As the new year approaches, workers in Las Cruces can anticipate a modest rise in their hourly earnings. Starting January 1, 2025, the city's minimum wage is set to increase from $12.36 to $12.65, as reported by KFOX TV. This change is a part of the annual adjustments as per the Las Cruces Municipal Code. Tipped employees, often overlooked in these conversations, will also see their minimum wage go up from $4.95 to $5.06.
The City of Las Cruces adheres to a commitment that dates back to 2014 when an ordinance was enacted to ensure a steadily increasing wage floor for its workers. "On January 1, 2020, the State of New Mexico enacted the New Mexico Minimum Wage Act. Each year in September, we calculate the minimum wage and tipped wage based on the City ordinance and compare it to the minimum wage and tipped wage set by the State of New Mexico; we adopt the higher of the two," explains the City, as detailed by KTSM. This process ensures that Las Cruces' minimum wage is at or above state law's mandated minimum wage.
However, not everyone views the minimum wage increase as a wholly positive development. Critics point out that with wage increases, there is often an inflationary effect on the prices of goods and services. “Many people look at the minimum wage increase and they think it's good for people because it's going to take that one level of employee and elevate them. But in all actuality, it's not good. And the reason why is with every minimum wage increase, the products, the goods and services that people are buying get more expensive. Right now, our food is at an all time high cost," stated a Las Cruces businessman, Dickerson, as obtained by KVIA.
