Colorado Minimum Wage — As of January 1, 2026, the minimum wage in Colorado is $15.16 per hour, rising to $15.71 on January 1, 2027, with inflation adjustments each year. Tipped employees must receive at least $12.14 per hour in direct wages, with tips making up the rest to $15.16. If you work in Denver, a higher local rate applies — $19.29 per hour in 2026 — and your employer must pay the higher of the two.
Minimum Wage Credits and Exceptions
1. Up to $25 per week for lodging furnished by the employer may count towards the Colorado Minimum Wage.
2. Reasonable cost of meals provided to the employee may count towards the Colorado Minimum Wage.
3. Unemancipated minors under 18 may be paid $6.19 per hour.
4. Employees with physical disability certified by the Director may be paid $6.19 per hour.
5. Deductions from wages must be in accordance with the Colorado Wage Act.
Meal Periods and Rest Periods
Meal Periods:
Employees are entitled to an uninterrupted and dutyfree 30-minute unpaid meal period when their work shift exceeds 5 consecutive hours. The employee must be completely relieved of all duties for the meal period. If the above conditions are not met, then the employee must be allowed to consume a meal on-duty, and be
compensated for the entire on-duty meal period.
Rest Periods:
Employees are entitled to a compensated 10-minute rest period for each 4 hours of work or major fractions thereof. Wages may not be deducted for the rest period. It is not required that the employee be permitted to leave the premises for the rest period.
Colorado Overtime — Under the state’s COMPS Order, overtime kicks in at 1.5 times your regular rate after 40 hours in a week, after 12 hours in a single day, or after 12 consecutive hours — whichever calculation pays you the most. There is no double-time rule, and the regular rate must include non-discretionary bonuses, shift differentials, and commissions. Colorado also requires paid 10-minute rest breaks for every four hours worked.
