What is the minimum wage in Denver in 2026?

$19.29 per hour, effective January 1, 2026, well above the Colorado state minimum of $15.16.

What is Denver's tipped minimum wage in 2026?

$16.27 per hour. Colorado allows a $3.02 tip credit against the full local rate.

Do other Colorado cities have their own minimum wage?

Yes. Edgewater requires $18.17 (tipped $13.50) and the City of Boulder $16.82 in 2026, and unincorporated Boulder County follows a separate schedule of its own. Elsewhere the Colorado state rate of $15.16 applies.

When does Denver's minimum wage change next?

Denver adjusts its rate each January 1 based on inflation. The next change takes effect January 1, 2027.

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Denver Minimum Wage (2026)

Effective January 1, 2026 · verified as of August 18, 2026

Denver minimum wage: $19.29 / hour
Tipped minimum: $16.27 / hour ($3.02 tip credit)
Colorado state minimum (for comparison): $15.16 / hour (tipped $12.14)

Nearby rates & notes

Edgewater ($18.17 / hour, tipped $13.50) and the City of Boulder ($16.82 / hour) also set their own 2026 rates.
The City of Boulder rate applies only within city limits; unincorporated Boulder County follows a separate, lower schedule of its own.
Denver has already published its 2027 rate: $19.84 / hour, effective January 1, 2027.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum wage in Denver in 2026?: $19.29 per hour, effective January 1, 2026, well above the Colorado state minimum of $15.16.
What is Denver's tipped minimum wage in 2026?: $16.27 per hour. Colorado allows a $3.02 tip credit against the full local rate.
Do other Colorado cities have their own minimum wage?: Yes. Edgewater requires $18.17 (tipped $13.50) and the City of Boulder $16.82 in 2026, and unincorporated Boulder County follows a separate schedule of its own. Elsewhere the Colorado state rate of $15.16 applies.
When does Denver's minimum wage change next?: Denver adjusts its rate each January 1 based on inflation. The next change takes effect January 1, 2027.

Primary sources, verified as of August 18, 2026: Denver Labor: Citywide Minimum Wage · CDLE: Wage and Hour Laws

The state rate document is the adopted 2026 PAY CALC Order (7 CCR 1103-14), a PDF published on CDLE's Labor Rules page; download it there to verify the state figures directly.

Get notified when Denver changes its rate

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