IS A CRIMINAL RECORD A ROADBLOCK TO A GREAT CAREER?

A truck driver in New Mexico makes about $41,310 per year, on average. Countless retailers and manufacturers rely on trucks to transport goods and materials across the United States, making truck drivers highly sought after. To legally drive a truck, you need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). A Class A CDL program lasts about seven weeks, while a Class B CDL program lasts about one week. Additionally, a truck driver needs to know how to connect and disconnect their trailer along with basic vehicle repair skills. Truck drivers do not need a bachelor’s degree or an associate’s degree to get hired. 

Many truck drivers work long hours and spend a lot of time on the road. However, drivers are bound by strict federal regulations that limit the number of hours you can drive in a single day.

In New Mexico, a plumber makes an average of about $42,870 a year. As most people know, plumbers install, maintain, and repair the pipes that run through homes, businesses, and underground. Plumbers need to know building regulations and codes for the state where they choose to operate. Some plumbers perform residential plumbing work, which is what most people think of when they hear of a plumber. However, many plumbers work alongside construction crews to assist with the installation of pipes and water lines. 

Plumbers typically complete a plumbing trade school for one to two years or obtain an associate’s degree before they can secure an apprenticeship. A plumbing apprenticeship usually lasts between four and five years. You will become a licensed journeyman plumber upon successful completion of the apprenticeship.

A marketing specialist in New Mexico makes an average of $44,736 per year. Marketing specialists implement marketing campaigns to promote their products or brand. A marking specialist is responsible for things like researching their target audience, gathering data from campaign results, and managing social media accounts. Marketing specialists usually collaborate with several people to come up with the best marketing ideas and promotional materials. Additionally, they often maintain relationships with brand representatives and clients. 

Many marketing specialists hold bachelor’s degrees in journalism, communications, marketing, or other related fields.

The average HVAC technician in New Mexico makes about $44,860 a year. HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair air conditioners, heaters, and ventilation systems. These systems control the temperature and air quality inside homes, businesses, and other facilities. Some HVAC technicians specialize in one specific area, like air conditioning. HVAC technicians need to comply with government regulations and local HVAC codes concerning the handling, conservation, recycling, recovery, and disposal of refrigerants and other fluids. 

Most HVAC technicians complete a trade or vocational school to begin their careers. HVAC educational programs typically last at least two years. Almost every state in the U.S. requires HVAC technicians to maintain a license and certification to practice as a professional.

On average, a New Mexico oil field worker makes about $47,063 a year. Oil rig workers assist with oil and gas drilling and extraction operations. This type of work typically involves manual labor during the setup and maintenance of an oil rig and when transporting materials from place to place. Oil rig workers often work in groups rather than individually. Most oil field jobs do not require a college degree. Oil field workers typically work extended hours, ranging from 10 to 12 hours per day, seven days a week. Due to these extreme requirements, many oil field workers stay at a job site for some time then return home.

A welder in New Mexico makes approximately $46,530 per year on average. Welders are tradespeople like electricians and plumbers. A welder uses a combination of heat and gas to join pieces of metal together and to fill or repair holes on metal construction projects. Many welders work in construction, while some work underwater repairing oil rigs and ships. There are several different methods of welding. No matter what method is used, welders deal with the risk of intense, blinding heat that can permanently damage their eyes and their skin. Several educational options exist for people wanting to learn to weld. Some welders complete an apprenticeship under a professional welder. There is also a welding certification program that lasts from 6 to 18 months. Alternatively, bachelor’s degree programs and associate’s degree programs in welding are available.

The average salary for wind turbine service technicians in New Mexico is approximately $46,740 per year. Wind turbines have popped up all across the country as a way to generate wind energy. Wind turbine technicians are responsible for servicing and maintaining wind turbines to ensure they do not malfunction or stop spinning. These technicians perform routine inspections, troubleshoot any problems with the turbine, and repair the turbines that are not functioning properly. This job is not suitable for someone with a fear of heights. Wind energy service technicians climb up to the top of wind turbines to inspect the parts and make repairs.

In New Mexico, a computer network support specialist makes $47,507 a year, on average. A computer network support specialist helps install various applications on computers and ensures any connectivity issues are resolved promptly. Many computer network support specialist opportunities will require an associate’s degree.

