| Area | 2026 | 2026 tipped | 2027 | 2027 tipped |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado (no local rate) | $15.16 | $12.14 | $15.71 | $12.69 |
| Denver | $19.29 | $16.27 | $19.84 | $16.82 |
| City of Edgewater | $18.17 | $13.50 | $19.84 | Not yet set |
| City of Boulder | $16.82 | $13.80 | $18.17 | $15.15 |
| Unincorporated Boulder County | $16.82 | $13.80 | Check the county | Check the county |
Source: Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), Division of Labor Standards and Statistics and its August 13, 2026 release. Denver figures also appear in the City and County of Denver’s 2027 announcement.
Colorado’s constitution adjusts the state minimum every year by the CPI-U. The 2027 rate of $15.71 is a 3.6% increase over $15.16. Cities and counties may set higher local minimums, and you must pay the highest rate that applies where the work is done. Denver uses a different inflation index, the CPI-W.
The state tip credit is $3.02, so the cash wage is $12.14 in 2026 and $12.69 in 2027. Denver’s tipped food and beverage rate applies only if the worker receives at least $3.02 in actual tips. If tips fall short, you pay the difference. Check shifts with the tip credit calculator. Remember that the tipped rate in each city depends on that city’s minimum: in Denver, a tipped worker’s cash wage is $16.27 in 2026, not the state’s $12.14.
CDLE’s COMPS Order poster says unemancipated minors can be paid 15% less than the full minimum wage. In 2026 that is 85% of $15.16, or $12.89. Local rules can differ: CDLE notes Denver allows the reduced rate only for city-certified youth employment program work. See the minimum age to work for hour limits.
Under the COMPS Order, non-exempt employees earn 1.5 times their regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek, over 12 in a workday, or over 12 consecutive hours. That is stricter than the federal FLSA overtime rules. Colorado also requires paid rest breaks and meal periods; see our Colorado labor laws guide.
Without the daily rule this week would cost $591.24, so long shifts matter. Track daily, consecutive and weekly hours for every employee. In Denver, the same 45-hour week at $19.29 costs $771.60 + (5 x $28.935) = $916.28. For tipped staff, overtime is based on the full minimum: $22.74 minus the $3.02 credit, or $19.72 in cash per overtime hour.
| State | Basic minimum wage (Nov. 2026) |
|---|---|
| Colorado | $15.16 |
| Arizona | $15.15 |
| Nebraska | $15.00 |
| New Mexico | $12.00 |
| Kansas, Utah | $7.25 |
| Wyoming | $5.15 state law; FLSA employers pay $7.25 |
Figures from the U.S. Department of Labor state table, updated November 5, 2026.
EZTime’s GPS time clock app records punches by phone, kiosk or NFC tap, sends overtime and break alerts during long shifts, and builds payroll-ready exports. Use shift scheduling to avoid 12-hour days.
$15.16 per hour statewide, and $12.14 for tipped workers, according to CDLE. Denver and some other localities are higher.
$15.71 per hour, and $12.69 for tipped workers, from January 1, 2027. Denver rises to $19.84, and $16.82 for tipped food and beverage workers.
Yes. Overtime is due after 12 hours in a workday or 12 consecutive hours, as well as after 40 hours in a workweek.
Track Colorado overtime by the day. Start your 14-day trial or book a demo.
Updated November 2026. Rates verified against official state sources on November 14, 2026. General information only; not legal advice.