Colorado Minimum Wage (2026)
Colorado’s minimum wage is $15.16 — $7.91 above the federal $7.25, effective January 1, 2026. Tipped: tipped minimum $12.14. Next change: CPI-indexed adjustment scheduled for January 1, 2027.
The minimum wage in Colorado is $15.16/hour in 2026 (effective January 1, 2026).
- Minimum wage$15.16
- Tipped minimum$12.14
- Next scheduled changeCPI-indexed adjustment on January 1, 2027
- Full-time annual (40 hrs/wk)$31,533
Source: state labor department / U.S. DOL, verified July 2026.
Scheduled future increases
| Effective date | New rate |
|---|---|
| January 1, 2027 | CPI-indexed adjustment |
These are enacted in statute or triggered by indexing law — not proposals.
Local minimum wages above the state rate
| Locality | 2026 minimum |
|---|---|
| Denver | $19.29 |
| Edgewater | $18.17 |
| Boulder County (unincorp.) | $17.99 |
| Boulder (city) | $16.82 |
Local ordinances control for work performed within their boundaries, even for out-of-town employers.
Colorado vs. neighboring states
| State | Minimum wage | vs. Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | $7.25 | −$7.91 |
| Nebraska | $15.00 | −$0.16 |
| Kansas | $7.25 | −$7.91 |
| New Mexico | $12.00 | −$3.16 |
| Utah | $7.25 | −$7.91 |
Colorado minimum wage history
| Year | Rate |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $15.16 |
| 2025 | $14.81 |
| 2024 | $14.42 |
| 2023 | $13.65 |
| 2022 | $12.56 |
| 2021 | $12.32 |
| 2020 | $12.02 |
| 2019 | $12.00 |
| 2018 | $10.20 |
| 2017 | $9.30 |
| 2016 | $8.31 |
| 2015 | $8.23 |
| 2014 | $8.00 |
| 2013 | $7.78 |
| 2012 | $7.64 |
| 2011 | $7.36 |
| 2010 | $7.24 |
| 2009 | $7.28 |
| 2008 | $7.02 |
| 2007 | $6.85 |
| 2006 | $5.15 |
| 2005 | $5.15 |
| 2004 | $5.15 |
| 2003 | $5.15 |
| 2002 | $5.15 |
| 2001 | $5.15 |
| 2000 | $5.15 |
Historical rates from the U.S. DOL year-by-year tables (January snapshots; mid-year changes appear in the following year’s row).
Carve-outs & details
Tipped = $3.02 below regular rate statewide and in local ordinances (Denver tipped $16.27). DOL history shows 2020 as $12.02 (actual 2020 rate was $12.00; transcribed as published). Boulder County scheduled to reach $25.00 by 1-1-2030; Edgewater $19.99 (2027)/$21.99 (2028) then ties to Denver.
Frequently asked questions
What is minimum wage in Colorado in 2026?
$15.16 per hour, effective January 1, 2026, which is $7.91 above the federal $7.25.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Colorado?
The base cash wage for tipped workers is $12.14; tips must bring total pay to at least the full minimum, or the employer makes up the difference.
When does Colorado's minimum wage go up next?
CPI-indexed adjustment takes effect January 1, 2027.
How much is full-time minimum wage in Colorado per year?
At 40 hours/week for 52 weeks, $15.16/hour is $31,533 per year before taxes.
Sources & methodology
Sources: Colorado labor department · U.S. DOL consolidated table · U.S. DOL historical tables.
Verified against the state labor agency and U.S. DOL, July 2026. Wage law has industry- and size-specific exceptions; confirm your situation with the state agency.