A New Mexico electrical license provides an opportunity for you to earn a competitive salary and become a highly-skilled professional. Electricians work for hotels, school systems, utility companies, and home builders. The electrical industry is experiencing unprecedented growth.

If you’re ready to make a career change, apply for a New Mexico electrical license. Read this guide to learn how to get your license and apply for a job in the electrical industry.

Does New Mexico require an electrical license?

Electricians in New Mexico must have a valid license prior to accepting an electrician job. It is against the law to perform electrical work without a license.

What are the different types of electrical licenses in Nee Mexico?

The different types of New Mexico electrical licenses are:

• Electrical Contractor
• Journeyman Electrician

Electrical contractor licensees are authorized to bid and perform electrical jobs that include computer data, sound, television systems, telephones, and alarms. Applicants for the electrical contractor license must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Have 4 years and 8,000 hours of experience as an electrician
• Submit an application, including a notarized verification document
• Pass a journeyman examination
• Pay a license fee

Journeyman electrician licensees are authorized to install, maintain, and repair electrical wires in commercial and residential buildings. Applicants for the journeyman electrician license must:

• Submit an application
• Pay a license fee
• Pass an examination
• Be at least 18 years old
• Possess a New Mexico Tax Identification Number
• Have a high school diploma or GED

License fees are between $75 and $200 per license category. Electrical contractor and journeyman electrician licenses are regulated and managed by the New Mexico Electrical Bureau. The average hourly pay for New Mexico electricians is $23.81.

How to get an electrician license in New Mexico

Enroll in a New Mexico electrician apprenticeship program. Complete at least 4 years of on-the-job training. Submit an application for a journeyman license.

New Mexico electrician apprenticeship programs:

• New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions Apprentice Programs
• New Mexico JATC for the Electrical Industry
• Northern New Mexico Independent Electrical Contractors Apprenticeship Programs

New Mexico electrician apprenticeship program information: New Mexico apprenticeship application fees are between $20 and $50. Expect to pay up to $10,000 to attend a trade school or community college. Accredited colleges and trade schools generally offer financial aid options for students. Some apprenticeship sponsors pay for classroom training and provide a salary for apprentices. You can take your courses in a classroom or online.

New Mexico electrician apprenticeship prerequisites:

• Be at least 18 years old to enroll in an apprenticeship program
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Attend a job interview
• Make a 4-year commitment to the program
• Be physically capable of performing the work

On-the-Job Experience:

• Learn New Mexico electrical codes and safety requirements
• Perform installations for commercial and residential properties
• Attend electrician training courses as required
• Replace and repair electrical wires in existing dwellings
• Perform all jobs under the direction of a licensed journeyman electrician

New Mexico license examination information: Applicants must score at least a 75% to pass the exam. The fee is between $100 and $150 per test. New Mexico electrician exams are administered by PSI Exams.

New Mexico electrical examination content includes:

• Electrical Safety
• Electrical Installations
• New Mexico Electrical Codes
• Electrical Signs and Outline Lighting
• Fire Detection and Alarm Systems

Test Preparation Resources:

• New Mexico Electrician Exam
• Electrician Practice Exam

Should I join an electrician union in New Mexico?

Before you decide to join a union, consider your career goals. If you want a long-term career in the industry, it makes sense to join a union to receive the benefits. Union perks include a pension plan, paid vacation time, sick pay, and competitive salaries.

How to use your electrician license to get a job

Businesses, government agencies, and residential property owners rely on skilled electricians. Find your electrician apprentice or journeyman job on one of the following career websites:

• Electrical Agent
• CareerBuilder
• Electrical Jobs Today
• Glassdoor
• JobFlare

Electrician insurance in New Mexico

Working with electricity is dangerous. You can get injured by a live wire or fall from a ladder. 

New Mexico electricians are required to have liability insurance coverage. Self-employed contractors must pay for their own policies. Employed electricians are covered under their company’s policy.

Electrician industry trends

Newly-constructed homes and office buildings have increased the demand for skilled electrical professionals. Companies hire electricians to configure their electrical systems and install wires.

Renewable and sustainable energy is popular. People are looking for ways to meet their daily needs and protect the environment. Electrical companies must know how to harness energy in an efficient manner. Attend electrical trade shows to find out about the latest trends.

Is my license only valid in New Mexico?

New Mexico has electrical license reciprocity agreements with Arkansas, Alaska, Idaho, Colorado, Montana, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Texas, Utah, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

I already have a license but:

• I changed my name – Change your name here.
• I misplaced the card – Request a card here.
• I changed my address – Update your address here.

How often do I need to renew my electrician license in New Mexico?

Renew your New Mexico electrical license every three years. The electrician license renewal fee is between $75 and $200.