Carpenter in Clovis, NM

The Salary Picture: Where Clovis Stands

As a career analyst who’s spent years tracking trades in the Southwest, I can tell you Clovis sits in a unique spot. It’s not Albuquerque or Santa Fe, but it’s not a tiny village either. It’s a hard-working town with a military base and a steady housing market. For carpenters, that means consistent, but not explosive, opportunity.

Let’s get straight to the numbers. The median salary for a carpenter in the Clovis metro area is $55,810/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.83/hour. Compared to the national average of $56,920/year, you’re coming in just a touch under—about 2% less. That’s actually a strong position for New Mexico, where wages often lag behind the national average. The key metric here is the number of jobs: 76. That’s not a massive pool, but for a metro population of 38,153, it’s a stable, sustainable market. You’re not competing with thousands of other tradespeople.

The 10-year job growth is projected at 5%. This isn’t a boomtown forecast; it’s a steady, reliable outlook driven by local replacement needs and modest new construction. The real driver here is Cannon Air Force Base, which supports a consistent need for both residential and light commercial work—from base housing repairs to local business upgrades.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Carpenter salaries in Clovis aren't one-size-fits-all. Your experience and specialty dictate your earning power. Here’s a realistic breakdown based on local job postings and contractor feedback:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$40,000 - $48,000	$19.25 - $23.00	Focus on framing, basic finish work. Often starts with a local contractor or home builder.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$55,810 (Median)	$26.83	Can lead a small crew, handle complex finishes, and read most blueprints. This is the core of the market.
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$62,000 - $70,000	$29.80 - $33.65	Project management, custom cabinetry, and complex renovations. High demand for this skill set.
Expert/Owner-Operator	$75,000+	$36.00+	Successful business owners, master cabinetmakers, or those with a specialized niche (e.g., timber framing).

Comparison to Other NM Cities

How does Clovis stack up? It’s a mid-tier market, which can be a strategic advantage.

City (NM)	Median Salary	Key Driver	Cost of Living vs. Clovis
Clovis	$55,810	Cannon AFB, steady housing	Baseline
Albuquerque	~$58,500	Larger metro, more commercial	~15% Higher
Las Cruces	~$54,000	NMSU, agriculture, some growth	~5% Higher
Santa Fe	~$62,000	High-end custom, tourism	~30% Higher
Roswell	~$52,000	Similar AFB support, smaller market	~2% Lower

Insider Tip: While Santa Fe offers higher wages, the cost of living and competition are fierce. Clovis offers a "sweet spot"—a livable wage that goes much further. Your $55,810 in Clovis feels more like $65,000+ in Santa Fe after housing costs.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. A $55,810 salary doesn’t land in your bank account intact. Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a carpenter in Clovis, using the median salary.

• Gross Monthly Salary: $55,810 / 12 = $4,651
• Estimated Take-Home (after taxes, FICA, etc.): ~$3,550 (This varies, but 24% is a safe average for this bracket in NM).
• Average 1BR Rent: $935/month

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Take-Home Pay: $3,550
• Rent (1BR): -$935
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Trash): ~$200 (Clovis summers can be hot; AC is a must.)
• Groceries & Household: ~$400
• Vehicle Insurance & Fuel: ~$350 (Clovis is car-centric; public transport is limited.)
• Health Insurance/Co-pays: ~$250 (Varies by employer)
• Tools & Work Expenses: ~$150 (A carpenter’s toolkit is an ongoing investment.)
• Discretionary/Savings: ~$1,265

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Yes, absolutely, and this is Clovis’s biggest advantage. The median home price in Clovis is approximately $215,000. Let’s do the math for a $215,000 home with a 10% down payment ($21,500), a 6.5% interest rate, and a 30-year term. Your estimated monthly mortgage payment (PITI) would be roughly $1,550.

With a take-home pay of $3,550, that mortgage is about 44% of your monthly income. While lenders prefer under 36%, this is manageable for a single earner with no other major debt, especially since the cost of living is low. Many local contractors offer down payment assistance programs or VA loans for veterans connected to Cannon AFB. The key is having a solid $20,000 - $25,000 saved for the down payment and closing costs.

Where the Jobs Are: Clovis's Major Employers

The job market here is tight and relationship-driven. You won’t find thousands of listings on Indeed. Most jobs are filled through networks, word-of-mouth, and direct contact with these key employers.

