Skip to content
Oakclause

Minimum Wage in New Mexico

New Mexico's minimum wage is $12.00 per hour, tipped employees must receive a cash wage of at least $3.00, and no statewide increase is scheduled.

Last checked . General information, not legal advice.

New Mexico at a glance

Minimum wage (per hour)
$12.00
In effect since January 1, 2023.
Tipped cash wage (per hour)
$3.00
Applies to employees who regularly receive more than $30 a month in tips; tips must bring pay up to $12.00.
Next scheduled increase
None scheduled
The statute sets no increase after January 1, 2023.

Sources

Last checked

The rules in New Mexico

What is the minimum wage in New Mexico in 2026?

Minimum wage (per hour) in New Mexico: $12.00. In effect since January 1, 2023.

What is the minimum cash wage for tipped employees in New Mexico?

Tipped cash wage (per hour) in New Mexico: $3.00. Applies to employees who regularly receive more than $30 a month in tips; tips must bring pay up to $12.00.

When is the next minimum wage increase in New Mexico?

Next scheduled increase in New Mexico: None scheduled. The statute sets no increase after January 1, 2023.

Where do the New Mexico minimum wage laws come from?

The rules above come from N.M. Stat. 50-4-22. Each source is linked on this page. We last checked them in October 2026.

What this means in practice

Check which rate applies before setting pay. Coverage rules, employer size thresholds, and exemptions for certain jobs or industries differ, and a local ordinance may require more than the state rate. The statute linked on each state page is the starting point.

Where a lower tipped cash wage is allowed, the employer usually must make up the difference whenever tips fall short of the full minimum wage for the pay period. Keeping accurate records of hours worked and tips reported helps show that every pay period met the minimum.

Rates can change on fixed dates, often January 1 or July 1, and some states adjust them each year for inflation. Reviewing pay rates, offer letters, and employment contracts ahead of each scheduled change helps avoid underpayment claims.

General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.