Intro to New Mexico Labor Laws

Get an overview of the New Mexico labor laws small businesses should know when hiring, and updates on employment laws that could impact your business.

Get Started with Justworks

Last updated on September 19th, 2024

Minimum Wage

The state minimum wage in New Mexico is $12 per hour.

Some New Mexico cities and counties have their own wage requirements that exceed New Mexico’s state-wide minimum wage. Employers with potentially impacted employees should review both state and local requirements. Please check the references for additional minimum wage requirements across localities.

References:

Minimum Exempt Salary Requirements

New Mexico follows the federal minimum exempt requirement of $684 per week or $35,568 per year, for most exemptions from minimum wage and overtime.

References: Federal Minimum Exemption Threshold(opens in a new tab)

Meal & Rest Laws

New Mexico follows the federal requirements and doesn’t have regulations requiring employers to provide meal and rest break periods.

New Mexico generally limits work hours to 16 in any 24-hour day, but limits hotel and restaurant workers to 10 hours a day, except in an emergency.

References:

Lactation Accommodation Laws

In New Mexico, employers are required by state law to provide reasonable break time to breastfeeding employees and a private place to pump at work.

References: New Mexico Breastfeeding(opens in a new tab)

This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, legal or tax advice. If you have any legal or tax questions regarding this content or related issues, then you should consult with your professional legal or tax advisor.