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, Texas—as well as exceeding the national average of a mere $82.96. Conversely, New Mexico average hourly wages are the lowest in the region at $13.43. In addition, New Mexico’s workers compensation premiums are the 36 th highest in the U.S. 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. For more information, click here.