Denver Minimum Wage 2026 (CO)
Last updated: · Part of Colorado
Denver, CO · Minimum Wage 2026
$18.81/hr
Effective 2026-01-01
Local ordinance
Denver Minimum Wage vs. Colorado
| Jurisdiction | Minimum Wage | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Denver | $18.81/hr | — |
| Colorado (state rate) | $14.81/hr | City is +$4.00/hr higher |
Does Denver Have Its Own Minimum Wage?
A city or county minimum wage ordinance sets a higher local wage floor than the state minimum, and employers within that jurisdiction must pay the higher local rate.
Yes. Denver has enacted its own local minimum wage ordinance, currently set at $18.81/hr, effective 2026-01-01. This rate is higher than the Colorado state minimum wage of $14.81/hr, and covered employers in Denver must pay the local rate. Denver sets its own higher minimum wage, updated annually.
Denver Wage Calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
The minimum wage in Denver is $18.81 per hour, set by the city's own local ordinance, effective 2026-01-01.
Yes. Denver has enacted a local minimum wage ordinance set at $18.81/hr, higher than the Colorado state minimum of $14.81/hr.
Denver's minimum wage of $18.81/hr is $4.00/hr higher than the Colorado state minimum of $14.81/hr.