What are Colorado's minimum wage and tipped wage in 2026?

$15.16 per hour statewide, with a tipped minimum of $12.14 (a $3.02 tip credit), effective January 1, 2026.

What is Denver's minimum wage in 2026?

$19.29 per hour (tipped $16.27) — well above the Colorado state rate.

Does the City of Boulder minimum wage apply in unincorporated Boulder County?

No. The City of Boulder rate ($16.82 in 2026) applies only within city limits. Unincorporated Boulder County follows its own separate, lower schedule — the two are frequently confused.

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Colorado Minimum Wage (2026)

Effective January 1, 2026 · verified as of July 5, 2026

State minimum wage: $15.16 / hour
Tipped minimum: $12.14 / hour ($3.02 tip credit)
Exempt salary threshold: $57,784 / year (EAP exemption, 2026 COMPS Order)

Local rates & notes

Denver: $19.29 / hour (tipped $16.27)
City of Boulder: $16.82 / hour — distinct from unincorporated Boulder County, which has a separate, lower schedule
Edgewater: $18.17 / hour (tipped $13.50)

Frequently asked questions

What are Colorado's minimum wage and tipped wage in 2026?: $15.16 per hour statewide, with a tipped minimum of $12.14 (a $3.02 tip credit), effective January 1, 2026.
What is Denver's minimum wage in 2026?: $19.29 per hour (tipped $16.27) — well above the Colorado state rate.
Does the City of Boulder minimum wage apply in unincorporated Boulder County?: No. The City of Boulder rate ($16.82 in 2026) applies only within city limits. Unincorporated Boulder County follows its own separate, lower schedule — the two are frequently confused.

Source: CDLE adopted 2026 PAY CALC Order (7 CCR 1103-14) — state + tipped rates re-confirmed 2026-07-02. Denver Labor & City of Boulder primary pages verified 2026-06-18 (exempt threshold corroborated via 2026 round-ups; confirm against CDLE COMPS Order 39 for primary certainty).

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