New Mexico requires an employer to pay overtime to employees, unless otherwise exempt, at the rate of 1½ times the employee’s regular rate of pay for all hours worked in excess of 40 hours in a workweek. Many employers, however, do not pay their non-exempt employees correctly. Many times the employer is unaware of the legal wage and overtime requirements, believes there is an exception to the rule, or even intentionally fails to pay because the employees are assumed to be unaware of the laws. It is important that all employees understand the laws directing their pay. If employees have questions about pay there are resources available to assist – I recommend looking the New Mexico Wage and Hour Laws Handbook, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and the New Mexico Wage and Hour Act.