The average salary for an electrician in New Mexico is around $48,900 per year. As most people know, electricians design, install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring systems. Electricians often work in homes, office buildings, industrial locations, or on an individual piece of equipment. Electricians are essential to life as we know it. Many electricians receive training at a trade or vocational school and then complete an electrical apprenticeship prior to starting their career. 

Many electricians work on construction sites with several other tradesmen. In this scenario, the electrician needs to work collaboratively with the group to ensure the electrical portion is completed correctly. 

A help desk support specialist makes, on average, about $49,981 in New Mexico. Many businesses and agencies hire help desk support specialists to assist with everyday tasks like answering phones, responding to chat requests, and locating solutions for various problems. Some help desk support positions might require an associate’s degree, while others will not.

On average, a New Mexico writer makes about $50,008 a year. A writer can complete their work in a number of ways, such as by completing:

• Books,
• Plays,
• Poetry,
• Screenplays,
• Essays, or
• Letters.

Writers can focus on nearly any subject matter for their writing. While there is no requirement that writers have a college education, many writers have an educational background in writing or journalism.

A New Mexico substance abuse counselor makes, on average, approximately $51,050 per year. A substance abuse counselor evaluates and counsels individuals suffering from substance abuse issues. That typically involves scheduling regular sessions to track patient progress and giving treatment advice. Substance abuse counselors can specialize in certain areas, like addiction recovery or juvenile substance abuse. You need at least a bachelor’s degree to get a job as a substance abuse counselor. Additionally, you must meet standards for the Chemical Dependency Counselor Certification Board or another appropriate certification.

The average digital marketing analyst in New Mexico makes, on average, about $53,256 a year. A digital marketing analyst helps develop and implement marketing strategies to attract customers and promote a business. This is done by analyzing online statistics and identifying areas of improvement for online marketing. Typically, you need a bachelor’s degree to qualify for a job as a digital marketing analyst. Additionally, a marketing analyst needs a deep-rooted understanding of popular social media applications like TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook. Social media often gives companies the largest audience for advertising their products.

On average, a New Mexico sales representative makes an average of $53,750 per year. A sales representative can appear in almost any work industry. A sales representative showcases and sells products to businesses, organizations, and government agencies instead of directly to consumers. Sales representatives need a detailed understanding of the product or products they advertise and the ability to convince others to buy the product or products. Additionally, many sales representatives are required to attend conferences and trade shows to find more clients. The sales industry requires solid communication skills and customer service skills to succeed.

The average salary for a web developer in New Mexico is approximately $58,960 per year. In simple terms, a web developer builds and maintains web pages. Website development has several moving parts. Client-side scripting refers to code that executes in a web browser and determines what customers see when they visit a website. Server-side scripting involves code that executes on a web server and powers the behind-the-scenes operations of the web page. Database technology helps keep websites running smoothly and efficiently. In a large-scale project, developers will work on the tasks separately, requiring collaboration among the developers. Web development requires extensive knowledge of programming and coding languages HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

The education track for a web developer can range from a 12-week bootcamp to a four-year bachelor’s degree program.

A video game designer in New Mexico makes an average salary of approximately $76,890 a year. Video games exist on many different platforms, from computers to mobile devices. Developers create video games using millions of lines of code that develop each aspect of the game, bringing the content to life. The average video game needs:

• Storylines and objectives;
• Characters;
• Maps;
• Settings; and
• Ways to win or lose the game.

Game developers are responsible for creating computer software necessary to make the video game functional for users. Many video games take thousands of hours to develop and require several developers to complete the final product. That means a video game developer should prepare to work in a group-like setting and communicate with members of their team when necessary.

On average, a software engineer in New Mexico makes approximately $80,900 per year. Software engineers typically perform tasks like programming, developing software and operating systems, and applying engineering principles to software creation. Software engineers develop things like computer games, business applications, and network control systems. A software engineer needs a thorough understanding of computer system software, computer applications, and operations systems. The constant evolution of computers and technology makes software engineers highly sought after. A typical software engineer possesses a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Software Engineering and engages in career-long training opportunities that provide additional skills.