Quick answer: General contractors in New Mexico typically bill $110–$150 per hour (2025) — and more in higher-cost metros like Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area. The median general contractor earns $50.26/hr ($104,550/year) per U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data — a general contractor charges roughly 2–3× that to cover overhead and profit.
Here's the full picture: what general contractors earn, what shops bill, what common jobs cost, how pay varies by metro, and how New Mexico compares to other states.
General contractor income in New Mexico (2025)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for New Mexico's ~2,480 construction managers:
| Experience level | Hourly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $34.54 | ~$5,987 | ~$71,843 |
| Median (typical) | $50.26 | ~$8,712 | $104,550 |
| Experienced (90th percentile) | $80.50 | ~$13,953 | ~$167,440 |
Monthly and annual figures assume full-time work (about 2,080 hours a year).
What you earn vs. what you charge
The wages above are what a general contractor takes home. What a general contractor bills the customer is higher — it has to cover the truck, tools, insurance, licensing, fuel, office time, and profit. A shop typically bills 2.2–3× the worker's wage:
| Rate | |
|---|---|
| Median general contractor wage (earned) | ~$50/hr |
| Typical shop rate (charged) | $110–$150/hr |
Where New Mexico ranks
New Mexico pays general contractors 9% below the national median, ranking 35th of 51 states — in the lower-middle nationally:
| Benchmark | Median hourly wage |
|---|---|
| Highest — New York | $74.69 |
| New Mexico (35th) | $50.26 |
| National median | $55.28 |
| Lowest — Arkansas | $41.50 |
General contractor rates by New Mexico metro
Pay varies widely within the state. Median general contractor wage by metro area (BLS, 2025):
| Metro area | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area | $59.04/hr | $130–$175/hr |
| Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area | $57.00/hr | $125–$170/hr |
| Las Cruces | $51.13/hr | $110–$155/hr |
| Santa Fe | $51.11/hr | $110–$155/hr |
| Farmington | $49.41/hr | $110–$150/hr |
| Albuquerque | $48.87/hr | $110–$145/hr |
Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area is one of the higher-paying metros in the state for general contractors, reflecting local demand and cost of living.
What common contracting jobs cost in New Mexico
At New Mexico billed rates, here's what typical jobs run — labor plus materials, and every job differs:
| Job | Typical New Mexico range |
|---|---|
| Bathroom remodel | $7,500–$22,500 |
| Kitchen remodel | $13,500–$45,500 |
| Room addition | $22,500–$82,000 |
| Basement finishing | $18,000–$54,500 |
| Whole-home renovation | $45,500–$182,000 |
| Deck / porch build | $3,500–$13,500 |
| Detached garage build | $18,000–$45,500 |
| ADU / in-law unit | $54,500–$182,000 |
| Structural repair | $4,500–$27,500 |
| Exterior siding replacement | $7,500–$22,500 |
Typical ranges to benchmark against — not quotes.
How general contractors compare to other trades in New Mexico
Here's how general contractor pay lines up against New Mexico's other skilled trades:
| Trade | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| General contractor | $50.26/hr | $110–$150/hr |
| Plumber | $29.54/hr | $65–$90/hr |
| Carpenter | $28.71/hr | $65–$85/hr |
| Electrician | $28.07/hr | $60–$85/hr |
| HVAC technician | $24.17/hr | $55–$75/hr |
Setting your own rate
Use these as benchmarks, not rules — your rate has to cover your real overhead and the profit margin you need. See how to price a job to run the math, then build a quote with the free general contractor estimate generator, or download BIG INVOICE to invoice from your phone with your rates saved.
Do general contractors need a license in New Mexico?
Licensing requirements depend on the trade and where you work. See New Mexico contractor & trade licensing to check whether general contractors need a state license in New Mexico, which board issues it, and how to apply.
Frequently asked questions
How much do general contractors charge per hour in New Mexico?
In 2025, most New Mexico general contractors bill $110–$150 per hour. That rate covers the worker's wage (a $50/hr median) plus overhead and profit.
What is the average general contractor salary in New Mexico?
The median general contractor in New Mexico earns about $104,550 a year ($50.26/hr). Entry-level general contractors earn around $72,000 and the most experienced earn $167,000 or more.
Do general contractors earn more in New Mexico than nationally?
New Mexico's median general contractor wage is about 9% below the national median of $55.28/hr, ranking 35th of 51 states.
Which New Mexico city pays general contractors the most?
Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area, at a $59.04/hr median wage, is among the highest-paying metros in the state.
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. Billed rates and job-cost ranges are illustrative estimates (median wage × 2.2–3.0 overhead-and-profit markup), not quotes.