Santa Fe County will implement new living wage rates starting March 1, 2026. The updated rate will be $15.40 per hour for regular workers and $4.62 per hour for tipped workers.
The changes affect businesses located in Santa Fe County but outside the incorporated areas of the City of Santa Fe, City of Española, and Town of Edgewood. Businesses required to have a county business license, the county government itself, contractors with service agreements (including construction), and those participating in economic development projects with participation agreements are all subject to the new wage requirements.
All employees at these businesses—including full-time, part-time, temporary, contingent or contracted workers, and those employed through temporary services or agencies—must receive at least the county living wage rate. Employers must also display a compliance notice about the living wage next to their business license in both English and Spanish. Retaliation against employees who assert their rights under this ordinance is prohibited.
The increase is based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers in the Western Region, which showed a 2.71% rise for 2025. The final figures were confirmed after consultation with the City of Santa Fe to ensure consistency between jurisdictions. The tipped wage is defined as 30% of the calculated living wage.
Santa Fe County first established its living wage ordinance in February 2014. The Code Enforcement division handles potential violations. Employees who believe they are not being paid according to this ordinance can request an investigation by completing an online form, contacting Code Enforcement Supervisor Joseph Martinez by email at JAMartinez2@SantaFeCountyNM.gov, downloading and emailing a complaint form, or delivering it in person to the Growth Management Department at 240 Grant Ave., Santa Fe.
Santa Fe County operates under a Board of County Commissioners responsible for policy-making and a County Manager overseeing administration (official website). The county supports its operations through various administrative and service facilities across its jurisdiction (official website). It promotes community engagement through public meetings and advisory boards while providing access to documents (official website). Services offered include public safety, health programs, human services, public works projects, and community development initiatives (official website). Transparent governance and resource stewardship remain central priorities aimed at improving quality of life for residents throughout incorporated municipalities as well as unincorporated areas within Santa Fe County (official website).
