New Mexico Child Labor Laws

The first effort at establishing child labor legislation in New Mexico was in 1889 when the minimum age to legally work was set at 12 and later set at 14 for mining.  A law passed in 1919 allowed those at least 14 years of age to be excused from school if they were employed.  Current New Mexico law considers anyone habitually present at any job during school hours to be employed by that business.

Child Labor Laws in New Mexico For Minors Under 14​

Child labor laws prohibit children younger than 14 years old from working in order to uphold their physical, mental, and emotional development.  There are a few areas in which youth under 14 may work, including, entertainment, babysitting, small chores in a home, and selling or delivering newspapers.

Child Labor Laws in New Mexico For Minors 14 and 15 Years Old

There are some employment areas open to 14 and 15 year olds.  An employment certificate is required prior to beginning employment.  They may not work in an establishment which serves or sells alcohol for consumption.   Jobs on the Hazardous Occupations for 14 and 15 year olds include:

  • Mining
  • Manufacturing
  • Laundry Processing or Dry Cleaning
  • Public Messenger Services
  • Power-Driven Machinery
  • Mowers and Cutters
  • Use of Auto Pits or Racks
  • Transportation of Person or Property
  • Communications
  • Public Utilities
  • Construction
  • Work in a Boiler or Engine Room
  • Repair of Machines or Equipment
  • Outside Window Washing
  • Cooking and Baking
  • Operating, Setting Up, Adjusting, Cleaning, or Repairing Power-Driven Food Slicers, Grinders, Choppers, or Mixers
  • Work in Freezers or Coolers
  • Loading/Unloading of Goods

Also, they may not hold jobs which are on the Hazardous Occupations for all minors list below.

New Mexico Child Labor Law details restrictions for this age group as follows:

When public school is in session:

  • No working during school hours
  • A maximum of three hours on school days
  • No more than eight hours on non-school days
  • A maximum of 18 hours per week
  • No earlier than 7am or later than 7pm

When public school is not in session:

  • No more than eight hours per day
  • A maximum of 40 hours per week
  • No earlier than 7am or later than 9pm between June 1 and Labor Day

Child Labor Laws in New Mexico For Minors 16 and 17 Years Old

Minors in this age group are allowed to work in a variety of areas.  They may not work in an establishment which serves or sells alcohol for consumption.  Also, they may not hold jobs which are on the Hazardous Occupations list for all minors as follows:

  • Explosives
  • Motor Vehicle Drivers
  • Mining
  • Logging/Sawmills as well as Use of Circular Saws, Band Saws, and Guillotine Shears
  • Power-Driven Wood Working Machinery
  • Use of Radioactive Substances
  • Use of Hoisting Apparatus
  • Metal Forming, Shearing, and Punching Machines
  • Slaughtering and Meat Packing
  • Power-Driven Bakery Machines
  • Manufacturing of Brick or Tile
  • Wrecking, Demolition, Ship Breaking, and Excavation Operations
  • Roofing

New Mexico Child labor law details restrictions for this age group as follows:

When public school is in session:

  • No working during school hours
  • No hours or time restrictions

When public school is not in session:

  • No hours or time restrictions

Youth of all ages working in the field of entertainment have certain restrictions imposed on them, including:

  • No earlier than 5am or later than 10pm on school nights
  • No later than 12am on non-school nights
  • Must have a 12-hour rest break after each work day before working again
  • Those six months to 15 years old must have written approval from a licensed U.S. physician they are capable of handling the work