Labor Rights in Colorado
Colorado is the most worker-protective state in this group: an inflation-indexed $15.16 minimum wage, daily overtime after 12 hours, HFWA paid sick leave (1 hour per 30 worked, up to 48 per year), paid meal and rest breaks, and the FAMLI paid family and medical leave program. It is not a right-to-work state. Fired workers must be paid immediately, and accrued vacation is paid out at separation.
Data last verified 2026-10-12
Workplace rights in Colorado at a glance
| Minimum wage (2026) | $15.16, adjusted for inflation each January 1 under the state constitution (higher local rates apply in Denver, Boulder, and Edgewater) |
|---|---|
| Tipped minimum wage (2026) | $12.14 cash wage; employers may claim a tip credit of up to $3.02 per hour |
| Overtime | 1.5x the regular rate after 40 hours in a workweek, after 12 hours in a workday, or after 12 consecutive hours, whichever yields the most pay (COMPS Order). |
| Paid sick leave | Yes. The Healthy Families and Workplaces Act requires 1 hour of paid sick leave per 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours per year, at all employers for all employees. |
| Paid family and medical leave | Yes. Colorado FAMLI provides up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave per year (plus 4 weeks for pregnancy complications, and from 2026 an additional 12 weeks for NICU care). Funded by a 0.88% payroll premium on wages, split 0.44% employee and 0.44% employer; maximum weekly benefit $1,381.45 in 2026. |
| Meal breaks | 30-minute unpaid meal period for shifts over 5 consecutive hours (must be duty-free to be unpaid). |
| Rest breaks | Paid 10-minute rest period for each 4 hours worked. |
| Right-to-work law | No |
| At-will employment | Implied contract and public policy |
| Final paycheck | If fired, wages are due immediately; if you quit, due on the next regular payday. Accrued vacation must be paid out at separation regardless of company policy. |
How Colorado compares to federal law
Colorado sets a minimum wage above the federal floor of $7.25 an hour, so the state rate is what most employers must pay. Overtime follows the federal Fair Labor Standards Act: time-and-a-half after 40 hours in a workweek.
Neighboring states
- Wyoming$7.25 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.
- Nebraska$15.00 minimum wage, paid sick leave yes, right-to-work yes.
- Kansas$7.25 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.
- New Mexico$12.00 minimum wage, paid sick leave yes, right-to-work no.
Compare all 50 states and DC side by side
Workplace laws change. This summary reflects state law as verified on 2026-10-12; confirm details with your state labor department before acting on it.
Frequently asked questions
What is Colorado's minimum wage in 2026?
$15.16 per hour, indexed for inflation each January 1; Denver, Boulder, and Edgewater have higher local rates.
How does Colorado overtime work?
1.5x after 40 hours a week, 12 hours a day, or 12 consecutive hours, whichever gives you the most pay.
What is FAMLI?
Colorado's paid family and medical leave program: up to 12 weeks of paid leave per year funded by a 0.88% payroll premium (0.44% from you, 0.44% from your employer), with a maximum weekly benefit of $1,381.45 in 2026.
Do I get breaks in Colorado?
Yes: a 30-minute unpaid meal period for shifts over 5 hours and a paid 10-minute rest for every 4 hours worked.