What are the restrictions on paying workers under the age of 18?
In New Mexico, all workers must be paid the minimum wage of $7.50 an hour, except for employees under the age of 18. For workers under the age of 18, different restrictions apply. Firstly, employers are not allowed to pay these employees less than 85% of the state’s minimum wage, which is $6.375 an hour. This means that the minimum wage for employees under the age of 18 is lower than the minimum wage for other workers. In addition, employers are not allowed to pay more than $8.00 an hour, unless they have obtained a special permit from the state. This means that even if the state’s minimum wage rises above $8.00 an hour, employers may not be able to pay their under-18 employees more than $8.00 an hour. Finally, an employer must also comply with laws on hours of work for employees under the age of 18. For example, these employees cannot work more than 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week. They must also be given at least a 30-minute break for every five hours of work they perform. These restrictions are meant to ensure that young workers are protected from exploitation and receive adequate compensation for their work. Employers must be aware of these restrictions and must comply with them in order to comply with New Mexico wage and hour law.
Related FAQs
What are the rules for paying interns?What are the laws governing wages and tips for tipped employees?
What is the difference between a minimum wage and a living wage?
Are employers allowed to withhold wages from employees?
Are employers allowed to set different work hours for different employees?
What is the difference between compensatory time and overtime pay?
Are employers allowed to pay different wages for the same job?
What is the difference between an employee handbook and an employment contract?
Are employers required to provide a rest break and/or meal break?
Are employers allowed to pay tipped employees less than minimum wage?
Related Blog Posts
What is Wage and Hour Law and How Does it Affect Your Business? - July 31, 2023What Employers Need to Know About Wage and Hour Law - August 7, 2023
The Basics of Payroll Law and Compliance - August 14, 2023
Compensating Your Employees - Tips for Wage and Hour Law Compliance - August 21, 2023
Understanding Overtime Rules Under Wage and Hour Law - August 28, 2023