|
New Mexico’s workforce is characterized by its productivity and competitive wages. Its rate of value-added per hour is $143.33, beating out Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, and Texas—as well as exceeding the national average of a mere $82.96. Conversely, New Mexico’s average hourly wages in food processing are the lowest in the region at $11.78. In addition, New Mexico’s workers compensation premiums are the 36th highest in the nation at $2.01 per $100 of payroll. (California takes first place at $5.23.)
Nevertheless, New Mexico’s population is smaller than that of neighboring
states, and its workforce is less specialized. To alleviate this, we
built the $18 million Job Training Incentive Program. If you qualify,
the state of New Mexico could reimburse you for 50 to 65 percent of
a trainee’s
wages over a six-month period. To learn more, visit the Job Training
section.
|
New Mexico’s dairy industry has grown steadily since the 1990s. In the second quarter of 2004, 170 dairies produced 1.76 billion pounds of milk. Clovis’ new Southwest Cheese Plant, scheduled for completion in late 2005, will produce 250 million pounds of cheese annually—all from local milk.
Hot! Hot! Hot! The chile pepper is one of New Mexico’s chief agricultural
products. As Hispanic foods increase in popularity, the demand for New Mexico’s
agricultural products grows. For example, in 2003, salsa sales topped $639 million,
while ketchup weighed in at $489 million.
|
