Working Hours and Overtime in Mexico

What Are the Standard Working Hours In Mexico?

In Mexico, the standard working hours are defined by the type of shift:

• Day Shift: An employee aged 16 or older is allowed to work up to 8 hours per day, totaling 48 hours per week.
• Night Shift: An employee aged 16 or older can work up to 7 hours per day, totaling 42 hours per week.
• Mixed Shift: Combining day and night periods, an employee can work up to 7.5 hours per day, totaling 45 hours per week.

A minimum meal interval of 30 minutes must be observed by employees who work more than 6 hours in a day. Typically, working hours from Monday through Friday are from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with a one-hour lunch break.

Maximum Working Hours in Mexico

Mexican labor law establishes the following maximum working hours:

• Daily:  
     
  • Day Shift: 8 hours
     
  • Night Shift: 7 hours
     
  • Mixed Shift: 7.5 hours
   
• Weekly:  
     
  • Day Shift: 48 hours
     
  • Night Shift: 42 hours
     
  • Mixed Shift: 45 hours
   

Overtime is permitted under certain conditions but is limited to a maximum of 3 hours per day and no more than 3 times per week, totaling 9 hours weekly. Any overtime beyond these limits is generally prohibited and subject to stricter regulations.

Industry Specific Exceptions

Certain industries in Mexico have unique working hour regulations:

• Healthcare: Medical professionals may have extended shifts due to the nature of their work, often involving night and weekend hours.
• Transportation: Drivers and other transportation workers may have variable hours, including night shifts, to accommodate travel schedules.

These exceptions are designed to meet the specific demands of each industry while ensuring worker safety and well-being.

Managerial and Exempt Employees

Under Mexican labor law, managerial or exempt employees are defined as individuals who exercise functions of direction, inspection, vigilance, and management, or who perform work requiring special technical or professional knowledge. These employees are generally not subject to standard or maximum working hours and may not be entitled to overtime pay, given the nature of their responsibilities and higher compensation levels.

Statutory Full-Time Working Hours in Mexico

Full-time employment in Mexico is legally defined as working 48 hours per week for day shifts, 42 hours for night shifts, and 45 hours for mixed shifts. These standards apply across various industries and roles, ensuring a consistent framework for full-time employment.

Overtime Regulations in Mexico

Overtime in Mexico is regulated to protect workers from excessive working hours and to ensure fair compensation.

What Counts As Overtime in Mexico?

Any work performed beyond the standard daily or weekly working hours is considered overtime. For instance, working more than 8 hours in a day shift or exceeding 48 hours in a week constitutes overtime.

Maximum Overtime In Mexico

The law limits overtime to a maximum of 3 hours per day and no more than 3 times per week, totaling 9 hours weekly. Employers who require employees to work beyond these limits may face penalties, including fines and sanctions, for violating labor regulations.

Overtime Payout Rates In Mexico

Overtime compensation in Mexico is structured as follows:

• Up to 9 hours per week: Paid at double the regular hourly wage.
• Beyond 9 hours per week: Paid at triple the regular hourly wage.

This tiered system ensures that employees are fairly compensated for additional work and discourages excessive overtime.

Rest Periods and Breaks In Mexico

Employees are entitled to a minimum rest period of 30 minutes during the workday if they work more than 6 hours. Between shifts, there should be a rest period of at least 12 hours. Employees are also entitled to short breaks, typically lasting 15 minutes for every four hours worked. All employees are legally entitled to at least one full rest day per week, usually observed on Sunday. Specific industries or roles may have additional requirements to ensure adequate rest and prevent fatigue. Employers are responsible for ensuring compliance with these regulations to promote a healthy work environment.

Night Shifts and Weekend Regulations

Night shifts in Mexico are defined as work performed between 8:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Employees working night shifts are limited to 7 hours per night and 42 hours per week. While Mexican labor law does not mandate additional pay for night shifts or weekend work, employers may offer extra compensation or benefits to attract and retain employees willing to work during these times.

How Playroll Simplifies Employer Responsibilities and Compliance

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be challenging to keep up with ever-changing local labor laws and regulations in different countries. That's the advantage of using an Employer of Record like Playroll:

• ‍Scale your global team: Legally hire and swiftly onboard new hires in 180+ regions without the red tape by offloading the HR admin to Playroll, so you can freely explore new markets and focus on growth.
• Stay compliant: Our built-in compliance checks and vetted contracts mean your agreements will always meet all legal requirements for working hours, overtime regulations, and more.
• ‍Pay your team accurately: Ensure your international employees and global contractors are paid on time, every time, and set up centralized global payroll processes.