Colorado · Checked October 25, 2026
Colorado minimum wage, overtime and final paycheck rules
The Colorado minimum wage is $15.16 an hour. Next: $15.71 from January 1, 2027.
Minimum wage
Colorado: $15.16 an hour. Denver and some other cities are higher.
Coming up: $15.71 on January 1, 2027 (tipped cash wage $12.69).
Tipped employees
Lowest cash wage before tips: $12.14. Tips plus the cash wage must reach at least the full minimum wage each workweek, or the employer makes up the difference.
Overtime
Over 12 hours in a day, 12 straight hours, or 40 in a week. (Colorado COMPS Order (7 CCR 1103-1), rule 4.1)
Final paycheck
| Fired or laid off | Immediately (6 or 24 hours if payroll is closed or offsite) |
|---|---|
| Quits | Next scheduled payday |
| Law | Colo. Rev. Stat. 8-4-109 |
Take-home pay in Colorado
See what a paycheck looks like after federal and Colorado taxes with the Colorado paycheck calculator.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Labor, Consolidated State Minimum Wage Table (July 1, 2026)
- U.S. Department of Labor, Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees (July 1, 2026)
- Colorado Department of Labor and Employment 2027 rates (announced Aug 13, 2026), reported by ColoradoBiz
- Final pay: Nolo, Final Paycheck Laws by State (statute citations listed per state)
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in Colorado?
$15.16 an hour as of October 25, 2026. Denver and some other cities are higher.
Is the Colorado minimum wage going up in 2027?
$15.71 on January 1, 2027 (tipped cash wage $12.69).
When is a final paycheck due in Colorado?
If fired or laid off: immediately (6 or 24 hours if payroll is closed or offsite). If the employee quits: next scheduled payday.
These are summaries of state law for general information, not legal advice. Cities and counties can set higher minimums, and special rules cover minors, trainees, farm work and some industries. Check with the state labor department before you make a pay decision.