Denver Minimum Wage 2026 and 2027
As of October 30, 2026, the minimum wage in Denver is $19.29 per hour, in effect since January 1, 2026. It is set by the local ordinance and is $4.13 above the Colorado statewide minimum of $15.16 and $12.04 above the federal minimum of $7.25.
Maintained by Archie Chang · Page reviewed October 30, 2026 · Methodology & sources
Current rate (October 30, 2026)
$19.29
In effect since January 1, 2026
2027 status: Scheduled
$19.84
Effective January 1, 2027
Compared with Colorado
$4.13 higher
Colorado statewide rate $15.16; federal $7.25
Denver minimum wage rates
| Group | Rate on October 30, 2026 | Since | 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| All employees | $19.29 | January 1, 2026 | $19.84 |
| Tipped workers, food and beverage industry | $16.27 | January 1, 2026 | Not listed on the Denver Labor page |
Set by Denver Revised Municipal Code citywide minimum wage ordinance. Administered by the Denver Labor, Denver Auditor's Office (rate calculated by the Department of Finance).
Denver minimum wage in 2027: Scheduled
Denver Labor lists $19.84 per hour for 2027, effective January 1, 2027, up from $19.29. The Denver Department of Finance calculates the annual increase from the Consumer Price Index.
Every January 1 the rate rises by a Consumer Price Index calculation that the Department of Finance makes under the ordinance.
Tipped workers
Only in the food and beverage industry may employers claim a tip credit, up to $3.02 per hour. For 2026 the minimum for tipped workers in that industry is $16.27 as long as they receive $3.02 in tips per hour.
Who is covered
All employees working within the geographical limits of the City and County of Denver, even when the employer has no contractual relationship with the city.
Denver's minimum wage does not apply to work performed outside of Denver, to employees who work less than 4 hours within Denver in a week, or to employees only traveling through Denver while working.
Tiers and exceptions
- Employers of unemancipated minors in a city-certified youth employment program may pay those minors 15% less than the minimum wage.
- The Denver Labor page lists two different amounts labeled 2024 ($17.29 and $18.29) in its rate history, so this page does not assign them to a year.
Denver compared with Colorado and the federal minimum
| Minimum wage | October 30, 2026 | January 1, 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Denver | $19.29 | $19.84 |
| Colorado (statewide) | $15.16 | $15.71 |
| Federal | $7.25 | $7.25 |
Employers must pay the highest rate that applies. See the Colorado minimum wage page for the statewide rules.
Denver rate history
| Effective | All employees |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $19.29 |
| 2025 | $18.81 |
| 2023–2024 | See the note below |
| 2022 | $15.87 |
| 2021 | $14.77 |
| January 1, 2027 (scheduled) | $19.84 |
Tipped workers, food and beverage industry
- 2026$16.27
Denver minimum wage pay calculator
| Gross pay | Denver ($19.29) | Colorado ($15.16) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly pay | $771.60 | $606.40 | $165.20 |
| Yearly pay | $40,123.20 | $31,532.80 | $8,590.40 |
Gross pay before taxes, paid straight time for every hour entered. The Denver rate is the general rate for the group named above; tipped, youth and other groups follow the rules listed on this page.
What the official sources say
“Employers may claim a maximum tip credit of $3.02 in the food and beverage industry.”
“Employers of unemancipated minors performing work pursuant to a city certified youth employment program may pay those minors 15% less than the minimum wage.”
“All employees working within the geographical limits of the City and County of Denver.”
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in Denver in 2026?
As of October 30, 2026, the minimum wage in Denver is $19.29 per hour, in effect since January 1, 2026. It is set by Denver Revised Municipal Code citywide minimum wage ordinance and administered by the Denver Labor, Denver Auditor's Office (rate calculated by the Department of Finance).
Will the Denver minimum wage go up in 2027?
Denver Labor lists $19.84 per hour for 2027, effective January 1, 2027, up from $19.29. The Denver Department of Finance calculates the annual increase from the Consumer Price Index.
How does the Denver minimum wage compare with the Colorado and federal minimums?
The Colorado statewide minimum is $15.16, so Denver is $4.13 higher. The federal minimum is $7.25. An employer must pay the highest rate that applies.
Who is covered by the Denver minimum wage?
All employees working within the geographical limits of the City and County of Denver, even when the employer has no contractual relationship with the city. Denver's minimum wage does not apply to work performed outside of Denver, to employees who work less than 4 hours within Denver in a week, or to employees only traveling through Denver while working.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Denver?
Only in the food and beverage industry may employers claim a tip credit, up to $3.02 per hour. For 2026 the minimum for tipped workers in that industry is $16.27 as long as they receive $3.02 in tips per hour.
Are there different rates or exceptions in Denver?
Tipped workers, food and beverage industry: $16.27. Employers of unemancipated minors in a city-certified youth employment program may pay those minors 15% less than the minimum wage.
Sources for Denver
The Denver Labor page was read from an Internet Archive copy captured August 28, 2026.