All states / Colorado
Colorado Minimum Wage (2026)
At a glance
| Hourly (2026) | $15.16 |
| Hourly (2025) | $14.81 |
| vs federal ($7.25) | +$7.91/hr higher |
Local minimum wages in Colorado
These cities and counties set their own rates. Employers must pay the highest applicable rate. Many update on July 1 rather than January 1.
| City / County | Rate | Effective | Small employer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver | $19.29 | 2026-01-01 | — |
FAQ
What is the minimum wage in Colorado in 2026?
$15.16 per hour for 2026, up from $14.81 in 2025. Some cities set higher local rates.
How much is $15.16/hour per year?
Working full-time (40 hours/week, 52 weeks), that's $31,533 per year before taxes, about $2,628 per month. Calculate your own hours: /tools/hourly-salary-calculator/?rate=15.16.
Which rate applies if city and state minimum wages differ?
Employers must pay the highest of federal, state, and local rates for work performed in that jurisdiction.
Wage history (2019–2026)
Tipped employees in Colorado
Federal law (FLSA) allows a "tip credit": employers pay a lower cash wage ($12.14 here) as long as cash wage + tips reach at least the full minimum wage ($15.16). If tips fall short, the employer must make up the difference.
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor · Colorado labor department · NCSL. Verified 2026-09-09. Overtime rules by state → · 2027 increases →