Carpenter in Roswell, NM

As a career analyst who’s spent years tracking trades in the Southwest, I can tell you Roswell, NM, offers a unique proposition for carpenters. It’s not a booming metropolis like Albuquerque, but it’s a stable, affordable market with a defined need for skilled hands. The alien tourism is just window dressing; the real economy here is built on agriculture, oil and gas support services, and a steady stream of residential and light commercial construction. If you’re looking for a place to build a life and a career without the brutal competition or cost of major cities, Roswell deserves a serious look. This guide cuts through the hype with hard data and local insights to help you decide.

The Salary Picture: Where Roswell Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the median salary for a carpenter in Roswell, NM, is $55,810/year. This breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.83/hour. It’s important to note that this is slightly below the national average for carpenters, which sits at $56,920/year. However, this small differential is almost entirely erased when you factor in Roswell’s significantly lower cost of living.

The job market here is modest but consistent. There are approximately 95 carpenter jobs in the metro area. The 10-year job growth projection is 5%, which, while not explosive, indicates stable demand that should keep pace with retirements and regional expansion. For a carpenter, this means steady work without the feast-or-famine cycles of more volatile markets.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries in the trades are heavily dependent on skill and specialization. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Roswell market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Roswell)	Estimated Hourly Rate	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$40,000 - $48,000	$19.25 - $23.00	Framing, basic finish work, material handling, assisting journeyman.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$52,000 - $60,000	$25.00 - $28.85	Reading blueprints, complex framing, custom cabinetry, door/window installation, some project management.
Senior (8-15 years)	$60,000 - $70,000	$28.85 - $33.65	Leading crews, detailed finish carpentry, structural problem-solving, client relations, bidding small jobs.
Expert/Specialist	$70,000+	$33.65+	Master craftsman (e.g., timber framing, historical restoration), master carpenter on large commercial projects, business owner.

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local job postings and industry benchmarks. Union membership can influence these figures.

Comparison to Other NM Cities

How does Roswell stack up against its New Mexico neighbors?

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Key Differentiator
Roswell	$55,810	93.5	Lower than ABQ/Santa Fe; stable local economy.
Albuquerque	~$58,000	92.5	Larger market, more commercial projects, union presence.
Santa Fe	~$62,000	110.5	Higher-end restoration & custom homes, but high housing costs.
Las Cruces	~$54,500	90.0	Similar cost profile, driven by agriculture & border economy.

Roswell’s salary is competitive for its cost of living. While Santa Fe offers more earning potential, the 17% higher cost of living (especially rent) eats into that advantage. Roswell provides a more balanced equation for journeymen carpenters looking for a manageable lifestyle.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A median salary of $55,810 looks different after Roswell’s realities. Let’s break down a monthly budget. (Assumptions: Single filer, no dependents, standard deductions, NM income tax ~4.9%.) Monthly take-home after taxes is approximately $3,550.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Carpenter in Roswell:

• Income (Take-Home): $3,550
• Rent (1BR Average, City-Wide): -$935
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water): -$220
• Groceries: -$400
• Transportation (Gas, Insurance, Maintenance): -$300
• Health Insurance (Employer Plan): -$250
• Tools & Maintenance: -$150
• Miscellaneous (Phone, Savings, Discretionary): -$1,295

Home Ownership Feasibility: With a $935 average rent, buying a home is a viable goal. The median home price in Roswell is around $215,000. A 20% down payment is $43,000. With the remaining $1,295 in the monthly budget, a carpenter could realistically save $800/month towards a down payment. That’s 54 months (4.5 years) to reach $43,000. This is a disciplined but achievable path, especially if you partner with a spouse or income. Many local lenders also offer first-time homebuyer programs that require less than 20% down.

Where the Jobs Are: Roswell's Major Employers

Roswell’s construction market is driven by a mix of large-scale regional contractors and local, family-owned firms. The oil and gas industry, though not at its peak, still creates demand for support structures and facility work.

1. Brickstone Construction: A major regional contractor handling large commercial and high-end residential projects. They often seek experienced foremen and lead carpenters. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a focus on multi-family units and commercial renovations.
2. Mountain View Builders: Specializes in custom residential homes in the North Roswell area. They maintain a smaller crew but value long-term relationships with skilled journeymen. Hiring Trend: Organic growth, often hiring through referral.
3. Roswell Independent School District (RISD): The district has a dedicated maintenance and construction crew. Positions here offer stability, benefits, and a pension. Hiring Trend: Consistent, replacing retirees; projects include new schools and facility upgrades.
4. Chaves County Government: County projects, from fairgrounds renovations to new administrative buildings. Work often goes through public bids. Hiring Trend: Project-based, tied to county budgets and grants.
5. Airgas & Local Supply Chain Support: While not a direct employer, the support companies for oil and gas (like Airgas, local welding shops, and equipment rental) are a source of sub-contracting work for carpenters building temporary structures, platforms, and containment areas. Hiring Trend: Cyclical, tied to regional energy prices.
6. Local Restoration & Historical Society: With Roswell’s historic downtown and older neighborhoods, there’s niche work in restoration carpentry. Companies like Old House Restorations (a local specialist) often subcontract for specific skills. Hiring Trend: Niche but steady, driven by preservation grants and private owners.

Insider Tip: Many of the best jobs never hit a public job board. Joining the New Mexico Building & Construction Trades Council or local Facebook groups like "Roswell NM Contractors & Trades" can provide a direct line to upcoming projects and foreman openings.

Getting Licensed in NM

New Mexico has a straightforward licensing process managed by the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD), Construction Industries Division.

