Denver minimum wage 2026, $19.29 an hour.

The 2026 and 2027 rates

Denver Labor's citywide minimum wage page is headed "Denver's Minimum Wage in 2026: $19.29/hour" and "Denver's minimum wage in 2027: $19.84/hour". The 2026 rate took effect January 1, 2026. The 2027 figure is already on the city page. At 40 hours a week, $19.29 is $771.60 before tax, or $40,123.20 over 52 weeks; $19.84 is $41,267.20.

How it adjusts

The city's page says the local minimum wage increases on January 1 each year and must rise annually according to the Consumer Price Index. It also links the Department of Finance's explanation of how the increase is calculated. The page lists the 2025 rate as $18.81, so the 2026 change was $0.48 and the announced 2027 change is $0.55 (our subtraction).

Tipped workers

For qualified tipped workers in the food and beverage industry the city lists $16.27 an hour in 2026, as long as the worker receives $3.02 in documented tips. In other words the employer may pay a lower cash wage only when the tip credit is actually met by the worker's documented tips. The city page is where to confirm the tipped rule for your situation.

Worked example

A full-time barista in Denver at 40 hours a week for 52 weeks earns $771.60 a week and $40,123.20 gross in 2026. If the wage rises to $19.84 in January 2027, the same schedule pays $793.60 a week, which is $22.00 more each week and $1,144.00 more over a year.

Where to complain

Denver Labor handles wage questions and complaints at 720-913-WAGE (9243) or wagecomplaints@denvergov.org. If your employer pays below the Denver rate, that is the office to contact, not the state.

What this page does not cover

• It does not cover Colorado's statewide minimum wage or the rules for workers outside Denver city limits.
• It does not cover agricultural, youth or other special categories; check the city page.

FAQ

What is the minimum wage in Denver in 2026?

$19.29 an hour, per Denver Labor, effective January 1, 2026.

What will the Denver minimum wage be in 2027?

$19.84 an hour, according to the same Denver Labor page.

What is the Denver tipped minimum wage?

$16.27 an hour in 2026 for qualified tipped food and beverage workers, as long as they receive $3.02 in documented tips.

When does the Denver minimum wage change?

On January 1 each year, based on the Consumer Price Index.

How much is the Denver minimum wage per year?

$40,123.20 before tax at 40 hours a week for 52 weeks in 2026. Use the calculator to change hours and weeks.

Where do I report a Denver minimum wage violation?

Denver Labor at 720-913-WAGE (9243) or wagecomplaints@denvergov.org.

Sources

Retrieved 2026-11-01. Each link was opened and checked against the claim next to it.

• Denver Labor: Citywide Minimum Wage: The $19.29 and $19.84 rates, the January 1 CPI adjustment, the 2025 rate of $18.81, the $16.27 tipped rate with $3.02 in documented tips, and the complaint contacts.