Minimum Wage in Denver, CO (2026)
Denver sets its own local minimum wage of $18.81/hour in 2026, which is higher than the Colorado state rate of $14.81/hour. Employers must pay the higher local rate for work performed in Denver.
By The TipFig Editorial Team · 2026-10-15 · reviewed against primary tipping and tax sources
Applicable minimum wage in Denver (2026)
$18.81/hr
Local rate — higher than the Colorado state rate of $14.81/hr.
Federal, State & Local Layers
Federal Min
$7.25/hr
CO State Min
$14.81/hr
Local (City) Min
$18.81/hr
Tipped Cash Wage
$11.79/hr
State Effective
January 1, 2026
Tip Credit?
Yes
Denver enacted a city-wide minimum wage ordinance that supersedes the Colorado state rate. Effective January 1, 2026, Denver's municipal minimum wage is $18.81/hour for standard employees and $15.79/hour for tipped food and beverage workers (maximum $3.02 tip credit allowed under city code).
How the Layers Interact
Three levels of government can set a minimum wage: the federal floor (Fair Labor Standards Act, $7.25/hour in 2026), the state rate, and any local (city or county) ordinance. By law, an employer must pay the highest rate that applies to the worker. When a state or city sets a rate above the federal floor, the higher rate governs; the federal rate is the backstop.
Denver has its own local ordinance of $18.81/hour, which exceeds the Colorado state rate of $14.81/hour — so the local rate governs. Tipped employees may be paid a lower direct cash wage only where state law allows a tip credit; California and other no-tip-credit states require tipped workers to receive the full minimum wage before tips.
Related TipFig Tools
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in Denver, Colorado in 2026?
As of 2026-10-15, Denver sets its own local minimum wage of $18.81/hour in 2026, above the Colorado state rate of $14.81/hour. Employers must pay the higher local rate for work performed in Denver. Source: Denver Labor — Denver Municipal Minimum Wage.
Does Denver have its own minimum wage or follow Colorado state law?
Denver sets its own local minimum wage ($18.81/hour in 2026), which is higher than the Colorado state rate of $14.81/hour.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Denver?
In Colorado, tipped employees may be paid a cash wage of $11.79/hour, with a tip credit making up the difference to the full $14.81/hour minimum. If tips don't bring total pay to the minimum, the employer must make up the shortfall.
Where can I verify the Denver minimum wage?
The authoritative figures are published by Denver Labor — Denver Municipal Minimum Wage (https://www.denvergov.org/) and the U.S. Department of Labor Consolidated Minimum Wage Table. Minimum wages change frequently; always confirm the current rate with the official agency before making wage or payroll decisions.
Other Minimum-Wage City Pages
Minimum-wage figures are compiled from public government sources for informational use and may change; verify with the official agency before making wage or payroll decisions. State minimum-wage source: Denver Labor — Denver Municipal Minimum Wage (retrieved 2026-10-15). Federal minimum wage: U.S. Department of Labor — Wage and Hour Division: Consolidated Minimum Wage Table (retrieved 2026-10-15). This page is not legal advice. See TipFig's Disclaimer.