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New year, new wages: Denver minimum wage is $17.29 in 2023

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Timothy M. O’Brien, CPA, Auditor of Denver

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The start of the year brings important news for businesses and employees in Denver. Denver’s lowest paid workers will see an 8.94% pay increase in their payrolls in January, as the city and county’s minimum wage increases to $17.29 per hour.

The Denver minimum wage is adjusted every January 1 based on the calculation performed by the Department of Finance. Ordinance requires staff to use the consumer price index to determine if the wage rate will increase each year.

The tip credit for the food and beverage industry remains $3.02 per hour, in accordance with state law. To claim a tip credit, the employer must be in the food and beverage industry and management must be able to produce documentation showing the employee received at least that amount in actual tips.

The Denver minimum wage applies to all work performed within the boundaries of the city and county. It is not dependent on the employer’s location.

Denver minimum wage is $17.29 in 2023

Exceptions to the minimum wage include certified youth employment programs, workers who are just passing through or workers who spend less than four hours in Denver.

My Denver Labor team works throughout the year to educate employers, with the goal of ensuring workers are paid correctly from their first paycheck without the need for restitution. Resources on our website include a regional address finder, a tips tracker tool, and a minimum wage calculator.

We do live “Wages Wednesday” trainings in English and Spanish on Facebook, and we post informational videos on our YouTube page. We also offer one-on-one support for employers and live trainings for employers and community groups upon request.

We’re here to help. Both business managers and workers across the city can feel comfortable talking to my team about Denver’s wages. Get the facts about the local minimum wage or contact us if you are not paid a legal wage in the links below.