Plumbing Schools in New Mexico: The Ultimate Guide

Accredited New Mexico Plumbing Training Programs

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “Most plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters learn on the job through an apprenticeship. Some attend a vocational-technical school before receiving on-the-job training. Most states require plumbers to be licensed.” All of that is true in New Mexico.

Most people entering the plumbing industry in New Mexico learn on the job. Formal education is not required by law in New Mexico, but it can help you land a job. 

If you choose to start with some kind of plumbing education, there are a lot of training programs in New Mexico, but not many that are accredited by a national organization. The National Center for Construction Education & Research has approved a few plumbing programs offered through New Mexico’s Community College System. Much more often, however, you’ll see NCCER accreditation on Construction Management and Welding and Joining Technology offerings throughout the state’s technical colleges. In fact, only a few of New Mexico’s technical colleges are offering plumbing curriculum at all.

There are two programs that are NCCER accredited:

• Central New Mexico Community College (CNM)

• Albuquerque Job Corp.

The other way to ensure accredited training is through an apprenticeship. If you complete a U.S. Department of Labor approved apprenticeship, that level of proficiency is recognized nationwide.

Plumbing Degrees & Certificates

As you weigh the benefit of formal training at a technical or community college, you may want to speak with people in the field in your state. New Mexico has no educational requirements to obtain a license. If the return on investment is not there in your state, it may make more sense to simply get an entry-level position and get on-the-job training rather than attending a plumber school. 

In terms of college education for plumbers, typically there is a range of degree and certificate programs. The time it takes to complete them and the cost of each are the most significant differences. The most common plumbing programs are:

• Certificate Program – three to six months

• Diploma Program – one to two years

Obviously, the longer the program, the more it costs. Many plumbing professionals have some post-secondary training. However, very few choose to get a four-year bachelor’s degree unless they’re seeking some kind of related engineering or building construction degree. If this is a path that interests you, you may want to explore the Mechanical Engineering Bachelor of Science degree at one of the four-year universities in New Mexico such as:

• New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in Socorro

• New Mexico State University in Las Cruces

• University of New Mexico in Albuquerque

As stated earlier, formal education can pay off in the form of higher wages, but if your interest lies in being a plumber or having your own plumbing business, a four-year degree is not necessary. In New Mexico, to become a licensed plumber, you need at least two years of qualifying experience and to pass the licensing exam to become a journeyman plumber. The only required education for plumbers in New Mexico is continuing education to stay up to date on plumbing code and plumbing technology to renew your plumbing license every three years.

Typical Courses in Technical College Programs

Plumbing programs at technical colleges are all intended to prepare students for careers in plumbing, pipefitting, and related fields. All combine theory and practical skills. Most develop academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement.

Among the classes for a Residential/Commercial Plumbing Technician Technical Certificate of Credit are:

• Introduction to Plumbing

• Plumbing Drawings

• Pipes, Valves, and Fittings

• Drainage Systems

• Water Supply Systems

• Plumbing Fixtures and Appliances

• Gas Piping, Venting, and Appliances 

More intensive diploma programs would add intermediate and advanced plumbing concepts, plumbing codes, pipe fabrication, and welding technology fundamentals among other courses. Many include Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certification too.

Program graduates are qualified as apprentice plumbers or pipefitters and are prepared to enter the workforce and continue learning under the direction of a licensed plumber.

Even after becoming a licensed plumber, you‘ll need additional education. New Mexico licensed plumbers must complete instruction related to their profession to be eligible to renew their license. Continuing education courses must be conducted by an approved college, vocational-technical school, or trade association.

School Selection Criteria  

There are a lot of things to consider when picking the school and program that are right for you.

Cost

Cost is, of course, at the top of the list. According to Community College Review, tuition at New Mexico community colleges on average is $2,058 per year for in-state students and $4,616 for out-of-state students. However, many of the programs listed here are part of apprenticeship programs where tuition may be reimbursed by or paid for outright by the student’s employer. There will be some variations in fees at each school, too, so be sure to review all the costs involved. 

