Colorado Minimum Wage 2026 and 2027

As of October 16, 2026, the minimum wage in Colorado is $15.16 per hour, in effect since January 1, 2026. It is set by Colorado Constitution, Article XVIII, Section 15 (Amendment 70) and administered by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, Division of Labor Standards and Statistics.

Maintained by Archie Chang · Rates and sources checked October 16, 2026 · Methodology & sources

Current rate (October 16, 2026)

$15.16

in effect since January 1, 2026

2027 rate

$15.71

Effective January 1, 2027

Compared with federal $7.25

$7.91 higher

Federal and state rules both apply

Colorado minimum wage in 2027

$15.71 per hour from January 1, 2027, up $0.55 (3.6 percent).

CDLE announced $15.71 on August 13, 2026, a 3.6 percent increase.

The state constitution adjusts the rate every year using the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U).

Regional and local rates in Colorado

Denver, Boulder and several other localities set higher minimums; CDLE says Denver announced $19.84 for 2027.

Cities and counties may set higher local minimums where state law allows it. Employers must pay the highest rate that applies.

What changed in Colorado

On January 1, 2026, the rate rose $0.35 from $14.81 to $15.16.

Colorado minimum wage pay calculator

Weekly pay
$606.40
Monthly pay
$2,627.73
Yearly pay
$31,532.80
Overtime rate (1.5x)
$22.74 per hour

Gross pay before taxes at $15.16 per hour in Colorado, paid straight time for every hour you enter. Overtime rules differ by state and employee, so use the overtime calculator when you work more than 40 hours a week.

Working more than 40 hours? Try the overtime pay calculator. Paid for a holiday? Use the holiday pay calculator.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum wage in Colorado in 2026?

As of October 16, 2026, the minimum wage in Colorado is $15.16 per hour for most adult, non-tipped employees. On January 1, 2026, the rate rose $0.35 from $14.81 to $15.16.

Will the Colorado minimum wage go up in 2027?

CDLE announced $15.71 on August 13, 2026, a 3.6 percent increase.

Does Colorado have local minimum wages?

Denver, Boulder and several other localities set higher minimums; CDLE says Denver announced $19.84 for 2027.

Not legal advice. This page covers the general hourly minimum for most adult, non-tipped employees. Tipped, youth, training, student, agricultural, small-employer and industry-specific wages follow different rules. Employers must pay the highest rate that applies, whether it is federal, state or local. Confirm your rate with your state labor agency or the U.S. Department of Labor.

Sources for Colorado

Sources checked October 16, 2026.

Compare with similar states

See minimum wage in all 50 states and DC