Colorado Minimum Wage (2026)
Built & reviewed by Nandu Kannan · Overtime rules cited to primary statutes
Colorado's minimum wage is $15.16 an hour in 2026. Colorado's $15.16 is indexed annually; Denver sets a higher local minimum.
Colorado minimum wage vs. the federal minimum
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour. Colorado's effective minimum is $15.16 — $7.91 above the federal floor. Where state and federal minimums differ, employers must pay whichever is higher.
Minimum-wage pay & overtime
At $15.16 an hour, overtime (1.5×) is $22.74 per hour. 1.5× after 12 hours/day, 12 consecutive hours, or 40 hours/week — whichever is greater. Run your own numbers with the Colorado overtime calculator or convert it to a yearly figure with the salary to hourly calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in Colorado in 2026?
The minimum wage in Colorado is $15.16 per hour as of 2026. Colorado's $15.16 is indexed annually; Denver sets a higher local minimum.
How much is Colorado's minimum wage per year?
At $15.16 an hour, full-time (40 hours a week, 52 weeks) is about $31,533 a year before taxes, or $606 a week.
Is Colorado's minimum wage higher than the federal minimum?
Yes. Colorado's $15.16 is above the federal minimum of $7.25. When state and federal minimums differ, employers must pay the higher rate.
What is overtime pay on Colorado's minimum wage?
Overtime is 1.5× your regular rate, so a minimum-wage worker at $15.16 earns $22.74 per overtime hour. 1.5× after 12 hours/day, 12 consecutive hours, or 40 hours/week — whichever is greater.
Rate as of January 2026, from the U.S. Department of Labor. Cities and counties may set higher local minimums, and rates change — confirm with your state labor office. General information, not legal or payroll advice.
Related
What's a minimum-wage paycheck after taxes in Colorado?
Minimum wage by state · Colorado overtime · Overtime by state · Salary to Hourly