The Clovis Electrician's Career Guide: Living and Working in Curry County

As someone who’s watched Clovis's economy shift from the boom of Cannon Air Force Base to its current, more diversified state, I can tell you that being an electrician here isn’t like working in Albuquerque or Las Cruces. We’re a city of 38,153 people anchored by a military base and a agricultural backbone. The work is steady, the cost of living is manageable, and if you know where to look, the opportunities are there. This guide isn't about selling Clovis; it's about giving you the hard numbers and local insights to decide if this is the right move for your career.

The Salary Picture: Where Clovis Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers. In Clovis, the median salary for an electrician is $60,349/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.01/hour. This is slightly below the national average for electricians, which sits at $61,550/year. However, that small difference is immediately offset by New Mexico’s very low cost of living.

The job market here is small but stable. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are approximately 114 electrician jobs in the Clovis metro area. It's not a sprawling metropolis like Phoenix, but it's a tight-knit community where reputation is everything. Over the next decade, the field is projected to grow by 11%, which aligns with national trends driven by the need to upgrade aging electrical infrastructure and the push for renewable energy installations.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Experience Level	Estimated Yearly Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate	Typical Responsibilities in Clovis
Entry-Level	$42,000 - $50,000	$20 - $24	Residential wiring, basic conduit bending, assisting journeymen on remodels at local businesses.
Mid-Career	$58,000 - $65,000	$28 - $31	Median Salary territory. Running service calls, commercial rough-ins for new builds, troubleshooting.
Senior	$70,000 - $80,000	$34 - $38	Project lead for commercial jobs (e.g., at Cannon AFB), supervising crews, specialized industrial work.
Expert	$85,000+	$41+	Master electrician, business owner, niche specialist in HVAC controls or solar integration.

Comparison to Other NM Cities

Clovis sits in a middle ground. It pays better than rural northern NM towns like Taos or Española but can't compete with the higher volume and industrial work found in Albuquerque or the oil and gas-related electrical work in Hobbs. For a journeyman electrician, Clovis offers a balanced lifestyle with pay that goes much further than in the state's major metros.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The key to understanding your financial picture in Clovis is the cost of living index, which is 93.5 (US avg = 100). That's about a 6.5% advantage over the national average. Let's break down the monthly budget for an electrician earning the median salary of $60,349/year.

Assumptions: Single filer, using standard deductions, NM state income tax (5.9% for this bracket), and FICA taxes.

• Annual Gross Salary: $60,349
• Estimated Annual Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$12,500
• Annual Net Take-Home: ~$47,849
• Monthly Net Take-Home: ~$3,987

Monthly Budget Breakdown

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes for Clovis
Rent (1BR Apt)	$935	The city-wide average. Utilities add $150-$200.
Groceries & Household	$400	Competitive prices at local grocers like Market Street.
Transportation (Car Payment, Gas, Ins.)	$450	Clovis is car-dependent. Commutes are short, but you need a reliable truck/van.
Health Insurance	$300	Varies widely; factor in employer contributions.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$200	Xcel Energy is the primary provider.
Miscellaneous & Savings	$1,702	This leaves a very healthy buffer for savings, debt, or hobbies.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Absolutely. This is one of Clovis's biggest advantages. The median home price in Clovis hovers around $210,000 - $230,000. With the take-home pay and lower living costs, a single electrician earning the median salary can comfortably qualify for a mortgage. A 20% down payment on a $220,000 home is $44,000, which is a realistic savings goal given the budget surplus. Compare this to Albuquerque, where median home prices exceed $300,000, and the Clovis advantage becomes clear.

Where the Jobs Are: Clovis's Major Employers

The Clovis job market is a unique blend of federal, agricultural, and service sector work. As an electrician, you'll find opportunities in new construction, maintenance, and specialized service work.

1. Cannon Air Force Base: This is the 800-pound gorilla in the local economy. The base constantly needs electricians for facilities maintenance, new construction (housing, hangars, administrative buildings), and infrastructure upgrades. Work is often contracted through firms like Amentum (formerly Jacobs) or KBR. Insider Tip: Getting a security clearance, while not always required, makes you a top candidate for base-related work and pays a premium.

2. Clovis Public Schools & Clovis Community College: These institutions require constant electrical maintenance, from classroom remodels to HVAC controls and lighting upgrades in sports facilities. These are steady, often unionized, jobs with good benefits.

3. Local Construction & Development Firms: Companies like L & M Construction and Parrish Builders handle the bulk of new residential and light commercial construction in the area. They are always looking for licensed journeymen, especially during the spring and summer building seasons.

4. Xcel Energy: As the region's power provider, Xcel has a small but critical local crew for grid maintenance, line work, and serving their commercial customers. These positions are highly competitive and valued.

5. Healthcare Facilities: Clovis Regional Medical Center and the Plains Regional Medical Center (part of the Presbyterian system) have in-house facilities teams. Electrical work here is critical, dealing with backup generators, medical equipment circuits, and 24/7 operations.

6. Agricultural Sector: The surrounding dairy and farming operations require specialized electrical work for irrigation pumps, milking parlor equipment, and climate control systems. This is a niche but consistent source of service work.

Hiring Trends: Demand is strongest for journeymen with 3-5 years of experience, particularly those with commercial/industrial exposure. The construction sector sees seasonal fluctuations, but maintenance and service work (especially for the base and healthcare) is year-round.

Getting Licensed in NM

New Mexico's licensing is handled by the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD) - Construction Industries Division. It’s a straightforward but mandatory process.