1. Cannon Air Force Base (AFB): This is the economic engine. The 27th Special Operations Wing employs thousands. Carpenters are needed for base housing renovations, building maintenance for facilities, and specialized projects. The contract work is often let through prime contractors like Amentum (formerly AECOM) or Parsons. Hiring Trend: Steady. Requires a background check. Often posts jobs on USAJobs.gov or through prime contractor portals.
2. Local Home Builders (e.g., D.R. Horton, Local Custom Builders): D.R. Horton, the largest home builder in the nation, has a active presence in Clovis. They need framers, finish carpenters, and trim specialists for their subdivisions like Mission Hills and The Meadows. Hiring Trend: Cyclical, tied to interest rates and housing demand. Best to contact the site superintendent directly.
3. Clovis Community Hospital (now part of Plains Regional Medical Center): Continuous maintenance and renovation projects for a 150+ bed hospital. They need skilled carpenters for remodels, interior build-outs, and specialized medical office finishes. Hiring Trend: Steady, often through Facilities Management departments.
4. City of Clovis & Curry County: Municipal projects like park improvements, community center renovations, and public building maintenance. These jobs are often listed on the official City of Clovis website. Hiring Trend: Stable, with a preference for local, licensed contractors.
5. Miller Bonded (Warehouse & Manufacturing): A major employer in the area. They require in-house millwrights and maintenance carpenters for their large warehouse and distribution center. This is industrial, not residential, but pays well. Hiring Trend: Consistent hiring for maintenance roles.
6. Local Roofing & Siding Companies (e.g., All Seasons Roofing): Many local contractors bundle carpentry with exterior work. Companies that do siding, window replacement, and deck building are always looking for reliable carpenters. Hiring Trend: Year-round demand, especially after spring storms.
7. Furniture & Cabinet Shops: A smaller niche, but shops like Clovis Cabinet & Millwork serve the local community and AFB housing. Custom work is a premium skill here.

Insider Tip: The most powerful tool in Clovis is the "good ol' boy" network. Go to the Clovis Builders Association meetings (held monthly). Show up, introduce yourself, and bring business cards. That’s where the unadvertised jobs are shared.

Getting Licensed in NM

New Mexico has a clear path to becoming a licensed journeyman and master carpenter. It’s not as bureaucratic as you might think, and it’s essential for pulling your own permits.

• State Requirements: New Mexico does not have a state-wide "carpenter's license" for all work. Instead, you become licensed through the New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID) under specific classifications. The most common are Residential Building Contractor and Commercial Building Contractor. For most carpenters, the path is:
  1. Work Experience: You need documented experience working under a licensed contractor. The requirement is typically 4 years (about 8,000 hours) of journeyman-level work. You’ll need notarized letters from previous employers.
  2. Examination: Pass the New Mexico Business and Law Exam (for contractors) and potentially a trade exam, depending on your classification. The exam is offered through PSI Exams.
  3. Application & Fee: Submit your application to the NM CID with the required fees. The application fee is ~$100, and the license fee is ~$100 annually, plus a bond (around $10,000 for a residential license).
• Costs: Plan for $500 - $1,000 total for exam prep, fees, and bond setup, not including the bond itself.
• Timeline: From starting your documentation to having your license in hand can take 6 to 12 months. Start gathering your experience letters now. The process is straightforward but requires patience.
• Important Note: If you’re working for a licensed contractor, you don’t need your own license. If you plan to work for yourself, get licensed first. It’s non-negotiable for legal work.

Insider Tip: The NM Construction Industries Division (www.cid.state.nm.us) website is your best friend. Download the current licensure packet. Also, consider taking a prep course through a local community college or online provider. The business law exam is trickier than you think.

Best Neighborhoods for Carpenters

Living in Clovis is affordable, but location matters. Proximity to job sites and your own lifestyle are key. Here’s a breakdown of neighborhoods, with rent estimates for a 1-2 bedroom place.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR/2BR)	Why It's Good for Carpenters
North Clovis (Near AFB)	Family-oriented, quieter, newer subdivisions. 10-15 min drive to most job sites, 5 min to base.	$900 / $1,200	Closest to the biggest employer (Cannon AFB). Easy access to renewal projects and new base housing.
Downtown/ Central Clovis	Historic, walkable, older homes. Close to shops, restaurants, and community events. Can be older housing stock.	$750 / $1,100	Ideal if you work on historic renovations or downtown commercial projects. The "lived-in" feel of the town.
Southeast Clovis (Near Hospital)	Mixed residential and light commercial. Very convenient to the Plains Regional Medical Center.	$925 / $1,250	Short commute to hospital contracts and the many medical office buildings in the area.
The Meadows / Mission Hills	Newer, master-planned subdivisions with D.R. Horton. Very quiet, more suburban feel. Can be a 15-20 min drive to older parts of town.	$950 / $1,300	If you work for D.R. Horton or a builder in these areas, you could live and work in the same community.
Southwest Clovis (Clovis Community College area)	More affordable, mix of older and newer homes. Close to the college and shopping plazas.	$800 / $1,150	A budget-friendly option if you’re starting out. Good access to the commercial corridors needing renovation work.

