Colorado Minimum Wage 2026
Last updated: · Source: Colorado Department of Labor
Colorado · Minimum Wage 2026
Effective 2026-01-01
Data last verified: 2026-07-09
Tipped Rate
$11.79/hr
Tip Credit
$3.02/hr
Exempt Salary
$1057.69/wk
Effective Date
2026-01-01
Colorado Wage Calculator
Current Colorado Minimum Wage
The minimum wage in Colorado is $14.81 per hour in 2026, effective 2026-01-01. This is above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr set by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Employers must pay the higher of the two rates, so the Colorado rate applies. See the federal minimum wage page for how the FLSA floor applies nationwide.
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, employers must pay the highest minimum wage that legally applies to a work location, whether set federally, by the state, or by a city or county ordinance.
Colorado Tipped Minimum Wage
In Colorado, tipped employees may be paid a direct cash wage of $11.79/hr. Employers may claim a tip credit of up to $3.02/hr, but the employee's total hourly earnings (direct wages + tips) must equal at least the full minimum wage of $14.81/hr. If tips fall short, the employer must make up the difference.
| Component | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Direct cash wage | $11.79/hr | Minimum employer must pay directly |
| Tip credit | $3.02/hr | Maximum credit employer may claim |
| Total required | $14.81/hr | Wages + tips must reach this floor |
Colorado Exempt Employee Salary Threshold (2026)
An "exempt" employee is a salaried worker who, by law, isn't entitled to overtime pay (time-and-a-half) for hours worked beyond 40 in a week. Whether a salaried employee actually qualifies as exempt depends on both their pay and their job duties. Colorado sets its own exempt salary threshold, which is higher than the federal level. Salaried exempt employees must earn at least $1057.69/week ($55,000/year) in 2026 to be exempt from overtime requirements.
City & County Minimum Wages in Colorado
Colorado permits cities and counties to set higher local minimum wage rates. The following cities have rates above the state minimum:
| City / County | 2026 Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Denver | $18.81/hr | Denver sets its own higher minimum wage, updated annually. |
Colorado Minimum Wage History
The following table shows minimum wage rates in Colorado over the past several years.
| Year | Minimum Wage | Effective Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $14.81/hr | 2026-01-01 | |
| 2025 | $14.42/hr | 2025-01-01 | |
| 2024 | $14.42/hr | 2024-01-01 | |
| 2023 | $13.65/hr | 2023-01-01 | |
| 2022 | $12.56/hr | 2022-01-01 |
Frequently Asked Questions
The minimum wage in Colorado is $14.81 per hour in 2026, effective 2026-01-01. Tipped employees may be paid $11.79 per hour provided tips bring total earnings to at least $14.81/hr.
Colorado raised its minimum wage to $14.81/hr on January 1, 2026.
In Colorado, tipped employees must be paid at least $11.79 per hour directly. Employers may claim a tip credit of up to $3.02/hr, but total compensation including tips must reach $14.81/hr.
In Colorado, salaried exempt employees must earn at least $1057.69/week ($55,000/year) to qualify for the overtime exemption, higher than the federal threshold.
Yes, some cities in Colorado set higher local minimum wage rates. Denver: $18.81/hr.