COColorado pay rules
Minimum wage $15.16, going up to $15.71 on January 1, 2027. Overtime after 12 hours in a day and 40 in a week. If you are fired, your last check is due immediately.
Colorado minimum wage$15.16 now, $15.71 from January 1, 2027
Colorado overtime lawsDaily overtime after 12 hours
Colorado final paycheck lawFired: immediately
Colorado PTO payout lawPayout required by law
| Rule | Colorado | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage | $15.16 an hour since January 1, 2026. Going up to $15.71 on January 1, 2027. Denver and Boulder set higher local rates. | read the rulechecked October 29, 2026 |
| Cash pay if you get tips | At least $12.14 an hour. Tips may make up the rest, up to $3.02. | read the rulechecked October 29, 2026 |
| Overtime | 1.5x after 40 hours in a work week, after 12 hours in a work day, or after 12 consecutive hours regardless of the work day, whichever gives the most overtime. No double time. | COMPS Order 39, 7 CCR 1103-1, Rule 4checked October 29, 2026 |
| Last check if fired | Immediately. Within 6 hours of the start of the next work day if the payroll office is closed, or within 24 hours if payroll is off-site, including your unused vacation | C.R.S. 8-4-109checked October 29, 2026 |
| Last check if you quit | Next regular payday | C.R.S. 8-4-109checked October 29, 2026 |
| If the last check is late | If not paid within 14 days of you asking in writing: the greater of 2x the unpaid amount or $1,000. 3x or $3,000 if deliberate. | C.R.S. 8-4-109checked October 29, 2026 |
| Unused vacation when you leave | Must be paid out. All earned but unused vacation must be paid when you leave the job. Rules that take it away do not count. | C.R.S. 8-4-101(14)(a)(III)checked October 29, 2026 |
| Meal break | 30-minute unpaid meal period for shifts over 5 hours (Most workers). | read the rulechecked October 29, 2026 |
| Rest break | Paid 10-minute rest period for each 4 hours or major fraction. | read the rulechecked October 29, 2026 |
These rules cover the whole state. Cities and industries with their own rules are noted in the table. Checked October 29, 2026. Next check: January 1, 2027.