New Mexico Home Repair Guide
In New Mexico, the median wage is $29.54 an hour for plumbers and $28.07 for electricians (BLS, 2025). This page shows what common repairs cost there, and who needs a license.
Who needs a license in New Mexico
| Trade | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| General contractor | The Construction Industries Division licenses contractors in New Mexico. An individual doing casual, minor or inconsequential work such as handyman repairs is exempt up to $7,200 in compensation a year, but not for electrical wiring, plumbing or gas fitting. | Source |
| Plumber | Plumbing falls under the Construction Industries Division's Mechanical Plumbing licensing category, and the handyman exemption does not cover plumbing or gas fitting. | Source |
| Electrician | The Construction Industries Division licenses electrical contractors and offers journeyman certificates, and the handyman exemption does not cover electrical wiring. | Source |
| Roofer | New Mexico has a GS-21 Roofing classification, which requires two years of foreman-level practical or related trade experience and covers installing, altering or repairing roof systems. | Source |
Check a contractor's license: New Mexico Construction Industries Division license search
Can homeowners do their own work?
A person acting on their own account may build or improve a single-family residence for personal use, including a free-standing storage building on that property, as long as they do not engage in commercial construction. The work must still meet the licensing act and adopted codes. Source
File a complaint against a contractor: CID Investigation Enforcement Portal
What common jobs cost in New Mexico
| Job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Water Heater Replacement | $750 | $2,050 |
| Roof Replacement | $6,200 | $18,800 |
| AC Replacement | $3,750 | $8,850 |
| Furnace Replacement | $2,850 | $8,000 |
| Toilet Replacement | $220 | $900 |
| Electrical Panel Upgrade | $960 | $3,000 |
| Drain Cleaning | $90 | $380 |
| Garage Door Repair | $80 | $600 |
Hourly rates in New Mexico
| Trade | Median wage | Billed low | Billed high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $29.54 | $74 | $133 |
| Electrician | $28.07 | $70 | $126 |
| HVAC Technician | $24.17 | $60 | $109 |
| Handyman | $22.00 | $55 | $99 |
| Roofer | $21.78 | $54 | $98 |
| Carpenter | $28.71 | $72 | $129 |
| Painter | $22.23 | $56 | $100 |
Licensing last verified 2026-11-03
Sources
General information, not professional advice. Conditions, codes and prices vary. Turn off power, gas or water before any work, and hire a licensed professional when in doubt. Cost figures are our estimates, not quotes.