Hiring ages › States › New Mexico

Can you work at 14 in New Mexico?

In New Mexico, you can start most non-farm jobs at 14. You need a work permit until you turn 16 (from School (superintendent, principal or designated issuing officer) or the NM Department of Workforce Solutions). At 14 and 15 you can work up to 3 h on a school day, 18 h in a school week, 40 h in a summer week. There are no state hour limits at 16 and 17.

State law · checked October 2026

No work permitPermit until 16Permit until 18Most jobs from 16

Work permit in New Mexico

Students under 16 need a work permit certificate at all times. Get it from a school superintendent, principal or designated school issuing officer, or from a DWS representative. Official permit page →

Hour limits for teens in New Mexico

Ages 14–15Ages 16–17
School day3 hNo limit
School week18 hNo limit
Non-school day8 hNo limit
Non-school week40 hNo limit
Time of day7 a.m.–7 p.m.; 9 p.m. June 1–Labor DayNo limit

Only outside school hours. DWS cites the federal FLSA limits. Students in an approved WECEP program may work up to 23 hours in a school week. No state hour limits found for 16–17 (DOL table, DWS FAQ). Hazardous occupations are banned until 18.

Places that hire at 14 in New Mexico

Places that hire at 15 in New Mexico

Company minimums combined with New Mexico law. Franchise locations can set a higher age. “✓ seen here” means we found a real posting in New Mexico.

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Questions

What is the youngest age you can work in New Mexico?

14 for most jobs. Under 14 generally may not work. Exceptions include work for a parent, acting or performing, and newspaper delivery outside school hours (US DOL certificate table footnote).

Do you need a work permit in New Mexico?

Students under 16 need a work permit certificate at all times. Get it from a school superintendent, principal or designated school issuing officer, or from a DWS representative.

How many hours can a 15-year-old work in New Mexico?

Up to 3 h on a school day, 18 h in a school week, 40 h in a summer week, between 7 a.m.–7 p.m.; 9 p.m. June 1–Labor Day.

How many hours can a 16-year-old work in New Mexico?

New Mexico has no hour limits for 16- and 17-year-olds; federal law doesn't either. Hazardous jobs are still off-limits until 18.

Which jobs hire at 14 in New Mexico?

McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, Publix, Culver's, Dairy Queen, Burger King, Hy-Vee, Fareway and others hire at 14 at some locations.

Sources

State agency: New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, Labor Relations Division (Child Labor Section)

  1. NM DWS – Labor Relations FAQs: Youth (blocked automated fetch; content seen only via search snippet)
  2. US DOL WHD – Selected State Child Labor Standards (non-farm), as of 2025-07-15 (2025-07-15)
  3. US DOL WHD – Employment/Age Certification table, as of 2024-01-01 (2024-01-01)

Federal rules (the Fair Labor Standards Act) apply too; where they differ, the stricter rule wins. General information, not legal advice.