Who Qualifies for Denver’s $19.29 Minimum Wage in 2026?

Starting January 1, 2026, thousands of workers in Denver, Colorado, will see their hourly pay rise to $19.29, one of the highest city minimum wages in the nation.

This increase, up from $17.87 in 2025, is part of Denver’s yearly wage adjustment to match inflation. But who exactly gets this pay raise?
 

Who Is Eligible

• All full-time employees working within Denver city limits

• All part-time employees working any hours in Denver

• Seasonal workers (even short-term hires)

• Tipped workers (waiters, bartenders, etc.) – must earn $19.29/hour total (wages + tips)

• Workers in restaurants, retail, cleaning, construction, personal care, and more

Who Is Not Eligible

• Remote workers outside Denver who do not physically work in the city

• Some contract/gig workers (eligibility depends on labor classification rules)

Who Is Covered

The rule applies to any worker who performs their job inside Denver city boundaries, even if they live outside the city. Industries include:

• Restaurants & hospitality

• Retail & grocery

• Cleaning, janitorial & maintenance

• Construction & trade work

• Personal care & service jobs

If you work any hours inside Denver, your employer must pay you at least $19.29 for that time.

How Tipped Pay Works

Employers can pay tipped workers a lower base rate only if tips make up the difference.

If not, the employer must cover the gap to reach $19.29 per hour.

Why the Wage Is Increasing

Denver’s 2019 wage ordinance requires annual adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to protect workers’ purchasing power as the cost of living rises.

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