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Jury Duty Guide
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New Mexico Jury Duty Guide (2026)

What New Mexico pays for jury service, whether your employer has to keep paying you, and the exemptions and job protections the law gives you.

Updated for 2026 Last verified: Jun 10, 2026
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Jury pay & compensation

Daily jury pay
Paid at the state minimum wage per hour (NMSA § 38-5-15); the 2026 state minimum wage is $12.00/hour, about $96 for an 8-hour day. Some districts pay a flat daily rate.
Transportation & parking
Yes — mileage for travel over 40 miles round trip, at the rate for public officers and employees (NMSA § 38-5-15). The per-mile rate varies by district.
Overnight / special circumstances
No — set per diem. Sequestered jurors are provided for at court direction.

Employer requirements

Employer required to pay
No — New Mexico does not require employers to pay wages during jury service
Job protection law
Yes — NMSA § 38-5-18 bars discharging or threatening an employee for jury service, with civil liability and possible contempt
Exemptions
People 75 or older may request a permanent exemption (NMSA § 38-5-2); discretionary excusal for undue or extreme physical or financial hardship

Additional information

Court applicability
Applies to District and Magistrate Courts.
Common questions

New Mexico jury duty FAQ

How much does New Mexico pay for jury duty?
Paid at the state minimum wage per hour (NMSA § 38-5-15); the 2026 state minimum wage is $12.00/hour, about $96 for an 8-hour day. Some districts pay a flat daily rate. Yes - mileage for travel over 40 miles round trip, at the rate for public officers and employees (NMSA § 38-5-15). The per-mile rate varies by district.
Do employers in New Mexico have to pay employees during jury duty?
No - New Mexico does not require employers to pay wages during jury service
What job protections exist for jurors in New Mexico?
Yes - NMSA § 38-5-18 bars discharging or threatening an employee for jury service, with civil liability and possible contempt
Who can be exempt from jury duty in New Mexico?
People 75 or older may request a permanent exemption (NMSA § 38-5-2); discretionary excusal for undue or extreme physical or financial hardship
Where can I find the official New Mexico jury duty information?
You can find official information about jury duty in New Mexico on the official court website or by reviewing the relevant statutes, both linked on this page.