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.
Meal & rest breaks
Whether a meal break or paid rest break is required, and whether that time is paid, follows Colorado and federal rules.
Time off to vote
Whether employees get time off to vote, and whether it is paid, is set by state election law.
Jury duty
Your job is protected during jury service. Whether the employer must pay you depends on the state.
Bereavement leave
Only six states require bereavement or funeral leave. Many employers offer it voluntarily.
Local minimum wages in Colorado
Several Colorado cities and counties set a minimum wage above the state rate. Employers must pay the higher local rate for work done there.