• Journeyman Carpenter License: Requires 4 years (8,000 hours) of on-the-job training and 288 hours of classroom instruction. You must document your hours with a licensed contractor. The exam fee is $140. The license is a requirement for performing work over $500 on your own.
• Master Carpenter License: Requires an additional 2 years (4,000 hours) of journeyman work after licensure. Exam fee is $200. This allows you to take on larger projects and pull permits for your own business.
• Costs: Beyond exam fees, budget for tools, a reliable work truck, and possibly union dues (if you go that route). Expect $3,000 - $7,000 in initial investment for a serious career starter.
• Timeline: The 4-year apprenticeship is the biggest hurdle. There are no state-approved apprenticeship programs in Roswell itself; you’ll need to find a licensed contractor to sponsor your on-the-job training. This is the most critical first step. Starting as a helper ($16-$18/hr) is the typical entry point.

Critical Note: Always verify a contractor’s license through the RLD website before accepting a job. Working for an unlicensed contractor jeopardizes your future license status.

Best Neighborhoods for Carpenters

Living close to your work site is key, as traffic is minimal but Roswell is spread out. Here’s a breakdown of neighborhoods by lifestyle and commute.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Typical 1BR Rent	Best For
North Roswell	The fastest-growing area. New subdivisions, close to schools and shopping. 10-15 min commute to most commercial job sites.	$950 - $1,100	Carpenters with families; those working on new residential builds.
Midtown / Near Downtown	Older, more established homes. Walkable to local restaurants and breweries. 5-10 min commute to downtown commercial projects.	$800 - $950	Younger carpenters who want a social scene without a long drive.
South Roswell	More affordable, mix of older homes and small ranch-style properties. 15-20 min commute to most areas.	$700 - $850	Budget-conscious carpenters who don’t mind a longer drive for lower rent.
Spring River / Eastern Corridor	Rural, large lots, closer to the airport and industrial parks. 10-15 min commute.	$750 - $900	Those who want space, a workshop, and work in industrial/commercial sectors.

Insider Tip: Avoid renting in the immediate "historic" downtown if you need a large parking area for a work truck and trailer. South and North Roswell offer more space for the same price.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Roswell, career growth is less about corporate ladders and more about specialization and entrepreneurship.

• Specialty Premiums: Carpenters with niche skills command higher rates. Finish carpentry (crown molding, custom built-ins) and cabinetmaking can add a 10-15% premium. Historical restoration skills are rare and can push rates over $40/hour for freelance work.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Foreman: Move from doing to leading. Requires strong communication and blueprint skills. Pay bump to $60k+.
  2. Project Manager: For larger companies, this role handles scheduling, budgets, and client relations. Often requires some business or construction management education.
  3. Business Owner: The most common path. Start with small jobs (decks, repairs) and grow into custom homes. The low cost of living allows for a lower break-even point. Many successful local contractors started as solo operators.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 5% job growth aligns with national trends, but Roswell’s aging building stock creates consistent renovation work. The push for energy efficiency (solar, better insulation) is a growing niche. A carpenter who masters green building techniques will have a durable edge.

The Verdict: Is Roswell Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very low cost of living – Your $55,810 salary goes much further than in Albuquerque or Santa Fe.	Limited large-scale commercial market – Fewer skyscrapers or mega-projects means less variety in high-end commercial work.
Stable, predictable job market – 95 jobs and 5% growth offer security without high competition.	Isolation – It's a 3-hour drive to Albuquerque for major shopping, arts, or specialized healthcare.
Affordable housing – Median home price is $215,000, making ownership realistic.	Lower salary ceiling – Top-end earnings are capped by the local economy; you won't find $85k+ salaries without owning a business.
Strong community – Easier to build a reputation and network with local homeowners and contractors.	Fewer specialty suppliers – You may need to order specific tools/materials from ABQ or online.
Outdoor access – Great weather for year-round work; close to hiking, camping, and Pilgrim Lake.	Economic dependency – Local economy is tied to agriculture and oil/gas, which can be volatile.

Final Recommendation: Roswell is an excellent choice for a journeyman carpenter who values work-life balance and affordability over chasing the highest salary. It’s ideal for those looking to eventually own a home and start their own small business. If you’re an apprentice, it’s a great place to learn under a seasoned contractor, but be prepared to seek out the right mentor. It’s less suitable for a carpenter who craves the constant challenge of cutting-edge commercial projects or a vibrant, non-stop urban nightlife.

FAQs

Q: Is union membership common in Roswell?
A: No, union membership is not prevalent in Roswell’s carpenter workforce. The New Mexico Building & Construction Trades Council has a presence, but most work is handled by open-shop contractors. This means you negotiate your own wage and benefits, which can be a plus or minus depending on your preference.

Q: How does the weather affect the work year?
A: Roswell has a high-desert climate. Summers are hot (90°F+) but dry, which is generally better for outdoor work than humid climates. Winters are mild but can bring occasional snow and ice, causing brief project delays. You can expect to work year-round with minimal weather-related downtime.

Q: What’s the best way to find my first job as a helper?
A: Walk into local lumberyards (like Builders FirstSource or Home Depot Pro) and ask for contractor business cards. Call the companies listed above (Brickstone, Mountain View, etc.) and ask if they need a helper. Be persistent and show up in person with a clean work truck if you have one.

Q: Are there any local resources for tool financing or training?
A: The New Mexico Workforce Connection (located in Roswell) sometimes offers grants or low-interest loans for tools and certification training for qualifying individuals. It’s worth a visit to see what programs are active.

Q: How does Roswell’s cost of living index of 93.5 break down?
A: The index is an average. Housing is the biggest driver of the savings (well below 90). Transportation and utilities are near the national average. Groceries are slightly higher due to transportation costs. Overall, it means you retain about 6.5% more of your income compared to the U.S. average, which is significant for a $55,810 salary.