New Mexico Minimum Wage (2026)
New Mexico’s minimum wage is $12.00 — $4.75 above the federal $7.25, effective January 1, 2023. Tipped: tipped minimum $3.00. Next change: no increase currently scheduled.
The minimum wage in New Mexico is $12.00/hour in 2026 (effective January 1, 2023).
- Minimum wage$12.00
- Tipped minimum$3.00
- Next scheduled changeNone scheduled
- Full-time annual (40 hrs/wk)$24,960
Source: state labor department / U.S. DOL, verified July 2026.
Scheduled future increases
None. New Mexico has no future increase written into law; the rate changes only by legislation or ballot measure.
Local minimum wages above the state rate
| Locality | 2026 minimum |
|---|---|
| Santa Fe (city) | $15.40 |
| Santa Fe County (unincorp.) | $15.40 |
| Las Cruces | $13.01 |
Local ordinances control for work performed within their boundaries, even for out-of-town employers.
New Mexico vs. neighboring states
| State | Minimum wage | vs. New Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $15.15 | +$3.15 |
| Utah | $7.25 | −$4.75 |
| Colorado | $15.16 | +$3.16 |
| Oklahoma | $7.25 | −$4.75 |
| Texas | $7.25 | −$4.75 |
New Mexico minimum wage history
| Year | Rate |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $12.00 |
| 2025 | $12.00 |
| 2024 | $12.00 |
| 2023 | $12.00 |
| 2022 | $11.50 |
| 2021 | $10.50 |
| 2020 | $9.00 |
| 2019 | $9.00 |
| 2018 | $7.50 |
| 2017 | $7.50 |
| 2016 | $7.50 |
| 2015 | $7.50 |
| 2014 | $7.50 |
| 2013 | $7.50 |
| 2012 | $7.50 |
| 2011 | $7.50 |
| 2010 | $7.50 |
| 2009 | $7.50 |
| 2008 | $6.50 |
| 2007 | $5.15 |
| 2006 | $5.15 |
| 2005 | $5.15 |
| 2004 | $5.15 |
| 2003 | $4.25 |
| 2002 | $4.25 |
| 2001 | $4.25 |
| 2000 | $4.25 |
Historical rates from the U.S. DOL year-by-year tables (January snapshots; mid-year changes appear in the following year’s row).
Carve-outs & details
Flat at $12.00 since 2023; no indexing. Santa Fe city/county rose to $15.40 on 3-1-2026; Santa Fe city scheduled to $17.50 on 1-1-2027 (2025 ordinance). Albuquerque/Bernalillo County ordinances currently superseded by the state rate.
Frequently asked questions
What is minimum wage in New Mexico in 2026?
$12.00 per hour, effective January 1, 2023, which is $4.75 above the federal $7.25.
What is the tipped minimum wage in New Mexico?
The base cash wage for tipped workers is $3.00; tips must bring total pay to at least the full minimum, or the employer makes up the difference.
When does New Mexico's minimum wage go up next?
No future increase is currently written into law; a change would require new legislation or a ballot measure.
How much is full-time minimum wage in New Mexico per year?
At 40 hours/week for 52 weeks, $12.00/hour is $24,960 per year before taxes.
Sources & methodology
Sources: New Mexico labor department · U.S. DOL consolidated table · U.S. DOL historical tables.
Verified against the state labor agency and U.S. DOL, July 2026. Wage law has industry- and size-specific exceptions; confirm your situation with the state agency.