Minimum Wage

Which Minimum Wage Do I Pay?

Although the federal minimum wage will increase to $7.25 per hour beginning July 24, 2009, Colorado state minimum wage remains higher at $7.28 per hour.

If an employee is covered by federal or Colorado state minimum wage law, then the employer must pay $7.28 per hour, the state minimum wage. In general, the state minimum wage rate applies to all employees in Colorado.

Colorado State Minimum Wage

Article XVIII, Section 15, of the Colorado Constitution requires the Colorado minimum wage to be adjusted annually for inflation. For more information, click on the Minimum Wage Fact Sheet.

Effective January 1, 2009 and current	$7.28 per hour	$4.26 per hour for tipped employees
Effective January 1, 2008	$7.02 per hour	$4.00 per hour for tipped employees
Effective January 1, 2007	$6.85 per hour	$3.83 per hour for tipped employees

Colorado Minimum Wage Order Number 25

Effective January 1, 2009:
Colorado Minimum Wage Order Number 25 establishes a new state minimum wage rate of $7.28 which is adjusted for inflation, in accordance with Article XVIII, Section 15, of the Colorado Constitution.

Colorado Minimum Wage Order Number 24

Effective January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008:
Colorado Minimum Wage Order Number 24 established a state minimum wage rate of $7.02.

Minimum Wage Complaint

The Division of Labor will assist in the recovery of earned compensation. If you wish to file a minimum wage complaint with the Division click here.