Colorado Statewide Rule
Colorado Local Minimum Wage Authority
Key Facts
- Local Minimum
- Local minimum wage authority restored in 2020
- Codified At
- Codified at CRS 8-6-101 (Local Government Minimum Wage Act)
- State Minimum
- State minimum adjusts annually for inflation
- Denver And
- Denver and Edgewater have adopted higher local wages
- Tipped Wage
- Tipped wage offset permitted under state law
Summary
Colorado allows local governments to adopt minimum wages above the state rate under CRS 8-6-101, with statewide minimums adjusted annually for inflation.
(3) (a) (I) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a local government may enact through its governing body or, when available, through its initiative or referendum powers, a law establishing minimum wages for individuals performing, or expected to perform, four or more hours of work for an employer in any given week within the geographic boundaries of the local government's jurisdiction. Minimum wages established in accordance with this section may exceed the statewide minimum wage established in accordance with section 15 of article XVIII of the state constitution, any other minimum wage established by state law, or any minimum wage established by federal law;
Full Breakdown
House Bill 19-1210 amended the Local Government Minimum Wage Act, ending state preemption that had blocked municipal wage ordinances. Effective 2020, cities and counties may adopt local minimum wages exceeding the state rate, subject to procedural requirements including public hearings and limits on annual increases. Denver, Edgewater, and unincorporated Boulder County have adopted local minimum wages above the state floor. The state minimum wage adjusts annually under Article XVIII Section 15 of the Colorado Constitution. Tipped employees may be paid a lower base wage when tips meet the minimum.
Violations & Penalties
Wage law violations expose employers to back pay, double damages, civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation, and attorney fees under state and local enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Colorado cities set their own minimum wage?
Does the state or local rate apply to my paycheck?
Sources
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.