Minimum Wage in Colorado
The current Colorado minimum wage, the tipped wage, scheduled increases and overtime rules, from the official source.
Short answer: $15.16 per hour in 2026 ($12.14 for tipped employees). Some localities set higher rates; for example, Denver's 2026 minimum wage is $19.29. Employers must pay the higher local rate where it applies. Colorado minimum wage (COMPS and PAY CALC Orders); CDLE wage and hour page and KNOWLEDGE #1
| Minimum wage | $15.16 per hour in 2026 ($12.14 for tipped employees). Some localities set higher rates; for example, Denver's 2026 minimum wage is $19.29. Employers must pay the higher local rate where it applies. Scheduled increase: $15.71 per hour ($12.69 for tipped workers) on January 1, 2027, under the annual inflation adjustment (CDLE press release, Aug. 13, 2026: https://cdle.colorado.gov/press-releases/press-release-colorado-minimum-wage-will-increase-to-1571/hour-in-2027). Denver's 2027 local rate is $19.84. |
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| Tipped minimum wage | Employers may take a tip credit of up to $3.02 per hour (a $12.14 cash wage in 2026) for employees who regularly receive at least $1.64 per hour in tips, as long as tips plus wages reach the full minimum wage. The employer must make up any shortfall. Higher local tipped minimums may apply. |
| Overtime | Time-and-a-half after 40 hours in a workweek or after 12 hours in a workday, including for employees paid by salary, piece rate or other non-hourly methods, unless an exemption applies. |
Where to get help in Colorado
- Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), Division of Labor Standards and Statistics
- File a complaint or claim
More Colorado employment law
- Final Paycheck Laws in Colorado
- Meal and Rest Break Laws in Colorado
- Wrongful Termination in Colorado
- Paid Sick Leave in Colorado
- Non-Compete Agreements in Colorado
- All Colorado employment law rules
FAQ
What is the minimum wage in Colorado?
$15.16 per hour in 2026 ($12.14 for tipped employees). Some localities set higher rates; for example, Denver's 2026 minimum wage is $19.29. Employers must pay the higher local rate where it applies.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Colorado?
Employers may take a tip credit of up to $3.02 per hour (a $12.14 cash wage in 2026) for employees who regularly receive at least $1.64 per hour in tips, as long as tips plus wages reach the full minimum wage. The employer must make up any shortfall. Higher local tipped minimums may apply.
What are the overtime rules in Colorado?
Time-and-a-half after 40 hours in a workweek or after 12 hours in a workday, including for employees paid by salary, piece rate or other non-hourly methods, unless an exemption applies.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.