As a reminder for all employers who have employees within the geographical limits of the City and County of Denver, effective January 1, 2026, the minimum wage will increase from $18.81 to $19.29 per hour.

Employers in the food and beverage industry: may apply a tip credit of up to $3.02 per hour, provided they maintain documentation showing the employee received at least that amount in tips.

• If the full tip credit is applied, the minimum cash wage for tipped employees will be $16.27 per hour.

Exceptions and Clarifications:

• The local minimum wage does not apply to:
  • Work performed outside Denver.
  • Employees who work less than 4 hours in Denver per week.
  • Employees who are only passing through Denver while working.

• Employers of unemancipated minors in a city-certified youth employment program may pay 15% less than the minimum wage.

• The tip credit only applies to food and beverage workers. It does not apply to tipped employees in other industries.

Employers Considerations: Employers who are unsure whether the workplace falls within Denver’s boundaries, can use the Denver Regional Address Finder to confirm if work is performed within city limits.

For additional information:

• Denver’s Minimum Wage – 2026
• Denver Citywide Minimum Wage Overview – 2026
• Denver – Small Business Resources
• Denver – Mandatory Wage Posters
• Denver – Minimum Wage Press Release for 2026
• Denver Employers Resources

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