COIndexed annually

Colorado minimum wage 2026

The Colorado minimum wage is $14.81 per hour as of 2026-01-01. The tipped cash wage is $11.79 with a tip credit of $3.02. [CO labor dept.][DOL WHD]

Standard minimum

$14.81

Effective 2026-01-01.

Verified 2026-06-24

Tipped cash wage

$11.79

Tip credit ceiling $3.02.

Verified 2026-06-24

vs federal $7.25

+$7.56

Above the federal minimum.

Verified 2009-07-24

Next scheduled step

$15.18

Effective 2027-01-01.

Verified 2026-06-24

Tip-credit split

Cash $11.79Credit $3.02Combined $14.81

Take-home at the Colorado minimum

Estimated take-home at $14.81 per hour

20 hours/week

$296.20

~$261/wk after tax

$15,402.4 annual gross

30 hours/week

$444.30

~$377/wk after tax

$23,103.6 annual gross

40 hours/week

$592.40

~$492/wk after tax

$30,804.8 annual gross

Estimate uses 2026 federal brackets (single filer), FICA 7.65 percent, and a flat state effective rate. Actual withholding varies by W-4 and credits.

Statute and indexing

Indexed annually per Article XVIII section 15 of the Colorado Constitution (Amendment 70, 2016). Tip credit capped at $3.02 per hour under COMPS Order. Denver sets a higher local rate.

Reference

Local ordinances above the Colorado rate

Denver$18.81

Effective 2026-01-01.

Federal vs state delta