Denver Minimum Wage 2026
The minimum wage in Denver, CO is $18.81/hr ($4.00 above the $14.81 Colorado state minimum). Denver adjusts its rate annually based on CPI. Applies to work performed within Denver city and county limits.
Denver vs. Colorado vs. federal
Denver sets a higher floor than Colorado law ($14.81/hr statewide) and well above the federal minimum of $7.25/hr. When city, state, and federal minimums differ, employers must pay the highest rate for hours worked inside Denver city limits. Workers earning at the Denver minimum make $11.56 more per hour than the federal floor.
What this means for hiring in Denver
A higher local wage means every hour of a bad hire costs more. The cost of replacing an hourly worker typically runs 30% of first-year wages, and in Denver that number sits well above what it would be elsewhere in Colorado. That's why employers here are moving away from resume-only screening toward seeing real proof of skill before they bring someone on.
On Vetano, every candidate in Denver is ID-verified and shows their skills on video before you ever see their profile, so you spend your Denver minimum-wage hours on people who can actually do the job.
FAQ
What is the minimum wage in Denver?+
$18.81 per hour as of 2026-07-26. Denver adjusts its rate annually based on CPI. Applies to work performed within Denver city and county limits.
Is Denver's minimum wage higher than Colorado's state minimum?+
Yes. Denver requires $18.81/hr, compared to $14.81/hr statewide. The higher rate applies to work performed within city limits.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Denver?+
$15.79 per hour. Employers must make up any shortfall if tips don't bring earnings to $18.81.
Is Denver's minimum wage going up?+
No scheduled increases at this time.
Hiring hourly workers in Denver?
Post a job on Vetano and reach ID-verified candidates in Denver who show their skills on video. First 30 days free.
Free for talent to get hired. Talent Pro ($79/mo) is optional for gig work, and Vetano never takes a cut of what workers earn.
Other city minimum wages
Cities where the local minimum exceeds the state rate. Also see the full state wage index.