Gila Economic Data Atlas Independent publication

Wage reimbursement · state program

JTIP: the Job Training Incentive Program, explained

New Mexico reimburses part of the wages you pay new employees while they learn the job. It is one of the most used incentives in the state, and small communities like Grant County's sit in its top base tiers.

Published by Gila Economic Data Atlas Last reviewed Jul 2026 7 minute read

What JTIP is

JTIP pays back part of the wages you pay new hires during their training period, for up to 6 months per trainee. The state approves a training plan for each position, then reimburses a share of the wage while the employee learns the job. Funds are appropriated yearly and awarded by the program's board, so the earlier in the fiscal year you apply, the better.

Key fact

The reimbursement tiers are set by community size, and the top base tier covers communities under 15,000 people. Every Grant County municipality is under that line. Confirm your location's exact tier with JTIP staff before you plan.

Benefit size

50-90%
of trainee wages reimbursed
Base tiers: 50% urban, 65% rural under 60,000 people, 75% for communities under 15,000.
6 months
maximum training period per trainee
The approved training plan sets each position's hours.
+5%
stackable bonuses
For high-wage jobs, recent graduates, veterans, foster care exits, or workforce support services.

Figures from the NM Economic Development Department JTIP program page, retrieved July 2026.

Who qualifies

  • Companies creating new jobs in New Mexico in manufacturing or production, non-retail services with at least half of revenues from out-of-state customers, or certain green industries.
  • Trainees must be new hires to the company and New Mexico residents for at least one year at some point before employment.
  • Trainees who left high school in the three months before employment qualify only if they graduated or completed a high school equivalency.
Watch out

Agriculture, construction, extractive industries, gambling, health care, and retail are ineligible. The program targets jobs that bring money into the state, what the statute calls economic-base jobs.

How to apply

  1. 1

    Complete the eligibility questionnaire with the JTIP staff at the Economic Development Department. Do this before you hire: timing rules determine which hires qualify.

  2. 2

    Submit the application with job descriptions, wages, and the training plan for board consideration.

  3. 3

    After approval, hire and train. Submit payroll documentation for reimbursement as training progresses.

Administering agency

New Mexico Economic Development Department, JTIP program Program staff review eligibility questions before you apply. Regional help is also available through GCWEDA and the WNMU Small Business Development Center. edd.newmexico.gov (official site) →

Sources and updates

  • New Mexico Economic Development Department, JTIP program page (tiers, eligibility, trainee rules).
  • NM Taxation and Revenue Department FYI-106 for the related Rural Jobs and High Wage credits.

Last reviewed Jul 2026. Corrections are welcome through the contact form.