Employer guide · Reviewed October 2026

Colorado HR laws for employers (2026)

The Colorado rules employers ask about most: minimum wage, overtime, final pay, unused vacation, paid sick leave and breaks.

$15.16minimum wage per hour

Yesstatewide paid sick leave

Requiredunused vacation payout at separation

Colorado employment law at a glance

Minimum wage	$15.16 per hour
Tipped cash wage	$12.14 per hour
Overtime	Yes: 1.5x pay after 40 hours/week, 12 hours/day, or 12 consecutive hours, whichever pays more.
Final pay when fired	Immediately at termination (within 6 hours of the next workday if payroll is closed, or 24 hours if payroll is off-site).
Final pay when an employee quits	By the next regular payday.
Unused vacation / PTO at separation	Required: all earned, determinable vacation must be paid at separation; agreements that forfeit earned vacation are void (accrual caps are allowed).
Paid sick leave	Yes: 1 hour per 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours per year, plus extra leave during declared public health emergencies.
Meal breaks	30-minute uninterrupted, duty-free meal period for shifts over 5 consecutive hours (unless exempt).
Rest breaks	Paid 10-minute rest period for every 4 hours of work.

Minimum wage note: Rises to $15.71 ($12.69 tipped) on January 1, 2027, per CDLE (announced August 13, 2026). Denver and Edgewater, and the City and County of Boulder, have higher local rates.

Other Colorado rules to know

Pay transparency: any employer with at least one Colorado employee must include the pay rate or range, a general description of benefits, and how and when to apply in job postings.

Free Colorado HR forms

Offer LetterColorado rules and checklist Onboarding ChecklistColorado rules and checklist PTO Request FormColorado rules and checklist Final Pay ChecklistColorado rules and checklist Employee Exit ChecklistColorado rules and checklist Resignation AcknowledgmentColorado rules and checklist

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Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum wage in Colorado in 2026?

$15.16 per hour, effective January 1, 2026. Rises to $15.71 ($12.69 tipped) on January 1, 2027, per CDLE (announced August 13, 2026). Denver and Edgewater, and the City and County of Boulder, have higher local rates.

When is a final paycheck due in Colorado?

If the employer ends employment: Immediately at termination (within 6 hours of the next workday if payroll is closed, or 24 hours if payroll is off-site). If the employee quits: By the next regular payday.

Does Colorado require paying out unused vacation?

Required: all earned, determinable vacation must be paid at separation; agreements that forfeit earned vacation are void (accrual caps are allowed).

Is paid sick leave required in Colorado?

Yes: 1 hour per 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours per year, plus extra leave during declared public health emergencies.

Sources

This page is general information for employers, not legal advice. Employment laws change and can vary by city and county. Confirm details with the state labor department or an employment attorney. Read our disclaimer.