New Mexico Jury Duty Laws: Pay, Employer Rules & Exemptions (2026)
Short answer: Paid hourly at the highest prevailing state minimum wage (NMSA § 38-5-15), reportedly $12/hour. Must your employer pay you? No Updated
How sure is this? We could not fully confirm New Mexico's current rules from an official source. Daily numeric fields are null because pay is hourly. The $12/hour figure comes from one secondary source. 2022 SB 164 and 2023 SB 170 (150% of minimum wage) were not confirmed as enacted. Court handbooks still show outdated $6.75/hour. Check your summons or call your county jury office before relying on it.
| Juror pay | Paid hourly at the highest prevailing state minimum wage (NMSA § 38-5-15), reportedly $12/hour. |
|---|---|
| Mileage / travel | Only if the round trip exceeds 40 miles, at the public-employee rate (2017 amendment) |
| Must employers pay you? | No |
| Job protection | Employers may not fire or penalize jurors or require them to use vacation or sick leave (NMSA § 38-5-18). |
Law
- NMSA § 38-5-15
- NMSA § 38-5-18
Sources
- law.justia.com/codes/new-mexico/2021/chapter-38/article-5/section-38-5-15/
- nmcourts.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/62/2023/12/9-513A-Juror-summons.pdf
- www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/23%20Regular/bills/senate/SB0170.HTML
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Before You Go
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does jury duty pay in New Mexico?
Paid hourly at the highest prevailing state minimum wage (NMSA § 38-5-15), reportedly $12/hour.
Does my employer have to pay me for jury duty in New Mexico?
No
Can I be fired for jury duty in New Mexico?
Employers may not fire or penalize jurors or require them to use vacation or sick leave (NMSA § 38-5-18).