Elevator Mechanic in New Mexico: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Skilled trades
New Mexico employs 110 elevator mechanics, with a statewide median of $71,430 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact New Mexico licensing picture, and where to train.
What Elevator mechanics Earn in New Mexico (May 2025)
- New Mexico median pay
- $71,430 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $42,640
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $100,800
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $117,890
- Employed in New Mexico
- 110
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $99,000 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for elevator mechanics in major New Mexico markets:
- Albuquerque
- $71,430 (90 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in New Mexico
Prices in New Mexico run about 8% below the national average (cost-of-living index 92.2 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $71,430 median stretches to roughly $77,473 in national buying-power terms.
New Mexico License and Certification Requirements
Conveyance work via apprenticeship (state regulates elevator safety/inspections) — regulated by the New Mexico CID — Elevator/conveyance safety.
- Enter the trade through the NEIEP apprenticeship (IUEC) — earn while you learn.
- Accumulate the required years of conveyance experience plus related instruction.
- New Mexico CID regulates elevators — complete any required certificate for your role.
Official requirements: New Mexico CID — Elevator/conveyance safety →
Training in New Mexico
One of the highest-paid trades; entry is competitive and union-driven. Apply to NEIEP/IUEC openings when they post.
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want top-tier trade wages, don't mind heights and confined spaces, and are comfortable with both electrical and mechanical systems.
Think twice if: Claustrophobia, heights, or working alone in machine rooms and shafts sounds difficult.
Why it's resilient: Elevator installation and repair requires licensed, site-specific mechanical and electrical work inside buildings that will always need working vertical transport.
First Steps
Find your local NEIEP (National Elevator Industry Educational Program) or IUEC apprenticeship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do elevator mechanics make in New Mexico?
The median wage for elevator mechanics in New Mexico is $71,430 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $42,640, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $117,890. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Elevator Mechanic in New Mexico?
Conveyance work via apprenticeship (state regulates elevator safety/inspections), overseen by the New Mexico CID — Elevator/conveyance safety. Enter the trade through the NEIEP apprenticeship (IUEC) — earn while you learn.
Is being an Elevator Mechanic a good career in New Mexico?
Elevator installation and repair requires licensed, site-specific mechanical and electrical work inside buildings that will always need working vertical transport.
Which New Mexico metros pay elevator mechanics the most?
Among New Mexico metro areas, Albuquerque leads at $71,430. Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), New Mexico statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-4021. Licensing summary compiled from the New Mexico CID — Elevator/conveyance safety (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET New Mexico wages · New Mexico licensing/certification source
Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.