How to Become a Maintenance Technician in New Mexico

The world of New Mexico is growing.

And whether it is in the deserts of White Sands or the busy capital of Albuquerque, maintenance technicians are in high demand.

They have the knowledge and skills to fix what breaks.

And they have the patience and tenacity to solve problems, working until the job is done.

Technicians work in almost every industry, gaining specialized knowledge as needed.

They maintain a range of machinery in buildings, apartments, robot facilities, film studios, hospitals, industrial plants, and even college campuses.

Maintenance careers combine affordable education, easy entry-level opportunities, on-the-job training, and ample career options.

For anyone interested in challenging and abundant work and a lucrative paycheck, here are the basic steps to becoming a maintenance technician in New Mexico.

Steps to Become a Maintenance Technician in New Mexico

General Maintenance Technicians handle a mix of electrical, mechanical, plumbing, carpentry, HVAC, and general tasks.

One day you’re troubleshooting a conveyor or pump; the next, you’re updating a motor starter, repairing a door hinge, or replacing window glass.

1. Research Opportunities

Review the different jobs and industries.

This ensures that you have an interest in working in the maintenance and repair fields.

Becoming a maintenance technician in New Mexico does not require a four-year college degree; however, most employers will require proof of a high school diploma or a GED.

Many also ask for a New Mexico driver’s license, identification, and proof of United States citizenship or a green card.

This confirms the ability to work in New Mexico.

2. Choose a Pathway

Build a strong foundation.

Almost every industry requires maintenance technicians.

But different industries require different basic and advanced training.

So, the next step in becoming a maintenance technician in New Mexico would be to choose a pathway.

A few options include:

• Industrial Plants and Buildings
• Aviation
• Mining and Oil
• Wind Technology
• Construction and Carpentry
• Electrical, HVAC, or Refrigeration
• Mechanical
• Computer and Communications

One of the great things about being a maintenance technician is that you are always learning.

And you can always change your specialty or add a new skill.

3. Enroll in a Training Program

Enroll in a training program to gain foundational knowledge.

This is not always necessary, but unless you are already in a maintenance environment, this is the best way to be competitive.

Courses are available online and in person and range from 6 to 18 months.

Two-year degrees in highly specialized areas such as aviation or electrical maintenance are also popular.

Other certifications that impress employers:

• EPA Section 608 Certification is a federal requirement for HVAC/Refrigeration adjacent work—a common maintenance task. This is available online.
• Safety, First Aid, CPR/AED Certifications.
• Forklift, aerial lift, and confined-space certificates are a plus with employers.
• Pneumatic/motor control certification is a strong plus in plant and research-lab settings. This is often taught as a short micro-credential.

4. Understand New Mexico Trade Licensing

New Mexico does not require a maintenance technician’s license.

However, the state tightly regulates specific careers.

If your job duties cross into those trades, you must hold the proper credentials.

General maintenance does not need a journeyman license.

Basic repair and care include:

• Changing door hardware
• Painting
• Basic carpentry
• Swapping a light fixture
• Replacing filters or fixtures

But when completing more complex repair work, you independently perform regulated electrical, plumbing, or mechanical/HVAC work, the State of New Mexico expects the appropriate journeyman certificate.

Many facilities solve this by staffing at least one licensed journeyman and having maintenance techs work under that person for regulated tasks.

5. Applying for a Job

Maintenance technicians have many titles.

When considering an entry-level position, look for names such as assistant, intern, trainee, or helper.

These jobs indicate that an employer expects to train an applicant.

When looking for a job, experience and knowledge are determining factors.

Employers look for individuals who want to learn and take advantage of hands-on experience during college courses.

Many of New Mexico’s Vocational and Community College programs have internship and placement partnerships, Earn and Learn programs, to assist with experience.

Don’t forget to highlight DIY projects when talking to potential employers.

These are great learning experiences.

6. Keep Learning and Adding Skills

Maintenance technicians are always learning.

After a few years of experience, consider expanding into a related field or adding a new trade.

Employers are impressed by multi-trade workers.

New skills also increase pay and career opportunities.

Stack skills such as building automation or management.

Learn about new technology such as robotics, AI, or renewable energy fields.

Cross-train for park and cultural site maintenance.

New Mexico Licensing Requirements for a Maintenance Technician

New Mexico does not require general maintenance assistants and technicians to register with the state or gain a license.

This makes entry into the field easy and allows maintenance technicians to cross-train and gain various skills.

However, there are a few specialty areas, such as plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work, that require a journeyman certificate.

It is also possible to work as a registered apprentice under the direct supervision of a certified journeyman employed by a licensed contractor or permitted entity.

The best way to know is to review the New Mexico state government website, which has a full list of trade certification and licensing requirements.

Maintenance Technician Programs in New Mexico

The role often blends two or more skill sets, and employers value workers who are safety-minded and adaptable.

But even the most curious individual can benefit from basic training.

Luckily, New Mexico is home to a variety of maintenance education programs.

Most New Mexico colleges and universities offer specific training courses, such as industrial maintenance.

There are also a few apprenticeship programs and comprehensive courses for general maintenance.

New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions

An on-the-job training program for maintenance work is offered by New Mexico through the State’s Department of Workforce Solutions.

It is a Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship Program, placing qualified individuals with employer-partners for training as a maintenance technician.

This is a learn-and-earn position where employer-specific skills are taught in:

• Pumps and motors
• Hydraulics
• Welding
• Problems solving

There is no cost, but applicants must be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.

There are over 76 professional apprenticeship programs.

University of New Mexico (UNM)

The University of New Mexico offers, through its continuing education department, a comprehensive online maintenance technician program.

This 250-hour pathway is self-paced, with an average completion time of 18 months.

Its goal is to prepare students for a maintenance technician or facilities management career.

Some of the courses included cover:

• General maintenance
• Mechanical repair
• Robotics
• Pneumatic and Hydraulic
• Management
• Materials, Tools, and Safety

The course costs $1,795 and can be paid online or in installments; veterans’ discounts are available.

Salary

The demand for General Maintenance and Repair Workers in New Mexico is strong and expected to grow.

In the next decade, through 2032, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 14.6% growth in employment opportunities.

Entry-level positions average $30,140 annually.

More experienced repair technicians earn from $56,886 to approximately $70,000 annually, according to Salary.com.

Pay also varies by location. Urban areas such as Albuquerque and Farmington, as well as highly specialized industries, earn higher mid-level pay.

Those individuals with multiple certifications, managerial or instructor skills, or journeyman licenses receive compensation packages and benefits.

Regional Salary in New Mexico

Maintenance Technician by State