Colorado Minimum Wage 2026
$15.16
per hour since January 1, 2026
Colorado's minimum wage is $15.16 an hour, in effect since January 1, 2026. Colorado's minimum wage rises to $15.71 an hour on January 1, 2027.
Reviewed by Slava Akulov, CEO & Co-Founder at Jupid · Last updated: October 2026
Pick a city or county if you work there; its rate is above the statewide floor.
Up to 40. Hours over 40 in a workweek go in the overtime field.
Paid at 1.5 times the rate ($22.74 an hour). Colorado requires overtime after 40 hours in a workweek, after 12 hours in a workday, or after 12 consecutive hours of work.
Weekly
$606
Monthly (average)
$2,628
Annual
$31,533
Gross pay before taxes. For take-home pay after federal, state and payroll taxes, use the Colorado hourly paycheck calculator.
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Colorado Minimum Wage at a Glance
2026 minimum wage
$15.16
Since January 1, 2026
Tipped cash wage
$12.14
Tip credit up to $3.02
Next change
$15.71 on Jan 1, 2027
Published rate
Overtime
Daily and weekly
1.5 times the regular rate
Applies statewide unless a higher local minimum applies (Denver, Edgewater, the City of Boulder and unincorporated Boulder County). Non-emancipated minors may be paid 15% less.
Local Minimum Wages in Colorado
These cities, counties or regions set a 2026 rate above the $15.16 statewide floor. Employers pay the highest rate that applies where the work is done. A 2019 state law (HB19-1210) lets cities and counties set a higher minimum wage.
| Jurisdiction | 2026 rate | Since | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver | $19.29 | January 1, 2026 | Tipped food and beverage workers: $16.27 cash wage. Rises to $19.84 on January 1, 2027. |
| Edgewater | $18.17 | January 1, 2026 | Tipped workers: $13.50 cash wage. Rises again on January 1, 2027. |
| City of Boulder | $16.82 | January 1, 2026 | Tipped workers: $13.80 cash wage. Rises to $18.17 on January 1, 2027. |
| Boulder County (unincorporated) | $16.82 | January 1, 2026 | Tipped workers: $13.80 cash wage. Rises to $17.43 on January 1, 2027. |
Tipped Minimum Wage in Colorado
Employers in Colorado can pay tipped employees a cash wage of $12.14 an hour and count up to $3.02 an hour of tips toward the $15.16 minimum. If tips fall short, the employer makes up the difference. The tip credit is capped at $3.02 an hour. The tipped cash wage rises to $12.69 on January 1, 2027.
Cash wage
$12.14
Maximum tip credit
$3.02
Cash wage plus tips must reach
$15.16
Other Colorado Minimum Wage Rates
- Non-emancipated minors: $12.89. 15% below the full minimum wage
Overtime Rules in Colorado
Colorado requires overtime after 40 hours in a workweek, after 12 hours in a workday, or after 12 consecutive hours of work. Overtime is paid at 1.5 times the regular rate, so at the $15.16 minimum an overtime hour pays at least $22.74. To work out overtime on any hourly rate, use the overtime pay calculator.
Colorado Minimum Wage History
| Effective | Hourly rate |
|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 (current) | $15.16 |
| January 1, 2025 | $14.81 |
| January 1, 2024 | $14.42 |
| January 1, 2023 | $13.65 |
Colorado Minimum Wage in 2027
Colorado's minimum wage rises to $15.71 an hour on January 1, 2027. Colorado indexes its minimum wage to inflation under the state constitution. The Department of Labor and Employment announced the 2027 rate on August 13, 2026, with a $12.69 tipped cash wage.
Colorado Minimum Wage FAQ
More Pay Tools for Colorado
Colorado Hourly Paycheck Calculator
Take-home pay for hourly work, with overtime and taxes.
Colorado Paycheck Calculator
Salary take-home pay after federal and state taxes.
Overtime Pay Calculator
Time-and-a-half and double-time pay for any rate.
Employee Cost Calculator
What an hourly hire costs with payroll taxes added.
Minimum Wage in Other States
State minimum wages range from the federal $7.25 to $18.40 an hour in 2026. Pick a state to see its rate, tipped wage and 2027 change.
Official References
- Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, Division of Labor Standards and Statistics
- CDLE press release: minimum wage $15.71 in 2027 (Aug 13, 2026)
- 2026 COMPS Order #40, 7 CCR 1103-1
- 2026 COMPS Order poster (English)
- 2026 PAY CALC Order, 7 CCR 1103-14
- DOL state minimum wage history table (2023, 2024)
- U.S. Department of Labor: State Minimum Wage Laws
- U.S. Department of Labor: Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees
- Denver minimum wage
- Edgewater minimum wage
- City of Boulder minimum wage
- Boulder County (unincorporated) minimum wage
Rates verified against the sources above on October 30, 2026. The calculator shows gross pay only. Industry rates, exemptions and local ordinances can change during the year; check the agency page before setting pay. This page is general information, not legal advice.
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