Insider Tip: Drive through these neighborhoods at different times of day. The traffic is minimal, but you’ll get a feel for the community. Look for "For Rent" signs; the best deals in Clovis are often not listed online. Talk to other tradespeople at local supply stores like Sheldon’s Supply or Gardner's Supply.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying a carpenter in Clovis for the long haul means specializing and potentially owning your own business. The 5% growth rate means you have to create your own advancement.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Cabinetmaking & Fine Finish Work: High demand for custom kitchens and built-ins. Can add a $5-$10/hour premium over general framing.
  • Historical Restoration: Clovis has older homes that need knowledgeable hands. This is a niche but respected skill.
  • Commercial/Industrial Carpentry: Working on AFB projects or Miller Bonded requires different skills (metal studs, specialized codes). Often pays better than residential.
  • Project Management: The natural progression for a senior carpenter. Learning to bid, manage crews, and handle client relations.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Journeyman to Foreman: You’ll manage a small crew for a builder or contractor.
  2. Foreman to Project Manager (PM): You’ll handle scheduling, budgets, and client communication. This is where salaries can jump into the $70,000+ range.
  3. Owner-Operator: Start your own LLC. With low overhead in Clovis, this is viable. Focus on a niche (e.g., deck building, bathroom remodels, custom storage) that the big builders don’t cover well. Your reputation is your currency here.

• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is stable, not explosive. The 5% growth is real but modest. The key will be the housing market and the continued presence of Cannon AFB. A recession would hit new construction, but maintenance and renovation work often stay steady. Having a diverse skill set (residential and light commercial) will be your best defense against market shifts.

The Verdict: Is Clovis Right for You?

This isn’t a "yes or no" question; it’s about fit. Clovis is a practical choice for a carpenter who values stability, affordability, and community over the hustle of a major city.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your wage goes far, especially for homeownership.	Limited Job Pool: 76 jobs mean fewer openings and more competition for the best ones.
Stable Demand: Cannon AFB provides a consistent economic floor.	Slower Pace: Fewer big, flashy projects. It can feel "slow" if you're used to a major metro.
Strong Community: Tight-knit trade network. Reputation matters and is built quickly.	Geographic Isolation: Far from other major NM cities. Travel for work or leisure requires planning.
Manageable Commutes: Easy to live near work.	Limited High-End Custom Work: Most work is standard production or repairs, not architectural marvels.

Final Recommendation: Clovis is an excellent choice for a mid-career carpenter (3-10 years of experience) looking to buy a home and establish a stable life. It’s also a great spot for an older, experienced carpenter who wants to slow down, work for themselves, and enjoy a lower-stress environment. It’s likely not ideal for a fresh apprentice seeking the fastest skill growth and highest initial wages, or for someone dreaming of working on skyscrapers or luxury estates.

FAQs

1. I’m moving from out of state. Do I need a New Mexico license before I start?
No. You can work for an existing licensed contractor immediately. Your out-of-state experience will count toward the 4-year requirement for your own NM license, but you’ll need notarized letters from previous employers. Get those letters before you move.

2. How’s the winter work? Do carpenters have steady hours year-round?
Winters in Clovis are mild (daytime highs often in the 50s). Outdoor work continues, though concrete work slows. The steady demand from AFB repairs and indoor remodels helps. It’s not as seasonal as northern states. Have a financial buffer for the rare slow week.

3. What’s the biggest mistake a carpenter makes moving to Clovis?
Not building a network. You can’t just show up and apply online. You need to meet people. Go to the Clovis Builders Association meeting, introduce yourself at the Clovis Home Depot (it’s a hub for local contractors), and be visible. The jobs are filled by people who are known and trusted.

**4. Are unions a factor