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If you're considering a career in plumbing in Las Vegas, NM, you'll need to complete a minimum of four years or 8,000 hours of apprenticeship training, followed by passing the state licensing exam to work independently. The plumbing industry in New Mexico is projected to grow by 11% between 2022 and 2032 1, outpacing the national average, but wages in Las Vegas, NM, typically range from $22–$23 per hour 2, below the statewide average of $29.45/hour 3. With commercial plumbing jobs already listed in the area 3, opportunities exist, but require targeted training, strategic career planning, and awareness of evolving technologies 3. To explore more job listings, check Indeed's plumbing jobs in nearby areas.
Before diving into the steps, it’s essential to understand what being a plumber entails. Plumbers are skilled tradespeople who install, repair, and maintain plumbing systems—working with pipes, fixtures, water heaters, and drainage systems—and must ensure that all systems meet local code requirements. This trade emphasizes both technical skills (like blueprint reading and pipe layout) and soft skills (including problem-solving and communication) 2. Plumbers may serve residential, commercial, or industrial clients, offering both new installations and maintenance services. For resources on plumbing roles, visit the American Water Works Association for industry insights.
Yes, New Mexico requires licensing for plumbers, with two primary tiers:
Journeyman Plumber License: Requires completing a four-year apprenticeship (or 8,000 hours of on-the-job training) and passing the state licensing exam 4. A journeyman plumber has the qualifications to work independently and manage general plumbing tasks.
Plumbing Contractor License: Requires at least five years of experience, a surety bond, liability insurance, and passing both the trade and business management exam 4. Those with contractor licenses can run their own business, bid for larger projects, or supervise employees 4.
Licensing is managed by the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, which ensures plumbers remain compliant with changing regulations through continuing education requirements 4. For detailed licensing information, refer to this New Mexico plumbing contractor guide. These typically apply when renewing plumbing contractor licenses every three years 4.
There are two main paths for plumbing training in Las Vegas: vocational training programs and apprenticeships.
Central New Mexico College offers a plumbing and gas fitting program that lasts approximately one year, delivering coursework in pipe layout, drain waste and vent systems, and hydronic heating systems 5. Enroll directly via the CNM plumbing program page. While this certification alone doesn’t qualify graduates as licensed plumbers, it can provide a strong foundation and prepare students for entry-level positions or apprenticeships 5.
The ABC New Mexico Plumbing Apprenticeship Training Program offers a more comprehensive route, with four years (or 8,000 hours) of on-the-job training combined with classroom instruction on plumbing codes or system maintenance 6. Apprenticeships give candidates direct plumbing experience and meet licensure prerequisites in New Mexico 4.
Whether taking a trade school path or apprenticeship, these options help build the necessary technical and problem-solving skills that are crucial in modern plumbing roles, especially with the growing integration of smart plumbing systems like AI-powered leak detection and intelligent HVAC controls 3.
Follow these steps if you’re ready to launch a plumbing career in Las Vegas.
To find Las Vegas, NM plumbing apprenticeships:
Once completing your 4-year apprenticeship, you’ll need to pass the New Mexico Journeyman Plumber Exam, ensuring you understand codes, regulations, and safe installation practices 4. Successfully earning this license means you can work without supervision and pursue better-paying roles.
Plumbers aiming to run their own business and lead crew operations must earn a plumbing contractor license, which requires the following:
Like all skilled trades, staying current matters. Licensure renewal every three years requires 12 clock hours of approved continuing education to stay updated on new plumbing technologies, code changes, and safety practices 4.
| Experience Level | Salary Range (Annual) | Average Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Plumber [Nationwide] | $40,000 - $45,000 | $29–30/hour |
| Mid-Level Plumber (2–4 Years) | $64,000 | $31/hour |
| Senior Plumber (4–6 Years) | $73,200 | $35.19/hour |
In Las Vegas, NM, compensation varies, with standard hourly rates between $22–$23/hour 2, and more experienced plumbers earning over $3,380 annually 7. Nationally, the demand for plumbing professionals is expected to grow by about 6% through 2033 7, giving Las Vegas-based plumbers an opportunity to build long-term careers, particularly if they specialize in smart plumbing technologies 3.
The Las Vegas, NM economy faces population challenges, with an expected decrease from 18,882 in 2020 down to 17,816 by 2025 5, which could limit housing and infrastructure growth. To learn more about New Mexico's housing trends, review the New Mexico housing market report. In turn, construction and renovation projects might slow, potentially affecting plumbing job availability.
However, local plumbing companies frequently advertise commercial and residential positions 3, and the overall state job growth of 11% until 2032 gives local workers a chance to sustain their livelihood 1. Plumbers willing to take on remote jobs, join larger firms, or explore nearby cities can expand their opportunities beyond limited local listings.
Challenges facing new entrants include:
To address these hurdles:
The plumbing profession in Las Vegas, NM, is evolving with technological innovations such as:
These changes create demand for plumbers who can install, maintain, or interpret Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled plumbing systems 3. Plumbers now play a critical role in resource preservation and predictive maintenance, not just repairs. For more on economic forecasts, check the LVGEA economic development report.
For local water systems at risk of leakage or imbalance, mastering these emerging technologies positions plumbers for a more sustainable, respected, and profitable career path.
Starting a plumbing career in Las Vegas, NM, puts you in a growing trade with long-range opportunities. Whether you're recently out of high school or considering a mid-career shift, plumbing can offer financial stability, skill development, and community impact.
To begin, explore the plumbing program at Central New Mexico College 5 or apply to apprenticeship programs found on Gild. Whether you're aiming for journeyman certification or later launching your own company, the path to success begins with structured education and hands-on experience. Check current apprenticeships in Las Vegas, NM, hosted on Gild's plumbing apprenticeship listings in New Mexico 3.
For locals, it's vital to stay updated on changes in plumbing technology and compete on skills and adaptability, not just wages. Additionally, explore Gild's broader job feed for more regional opportunities. The key to a fulfilling career lies in preparation, growth, and staying ahead of the curve.
https://www.servicetitan.com/blog/plumbing-schools-in-new-mexico ↩ ↩2 ↩3
https://www.indeed.com/q-plumbing-l-north-las-vegas,-nv-jobs.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/Commercial-Plumbing/-in-Las-Vegas,NM ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11
https://blog.service.works/business-topics/plumbing-license-new-mexico-how-to-become-a-plumbing-contractor-in-nm/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10
https://www.indeed.com/q-plumber-l-new-mexico-jobs.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7