There are also always costs for books and tools, but those tools are yours to keep as you enter your field. All students who are interested in receiving federal (Pell Grant) and state (Hope Funding) aid apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form online at fafsa.ed.gov.

Program Length

As noted above, you can choose from a technical certificate or a broader diploma program. The certificates will take two to three semesters to complete. The Associate of Applied Science degree typically takes four semesters or about two years.

Benefits

There are many benefits to getting some kind of formal education if you want to join the plumbing profession. Although New Mexico has no educational requirement to get started in the field, many employers will choose an applicant with a certificate or degree over one without credentials. Having some basic knowledge helps you to hit the ground running and secure your place in a shop full of professionals. Technical training is also usually rewarded with higher starting pay and lifelong earnings.

Online vs in-person

People living in more rural areas of New Mexico or who have commitments that make it difficult to travel to a school campus, may choose to get plumbing training through an online certificate program. Only you know if this type of independent curriculum will work for you. Online programs are ideal for people looking for entry-level jobs or for entry-level workers who are looking to increase their pay. Penn Foster and Ashworth College are two of the most recognizable online plumbing programs. Bob Vila’s website and the CPA Accounting Institute for Success each list them at the top of their posts about the Best Online Courses for Plumbing.

If you know your learning style relies on personal instruction, look for more traditional in-person classes throughout the state or training with a plumbing professional.

Level of difficulty

Plumbing programs are designed to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in the plumbing industry in commercial, industrial, or residential sectors. Curriculum includes an understanding of mathematics and physics. Plumbers have to learn a lot of different things to be successful, including how to follow blueprints or other design specifications to install or repair plumbing systems, troubleshoot issues at residences or commercial properties, new installations involving running all water, gas and sewage lines, how and when to use different material pipes and how to fit them together properly, plumbing code and record keeping of work performed. And, of course, especially in residential work, customer service is key.

School Comparison: At a Glance   

There are many technical training programs available in New Mexico to learn about plumbing. New Mexico Career and Technical Education offered in high schools throughout the state is a great place to start if you know early on that this is the career path you’d like to take. The New Mexico Public Education Department offers plumbing instruction through its Construction Pathway throughout the state. Among the school systems with this program are:

• Aztec Municipal School District

• Gadsden Independent School District

• Hobbs Municipal Schools

• Rio Rancho Public Schools

• Roswell Independent School District

Many of these programs allow students to earn dual credit simultaneously toward high school graduation and a postsecondary (college) degree or certificate. Check with your high school CTE coordinator to find the nearest program if it is not offered at your school.

Many New Mexico Community Colleges have certificate or degree programs in plumbing. Each has different tuition and fees, but all offer students financial aid in the form of grants and loans. Some only offer online courses.

Let’s begin with the accredited NCCER programs mentioned above.

Central New Mexico Community College

 Plumbing and Gas Fitting | Certificate of Completion | 37 credit hours

Albuquerque Job Corp

Plumbing Pre-Apprenticeship | Free career training and education for 16-24-year-olds

Other New Mexico community colleges with Plumbing programs are: 

Dona Ana Community College

Plumbing | Certificate of Completion | 17 credit hours

Navajo Technical University

Plumbing | Certificate of Completion | 34-35 credit hours 

Santa Fe Community College

Building Science and Construction Technologies | AAS | 67 credit hours

Facilities Maintenance Program | Combines Plumbing and HVAC

Facilities Technologies | Certificate | 18 credit hours

Plumbing | Certificate | 28 credit hours

There are many other plumbing training programs throughout the state either through apprenticeships or independent plumbing companies that do the training in-house. More on those in the apprenticeship section below.

Steps for Enrollment in New Mexico

Every training program has its own way of doing things, but in general the process begins with you visiting the school’s website and applying for admission online. Most require that you pay an application fee and provide several documents. In general, the application process has the following steps:

1. Complete your application.

2. Pay the application fee (if applicable).

3. Provide proof of residency to qualify for in-state tuition.

4. Apply for financial aid

5. Have sealed official high school transcript or GED scores sent.

6. Submit placement test scores.

7. If applicable, apply for on-campus housing.

If you choose to start with an apprenticeship, you will want to contact the Local Union or non-union trade organization chapter closest to you. Each organization has a slightly different application process, but the application requirements in general are:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.

