projects | Employer-based training with flexible structure |
| Pay Progression | Negotiated wage scales with scheduled increases | Raises based on experience and employer policy |
| Benefits | Health coverage and retirement benefits commonly included | Benefits vary widely by employer |
| Project Types | Federal facilities, utilities, infrastructure, energy | Residential construction, service work, small commercial jobs |
| Best Fit For | Workers seeking structured training and large-project stability | Workers prioritizing flexibility and faster workforce entry |