• Apprenticeship: You must complete a state-approved apprenticeship program (typically 4 years, 8,000 hours). The Clovis area program is administered through the New Mexico Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) in partnership with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 611 (which covers Albuquerque but often serves Clovis apprentices). There is no separate Clovis-based program.
• Journeyman License: After completing your apprenticeship and passing the state exam, you can apply for a journeyman license. The exam fee is around $100, and the license fee is $50 (subject to change; always check the RLD website).
• Master Electrician License: Requires at least two years as a licensed journeyman and passing a more advanced exam. This is the path to starting your own business or supervising large projects.
• Timeline: From starting as a first-year apprentice to holding a journeyman license, expect a 4-5 year timeline. You can start working as an apprentice immediately upon enrollment in a program.

Pro Tip: New Mexico has reciprocity with some states. If you're already licensed elsewhere, check the RLD website for details, but expect to take the state-specific exam.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Clovis is a compact, easy-to-navigate city. Commutes are rarely an issue, but choosing the right neighborhood can impact your lifestyle and budget.

1. Central Clovis (North of 21st Street): This is the heart of the city, close to downtown, restaurants, and the historic Lyceum Theater. It's a mix of older homes (some needing electrical updates) and newer apartments. Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,000 for a 1BR. Commute: Under 10 minutes to anywhere in town. Ideal for those who want to be in the middle of the action.

2. South Clovis (Near Hilltop Park): A quieter, more residential area with established neighborhoods. Great for families. You'll find many mid-century homes here, which often require electrical panel upgrades and rewiring projects. Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,100 for a 1BR. Commute: 10-15 minutes to the base or industrial areas.

3. Cannon AFB Vicinity (West Clovis): Many military families and civilian contractors live in the neighborhoods immediately surrounding the base (e.g., Norris Street area). It's convenient for base access. Rent Estimate: $800 - $950 for a 1BR. Commute: 5-10 minutes to the base gate.

4. Countryside / East Clovis: If you want more land and a slower pace, the eastern edge of the city and beyond offers larger lots and newer subdivisions. Rent Estimate: For a 1BR apartment, it's similar to the rest of the city, but single-family home rentals vary widely. Commute: 15-20 minutes to downtown.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Clovis, career growth is less about climbing a corporate ladder and more about specialization and entrepreneurship.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Industrial Controls & Automation: With the dairy and agricultural industries, electricians who can program PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and install automated systems command a premium (often +$5-$10/hour over standard journeyman rates).
  • Solar Installation: New Mexico's abundant sunshine and state incentives are driving solar demand. Electricians with NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certification are in high demand.
  • Low-Voltage / Data: With the growth of Cannon AFB's communications and the need for modern business infrastructure, skills in structured cabling, security systems, and fire alarms are valuable.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Journeyman to Master Electrician: The clear path to higher pay and supervisory roles.
  2. Project Manager: For those with strong organizational and people skills, managing commercial projects for construction firms.
  3. Business Owner: Starting your own electrical contracting company is a viable path in Clovis due to the manageable scale of the market. You can start with residential service calls and grow from there.

10-Year Outlook

The 11% job growth is promising. As Cannon AFB continues to modernize and the local population ages, the demand for both new construction and maintenance (especially in residential and healthcare settings) will grow. The key to long-term success in Clovis will be diversifying your skill set beyond basic wiring to include specialized, in-demand niches like solar or industrial controls.

The Verdict: Is Clovis Right for You?

There’s no single right answer, but this table should help you weigh the factors.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further here, enabling home ownership.	Limited Market Size: Fewer employers and jobs than in a major metro; specialized roles can be scarce.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by a federal military base and essential services.	Isolation: Clovis is a 3-hour drive from Albuquerque. Cultural and entertainment options are limited.
Short Commutes: You can live anywhere and be at work in 15 minutes.	Economic Dependence: The local economy is heavily influenced by the defense budget and agricultural prices.
Tight-Knit Community: Networking is easier; your reputation spreads fast.	Growth Ceiling: For the highest earners, the market is small. Top-tier salaries require owning your own business.
Outdoor Access: Easy access to hunting, fishing, and the plains.	Harsh Climate: Summers are hot and dry; winters can be cold with occasional blizzards.

Final Recommendation: Clovis is an excellent choice for an electrician who values stability, a low cost of living, and a slower pace of life. It's ideal for those with a family or who are looking to buy a home early in their career. If you're a young, single electrician seeking a vibrant nightlife and endless industry connections, a larger city might be a better fit. For the practical, self-starting tradesperson, Clovis offers a foundation to build a solid, prosperous life.

FAQs

1. I'm an electrician from out-of-state. How long will it take to get licensed and working in Clovis?
If you have your journeyman license from a state with reciprocity, you could be working within a few months, pending exam scheduling. If you need to start an apprenticeship from scratch, plan for a 4-5 year timeline. Contact the New Mexico RLD and the NM NECA/IBEW apprenticeship program first.

2. Is there a lot of union work in Clovis?
The IBEW Local 611 (Albuquerque) has jurisdiction over Clovis, but union density is lower here than in larger cities. Many jobs, especially with the federal government and large contractors, are union, but there are also significant non-union shops. It's worth exploring both.

3. What's the weather like for outdoor work?
Summers are hot, with temperatures regularly in the 90s and low 100s. Working on roofs or in attics can be brutal. Winters are dry and can get cold (teens and 20s), but snowfall is usually light. The biggest challenge is the wind, which can be constant and strong.

4. How do I find a job as a new apprentice?
Start by contacting the Clovis office of the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions. They have apprenticeship listings. Also, call local electrical contractors directly—about 70% of jobs here are filled through word-of-mouth and direct contact.

5. Is owning a home a realistic goal for a single electrician?
Yes, absolutely. With the median salary and lower rent, saving for a down payment is very achievable. Many electricians in Clovis own their own homes by their early 30s, a milestone that's challenging in more expensive markets.