---
title: "New Mexico Child Labor Laws for Family Businesses | Kids Payroll"
url: https://kidspayroll.com/state-labor-laws/new-mexico/
description: "Child labor laws in New Mexico: minimum working age, hour restrictions, work permit requirements, and family business exemptions for 2026."
lang: en
---

# New Mexico

Child Labor Laws for Family Businesses

Last updated: July 15, 2025

Min. Wage: $12.00/hr (2025)

New Mexico Department of Labor (https://www.dws.state.nm.us/)

### Family Business Exemptions Most Important

Exemptions Available

- Follows federal parental exemption.
- New Mexico does not classify married or parenting minors as minors for child labor purposes.

### Minimum Working Age

14 years old for most non-agricultural work.

Exceptions:

- No state minimum when employed by parent (follows federal parental exemption).

### Hours Restrictions

Under 14

- Generally may not work.

Ages 14-15

- Max 3 hrs on school days, 8 hrs on non-school days.
- Max 18 hrs during school weeks, 40 hrs during non-school weeks.
- Max 6 days/week.

Ages 16-17

- No state-specific restrictions.

### Nightwork Restrictions

### Permitted Job Types

### Work Permit Requirements

Permits Required

- Employment certificate for under 16.
- Proof of age for under 18 on request.

### Recordkeeping Requirements

### Key Considerations

This information is for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your state's Department of Labor (https://www.dws.state.nm.us/) and the U.S. Department of Labor (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/child-labor).

## Nearby States

AZ Arizona: https://kidspayroll.com/state-labor-laws/arizona/
CO Colorado: https://kidspayroll.com/state-labor-laws/colorado/
TX Texas: https://kidspayroll.com/state-labor-laws/texas/
OK Oklahoma: https://kidspayroll.com/state-labor-laws/oklahoma/

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  - Maine: https://kidspayroll.com/state-labor-laws/maine/

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- How to Pay Kids Through LLC: https://kidspayroll.com/blog/pay-kids-through-llc/
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- Tax-Free Payment Limits: https://kidspayroll.com/blog/pay-child-tax-free-2026/
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