The Colorado minimum wage for 2026 is $15.16 per hour. Adjusted annually for inflation each January 1. Denver, Boulder County, and Edgewater set higher local minimums.
Employers may take a tip credit of up to $3.02/hour, so the tipped cash wage is $12.14.
Wage rates for 2026
Overtime & premium pay
| Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Daily | 12 hours (1.5x) |
| Weekly | 40 hours (1.5x) |
Colorado also requires overtime after 12 consecutive hours of work. Rules apply to retail, service, food and beverage, commercial support, and health and medical industries.
Related labor laws in Colorado
Paid sick leave
Required. Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act requires up to 48 hours of paid sick leave per year.
Overtime
Overtime is required after 12 hours (1.5x) in a day, after 40 hours (1.5x) in a week. Colorado also requires overtime after 12 consecutive hours of work. Rules apply to retail, service, food and beverage, commercial support, and health and medical industries.
Pay frequency & final paycheck
Rules for how often employees must be paid and when a final paycheck is due vary. Confirm the current requirements with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.