Quick Answer
Learn about Colorado minimum wage laws for 2026. Understand the current rate, tipped employee wages, local rates, and how to report violations.
Quick Answer: Colorado's minimum wage for 2026 is $14.81 per hour, significantly higher than the federal minimum of $7.25. The rate is adjusted annually for inflation. Tipped employees must receive at least $11.79 per hour as a base wage (with tips making up the difference). Denver has a higher local minimum wage. File wage complaints with the Colorado Division of Labor Standards.
Colorado workers earn more than federal minimums.
Colorado Minimum Wage Rates
2026 Standard Rate
Current minimum wage:
- $14.81 per hour
- Effective January 1, 2026
- Adjusts annually for inflation
- Applies to most workers
Recent History
| Year | Minimum Wage |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $14.81 |
| 2024 | $14.42 |
| 2023 | $13.65 |
| 2022 | $12.56 |
| 2021 | $12.32 |
Annual Adjustment
How it works:
- Based on Consumer Price Index
- Adjusted each January 1
- Automatic increase
- Constitutional amendment requirement
Tipped Employee Wages
Tipped Minimum Wage
Base wage for tipped workers:
- $11.79 per hour (2026)
- $3.02 tip credit allowed
- Tips must bring total to $14.81+
- Employer makes up difference
Tip Credit Rules
For tip credit to apply:
- Employee regularly receives tips
- Tips plus base wage equal minimum wage
- Employer must inform employee
- Must track tip income
If Tips Fall Short
Employer must:
- Pay difference to reach minimum wage
- Every pay period
- Cannot average over longer periods
- You always get at least minimum wage
Denver Minimum Wage
Higher Local Rate
Denver 2026:
- $18.81 per hour (standard)
- $15.79 per hour (tipped base)
- Higher than state rate
- Adjusted annually
Which Rate Applies
In Denver:
- Denver rate applies to Denver employers
- Based on where you work
- Not where employer is headquartered
- Highest applicable rate wins
Who's Covered
Most Workers
Colorado minimum wage applies to:
- Full-time employees
- Part-time employees
- Temporary workers
- Most private sector workers
Some Exemptions
May not be covered:
- Some agricultural workers
- Some seasonal workers
- Administrative, executive, professional employees
- Outside salespeople
Youth Minimum Wage
Under 18:
- Same minimum wage applies
- No sub-minimum for youth in Colorado
- Full protection
Colorado Overtime Protection Act (COMPS)
Broader Coverage
COMPS Order #39:
- Extends minimum wage to more workers
- Agriculture included (with some exceptions)
- Domestic workers included
- Broader than federal FLSA
Industries Covered
All industries covered including:
- Retail
- Food service
- Healthcare
- Construction
- Agriculture (largely)
- Domestic service
Deductions from Wages
Prohibited Deductions
Cannot deduct for:
- Cash shortages
- Customer walkouts
- Breakage
- Uniforms (below minimum wage)
- Tools of trade
Permitted Deductions
May deduct:
- Required taxes
- Court-ordered garnishments
- Employee-authorized deductions
- Benefits (with consent)
Cannot Reduce Below Minimum
Key rule:
- Deductions cannot bring pay below minimum wage
- Applies to all deductions
- Each pay period
Find Out If You Have a Case
Not sure if your employer broke the law or what your claim is worth? Get a free, no-obligation evaluation from an experienced employment attorney.
Filing a Wage Complaint
Division of Labor Standards
For minimum wage violations:
- Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
- Division of Labor Standards and Statistics
- Phone: 303-318-8441
- Website: cdle.colorado.gov
How to File
Options:
- Online complaint form
- Mail complaint
- Phone inquiry
- No fee to file
Information Needed
Include:
- Your information
- Employer information
- Pay records
- Hours worked
- Violations alleged
- Timeline
Investigation
Division will:
- Review complaint
- Contact employer
- Investigate
- Issue determination
- Order back wages if violation found
Private Lawsuit
Right to Sue
You can also:
- File lawsuit in court
- Recover unpaid wages
- Seek penalties
- Attorney's fees available
Statute of Limitations
Time limits:
- 2 years from violation (general)
- 3 years if willful
- Act promptly
Damages
May recover:
- Unpaid minimum wage
- Penalties
- Interest
- Attorney's fees
- Court costs
Common Scenarios
Scenario 1: Below Minimum Wage
Situation: Paid $12/hour in Colorado.
Analysis: Clear violation. Colorado minimum is $14.81. Owed difference for all hours worked.
Scenario 2: Tips Don't Add Up
Situation: Tipped employee, paid $11.79 base. Slow week, tips only bring total to $13/hour.
Analysis: Employer must pay difference between $13 and $14.81 for that period.
Scenario 3: Deductions Reduce Pay
Situation: Employer deducted $50 for register shortage, bringing hourly rate below minimum.
Analysis: Illegal deduction. Cannot reduce below minimum wage. File complaint.
Scenario 4: Misclassified Exempt
Situation: Called "manager" but don't supervise anyone, paid salary below equivalent minimum.
Analysis: May be misclassified. Must actually perform exempt duties. May be owed minimum wage.
Record Keeping
Employer Requirements
Must maintain:
- Hours worked
- Wages paid
- Pay dates
- Deductions made
- 3-year retention
Employee Best Practices
You should:
- Keep your own records
- Save pay stubs
- Track hours worked
- Note any issues
Retaliation Protection
Cannot Be Punished For
Protected activities:
- Filing wage complaint
- Discussing wages with coworkers
- Testifying about violations
- Reporting violations
If Retaliated Against
Options:
- Report to Division of Labor
- File retaliation complaint
- May have legal claim
- Additional damages possible
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Colorado minimum wage in 2026?
$14.81 per hour for most workers. $11.79 for tipped employees (with tips making up difference).
Is Denver minimum wage different?
Yes. Denver's 2026 minimum wage is $18.81 per hour.
Does minimum wage apply to all workers?
Most workers are covered. Some exemptions exist for certain categories.
Can employer pay less for training?
Generally no. Colorado doesn't have a training wage below minimum.
What if employer doesn't pay minimum wage?
File complaint with Division of Labor Standards and Statistics. Can also sue in court.
Can I be fired for asking about minimum wage?
No. Retaliation for exercising wage rights is illegal.
Related Topics
Take Action
If not receiving minimum wage:
- Calculate what you should be paid
- Compare to actual pay received
- Keep records of hours and pay
- Report to Division of Labor Standards
- Consider consulting attorney
- Document any retaliation
You're entitled to Colorado's minimum wage.
Legal Disclaimer
This article provides general information about minimum wage in Colorado and is not legal advice. Rates may change. Verify current rates with official sources. For advice about your specific circumstances, consult a licensed Colorado employment attorney.
For official information:
- Colorado Division of Labor Standards: https://cdle.colorado.gov | 303-318-8441
- Denver minimum wage: Check city of Denver official resources
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Read moreFrequently Asked Questions
What is 2026 Standard Rate?
What is annual Adjustment?
What is tipped Minimum Wage?
What is tip Credit Rules?
What is if Tips Fall Short?
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