ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Thousands of New Mexicans can expect a small pay raise in the new year, but even higher wages could be coming in 2024.
“I really feel that our minimum wage should allow a person to work 40 hours a week, and still be able to meet basic necessities, and at this point, I don’t believe we’re there with the $12 an hour,” said Democratic District 43 State Rep. Christine Chandler of Los Alamos.
Starting Jan. 1, New Mexico’s minimum wage is set to increase to $12/hour (tipped workers will start earning $3/hour). It’s the third and final increase dictated by a 2019 state law that gradually increased the state’s minimum wage from $9/hour.
Rep. Chandler wants to go even higher. She’s planning to propose an amendment to that law during the upcoming legislative session to increase New Mexico’s minimum wage to $16/hour in 2024 (it’s not clear what tipped workers would earn). Chandler’s proposal is also expected to include language requiring lawmakers to adjust the state’s minimum wage every year based on inflation and other economic factors.
“This is the floor for what we as a public policy believe is a fair wage for one individual who wants to be able to provide for themselves,” Chandler said.
Data from MIT’s living wage calculator shows the average worker needs to earn at least $16.25/hour to live in New Mexico comfortably. Luna County has the lowest living wage at $14.98/hour — which is still nearly $3 higher than the state’s upcoming minimum wage.
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