Solar Installer in New Mexico: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Energy
New Mexico employs 340 solar installers, with a statewide median of $48,490 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact New Mexico licensing picture, and where to train.
What Solar installers Earn in New Mexico (May 2025)
- New Mexico median pay
- $48,490 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $40,020
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $61,560
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $75,370
- Employed in New Mexico
- 340
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $51,860 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for solar installers in major New Mexico markets:
- Albuquerque
- $59,800 (120 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 $48,490 median stretches to roughly $52,592 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in New Mexico (2024–2034)
New Mexico is projected to grow solar installers employment +28.8%, slower than the +42.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 30 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
New Mexico License and Certification Requirements
No solar-specific license; NABCEP certification + CID electrical licensing — regulated by the New Mexico CID — PV electrical work falls under electrical licensing.
- New Mexico has no standalone solar license; the electrical portion of PV work is done by/under CID-licensed electricians.
- Start as an installer/helper with a solar company to learn the trade.
- Earn the NABCEP PV Installation Professional credential to advance.
Official requirements: New Mexico CID — PV electrical work falls under electrical licensing →
Training in New Mexico
New Mexico's abundant sun makes it a strong solar market. Pairing solar with electrical experience opens the best-paid roles.
Where Solar installers Work in New Mexico
Real New Mexico power plants that employ solar installers include:
- Sagamore Wind — Rogers
- Red Cloud Wind LLC — Corona
- Clines Corners Wind Farm LLC — Encino
- LA Joya NM — Encino
- Arroyo Solar Energy Storage Hybrid — Pueblo Pintado
- Atrisco Solar LLC — Rio Rancho
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want fast entry into energy work and can handle roofs and outdoor labor.
Think twice if: You need high starting pay, indoor work, or stable hours from day one.
Why it's resilient: Installation is physical and local, though the work can be sensitive to incentives and construction cycles.
First Steps
Find local installers hiring helpers and compare NABCEP-aligned training options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do solar installers make in New Mexico?
The median wage for solar installers in New Mexico is $48,490 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $40,020, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $75,370. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Solar Installer in New Mexico?
No solar-specific license; NABCEP certification + CID electrical licensing, overseen by the New Mexico CID — PV electrical work falls under electrical licensing. New Mexico has no standalone solar license; the electrical portion of PV work is done by/under CID-licensed electricians.
Is being a Solar Installer a good career in New Mexico?
Installation is physical and local, though the work can be sensitive to incentives and construction cycles.
Which New Mexico metros pay solar installers the most?
Among New Mexico metro areas, Albuquerque leads at $59,800. Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Is Solar Installer a growing career in New Mexico?
New Mexico projects solar installers employment to change +28.8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 30 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
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 47-2231. Licensing summary compiled from the New Mexico CID — PV electrical work falls under electrical licensing (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
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
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.