COIndexed annually
Colorado minimum wage 2026
The Colorado minimum wage is $15.16 per hour, effective 2026-01-01. The tipped cash wage is $12.14 with a tip credit of $3.02. [CO labor dept.][DOL WHD]
Standard minimum
CO$15.16
Effective 2026-01-01.
Verified 2026-09-06
Tipped cash wage
$12.14
Tip credit ceiling $3.02.
Verified 2026-09-06
vs federal $7.25
+$7.91
Above the federal minimum.
Verified 2009-07-24
Next scheduled step
$15.71
Effective 2027-01-01.
Verified 2026-09-06
Tip-credit split
Cash $12.14Credit $3.02Combined $15.16
Take-home at the Colorado minimum
Estimated take-home at $15.16 per hour
20 hours/week
$303.20
~$267/wk after tax
$15,766.4 annual gross
30 hours/week
$454.80
~$385/wk after tax
$23,649.6 annual gross
40 hours/week
$606.40
~$502/wk after tax
$31,532.8 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
DOL's page was updated 1 July 2026 and therefore predates Colorado's 13 August 2026 announcement of the 2027 rate.
Local ordinances above the Colorado rate
Companion page
Colorado tipped wage
Tool
Take-home calculator
Reference
Federal vs state delta