Tipped & Minimum Wage in Denver, Colorado (2026)
Denver, Colorado sets its own local minimum wage of $19.29/hour in 2026. Tipped workers — see the local rules and how much to tip below.
By The TipFig Editorial Team · independent editorial research project
Local Minimum-Wage Law in Denver
Local Min
$19.29/hr
Tipped Cash Wage
$16.27/hr
Max Tip Credit
$3.02/hr
Tip Credit?
Yes
Effective January 1, 2026; tipped food/beverage cash wage $16.27 (tip credit $3.02).
Source: Colorado Department of Labor and Employment — Minimum Wage
Standard Tip Percentages in Denver
Restaurants
15–20%
Delivery
15–20%
Rideshare
15–20%
Bars
$1–2/drink
Hotel
$2–5/night
Salon/Spa
15–20%
These percentages are general U.S. etiquette norms. In Denver, the tipped cash wage is lower than the full minimum, so tips are a core part of server income — 15–20% on the pre-tax subtotal is the expected norm.
Calculate tips with Denver's tax built in
Our calculators apply the 8.3% combined Colorado rate automatically — your tip stays on the pre-tax subtotal.
Tip Calculator for Denver, Colorado
Enter your bill — Colorado's 8.3% sales tax is applied automatically and your tip stays on the pre-tax subtotal.
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Tip is calculated on the pre-tax amount. Adjust state for accurate tax rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in Denver, Colorado in 2026?
As of 2026-08-29, Denver has its own local minimum wage of $19.29/hour. Effective January 1, 2026; tipped food/beverage cash wage $16.27 (tip credit $3.02). Tipped employees are paid a cash wage of $16.27/hour (employer may claim a tip credit of up to $3.02/hour). Source: Colorado Department of Labor and Employment — Minimum Wage.
Does Denver have its own minimum wage or follow Colorado state law?
Denver sets its own local minimum wage ($19.29/hour in 2026), which is higher than the Colorado state rate of $15.16/hour. Employers must pay the higher local rate for work performed in Denver.
What is the tipped minimum wage and tip credit in Denver?
In Denver, the tipped cash wage is $16.27/hour and employers may take a tip credit of up to $3.02/hour, for a combined cash-plus-tip minimum of $19.29/hour (local). If tips don't bring the employee to the minimum, the employer must make up the difference.
How much should I tip in Denver?
Like the rest of the U.S., Denver follows national tipping norms — tip 15–20% on the pre-tax subtotal at restaurants, bars, and for delivery and rideshare, not the 8.3% combined sales tax. In Colorado, tipped workers already earn at least $19.29/hour, yet 15–20% remains the customary gratuity because tips supplement take-home pay.
Other Colorado Cities
More State Guides
Local minimum-wage figures for Denver are from Colorado Department of Labor and Employment — Minimum Wage (retrieved 2026-08-29). Minimum wages change frequently; verify with the local agency before making wage or payroll decisions. Tip percentages are general etiquette guidelines, not legal advice. Sales-tax rates are approximate combined state + local averages.