• Must be a high school graduate, senior scheduled to graduate or have earned a GED certificate. Applicants will be required to provide a copy of their diploma or GED certificate, and an official transcript of their grades following submission of the application.

• Must have a valid driver’s license.

• Have passed high school algebra or an equivalent post-high school algebra class with a “C” or better or pass an aptitude test.

• Pass a drug screen and criminal background checks.

Plumbing Career Requirements in New Mexico

As mentioned earlier, New Mexico does not have an educational requirement to legally perform entry-level plumbing work in the state. Entry-level professionals just need to meet employer expectations, but often employers expect applicants to have some kind of postsecondary training. College education in the field can also be used in place of part of the experience requirement for licensing through the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department Construction Industries Division.

The process of becoming a plumber begins with either an apprenticeship or trade school. There is no license or registration necessary to be an apprentice plumber. As an apprentice or in a trade school you can begin accruing the required two years of work experience to apply for your journeyman plumber (JP) license under the supervision of a licensed plumbing contractor. After an additional two years, you can apply to be a plumbing contractor yourself.

An easy way to understand the practical difference between the two license levels in New Mexico is to think of a journeyman as an employee and a contractor as an employer. A journeyman can provide plumbing services but must work for a licensed contractor. Only a contractor can bid on jobs because they have the license to contract out services as a plumber. So, if you want to own your own company, you must earn your contractor plumber’s license (MM-1). 

For a detailed explanation of New Mexico’s Plumber licensing requirements and how to fulfill them, check out our essential guide to getting your New Mexico Plumbing License. 

Salaries for Plumbers in New Mexico

Before paying for technical education and getting started in the plumbing field you’ll want some idea of what you can expect in terms of the return on your investment of time, effort, energy, and money. In other words, what can you expect to make as a plumbing professional in New Mexico?  Payfactors.com data provides an answer based on your experience. The average plumber salary in New Mexico for 2023 was:

• Entry level <2 years: $45,800

• Intermediate 2-4 years: $55,400

• Senior 4-6 years: $59,800

For more information about plumber salaries, visit this state-by-state guide.

Industry Apprenticeships

Another way to get the training you need to become a plumber is through an apprenticeship. Most apprenticeships are for three to five years and require you to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or a GED, a valid driver’s license, and a C or better in high school algebra or an equivalent post-high school algebra class. Union plumbing apprenticeships are offered in New Mexico through the United Association local union chapter Joint Apprenticeship Training Center — LU 412 in Albuquerque. They offer apprenticeships to plumbers, pipefitters, gas fitters, and service technicians.

These apprenticeships are five years long. Each year includes 1,700 to 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and a minimum of 246 hours of classroom courses, including basics such as mathematics, science, drafting, welding, and other trade-related courses. Apprentices work for member contractors with an opportunity for increased wages each year until reaching journeyman status.

ABC New Mexico offers a four-year, nonunion apprenticeship in plumbing. To reach journey level, you will need to complete 576 hours of classroom instruction and 8,000 on-the-job training hours. Both of these apprenticeship options meet U.S. Department of Labor standards and will be recognized nationwide.

Some plumbing companies will hire and train applicants who have had no or relatively little previous training—creating an in-house apprenticeship. A typical model of that is pairing a new employee with an experienced technician for the hands-on part of training and then requiring new hires to attend classes at night at a local community college or sometimes taught through the company itself. Albuquerque Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is an excellent example of this. They train their apprentices themselves.

The state also has a website dedicated to registered apprenticeships for job seekers. 

Other School Options

We’ve highlighted some of the more well-known plumber training programs in New Mexico so far, but there are others to consider that may be more accessible to you based on where you live.

There are training programs throughout the state. The University of New Mexico offers several online plumbing classes. In addition to all those already mentioned here are a few more where you can get the training you need to become a plumbing professional.

• Luna Community College in Las Vegas, NM

• Northern New Mexico College in Espanola, NM

• Southeast New Mexico College in Carlsbad

You can find the training you need to excel in a career in plumbing in New Mexico. The opportunities are all around you.