Minimum Wage in Colorado (CO)
The minimum wage in Colorado is $14.81 per hour , effective January 1, 2026. This is $7.56 (104.28%) above the federal minimum wage of $7.25. The tipped minimum wage is $11.79 per hour. Employers may pay tipped employees $11.79/hr in cash wages if tips bring total compensation to at least the minimum wage. Some cities in Colorado have higher local minimum wages, with Denver at $18.29/hr. Colorado adjusts minimum wage annually based on CPI. Tip credit of $3.02/hr.
Minimum Wage by City in Colorado
Some cities in Colorado have enacted local minimum wage ordinances above the state rate. The table below shows minimum wages for 6 cities, sorted by rate. Workers should check whether their city has a local rate, as the highest applicable rate always applies.
| City | Minimum Wage | Annual (Full-Time) | vs. State Rate | vs. Federal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver Local Rate | $18.29/hr | $38,043 | +$3.48 | +$11.04 |
| Edgewater Local Rate | $18.29/hr | $38,043 | +$3.48 | +$11.04 |
| Boulder | $14.81/hr | $30,805 | Same | +$7.56 |
| Colorado Springs | $14.81/hr | $30,805 | Same | +$7.56 |
| Fort Collins | $14.81/hr | $30,805 | Same | +$7.56 |
| Aurora | $14.81/hr | $30,805 | Same | +$7.56 |
How Colorado Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Colorado with five states that have similar minimum wage rates. This comparison helps illustrate where Colorado stands nationally.
| State | Minimum Wage | Tipped Wage | Annual Full-Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado (CO) | $14.81/hr | $11.79/hr | $30,805 |
| Arizona (AZ) | $14.70/hr | $11.70/hr | $30,576 |
| Oregon (OR) | $14.70/hr | $14.70/hr | $30,576 |
| Maine (ME) | $14.65/hr | $7.33/hr | $30,472 |
| Delaware (DE) | $15.00/hr | $2.23/hr | $31,200 |
| Illinois (IL) | $15.00/hr | $9.00/hr | $31,200 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Minimum Wage
What is the minimum wage in Colorado in 2026?
The minimum wage in Colorado is $14.81 per hour as of January 1, 2026. This is $7.56 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25. A full-time worker at this rate earns approximately $30,805 per year before taxes.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Colorado?
The tipped minimum wage in Colorado is $11.79 per hour. Employers can use a tip credit of $3.02/hr, paying tipped employees a cash wage of $11.79/hr, as long as tips bring total compensation to at least $14.81/hr.
Do any cities in Colorado have a higher minimum wage?
Yes. 2 cities have local minimum wage above the state rate. The highest is Denver at $18.29/hr. When a city has a higher rate, employers must pay whichever rate is highest.
How much does a minimum wage worker earn per year in Colorado?
A full-time minimum wage worker in Colorado (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) earns approximately $30,805 per year before taxes. In Denver, that figure rises to $38,043 per year. The federal minimum wage yields $15,080/year.
Find Your Exact Minimum Wage
Use our minimum wage lookup tool to find the exact rate for your specific city in Colorado, or browse all 50 states to compare minimum wages across the country. Remember: the highest applicable rate (federal, state, or local) always applies.