Colorado Break Laws (2026)

Whether you are entitled to a meal break or a paid rest break in Colorado, and whether that time has to be paid.

Updated for 2026 Verified Jul 6, 2026

Compiled and verified by David Scott · Verified Jul 6, 2026

In Colorado, workers are entitled to a meal break and a paid rest break. A 30-minute meal break if your shift exceeds 5 consecutive hours. A paid 10-minute rest break for every 4 hours worked (or major fraction).

Break rules in Colorado

Meal break

A 30-minute meal break if your shift exceeds 5 consecutive hours.

Paid rest break

A paid 10-minute rest break for every 4 hours worked (or major fraction).

Paid or unpaid?

Federal law sets the baseline for whether break time is paid. Short breaks of 5 to 20 minutes count as work time and must be paid. A meal period of 30 minutes or more can be unpaid, but only if you are fully relieved of duty, if you have to keep working, or answer the phone, or stay at your station, the time must be paid. This is general information, not legal advice.

Common questions

Colorado break law FAQ

Does Colorado require meal breaks?

Yes. A 30-minute meal break if your shift exceeds 5 consecutive hours.

Does Colorado require paid rest breaks?

Yes. A paid 10-minute rest break for every 4 hours worked (or major fraction).

Do breaks have to be paid?

Under federal law, short breaks of 5 to 20 minutes are counted as work time and must be paid. A bona fide meal period of 30 minutes or more, where you are fully relieved of duty, does not have to be paid.

Are there different rules for minors?

Yes. Most states set stricter meal and rest break rules for workers under 18. This page covers adult employees in the private sector; check your state labor office for the rules that apply to minors.

Where can I find the official Colorado rule?

The U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division publishes the state break tables. The official source is linked on this page.

David Scott

David Scott compiles and verifies minimum wage rates, tipped wages, and overtime rules from official state and federal labor department sources, and re-checks every page when rates change. See how the data is sourced.