Prevailing wage in New Mexico

Who and what this applies to

The traditional public-contract coverage of NMSA 1978, section 13-4-11(A): construction, alteration, demolition or repair, including painting and decorating, of state public buildings, public works or public roads where the state or a political subdivision is a party and laborers or mechanics are employed.

Thresholds and scope

The threshold in section 13-4-11(A) is a contract or project in excess of $60,000. This guide states that public-contract rule; separate industrial-revenue-bond provisions must be matched to the particular project.

The rules

• A covered contract or project must state the minimum wages and fringe benefits for laborer and mechanic classifications, using the rates determined by the Labor Relations Division director for comparable work. Source
• Contractors, subcontractors, employers and persons acting as contractors must pay covered site laborers and mechanics at least weekly, at no less than the prevailing wage and fringe-benefit rates specified for the work. Source
• Under NMAC 11.1.2.9, the director annually determines and publishes prevailing wages, fringe benefits and public-works apprentice-and-training-fund contribution rates. Use the wage decision issued for the project. Source

Deadlines

Pay covered site laborers and mechanics at least weekly under section 13-4-11(A).

Primary sources

• NMSA §13-4-11(A), as amended by 2025 Chapter 132 (HB 6)
• Official HB 6 history: signed April 9, 2025, Chapter 132
• NMAC 11.1.2.9, Public Works Minimum Wage Act responsibilities

Sources reviewed 2026-09-30. This guide covers the projects and rules stated above.

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