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Denver’s minimum wage increases to $19.29 in 2026

the Auditor at your service

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

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Denver’s local minimum wage will increase from $18.81 to $19.29 on January 1, marking an important milestone for thousands of workers and businesses across the City and County of Denver. This annual adjustment helps ensure wages keep pace with the cost of living and protects our lowest-wage workers from being left behind as inflation rises.

The Denver Department of Finance establishes the city’s minimum wage each year. Since the Citywide Minimum Wage Ordinance took effect in 2020, my office has been charged with enforcing the law and educating the community about annual increases. Over the past several years, we have focused on outreach and compliance to ensure workers receive the pay they are legally owed.

Denver’s minimum wage increases to $19.29 in 2026

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The Denver minimum wage applies to all workers performing work within the geographical boundaries of the City and County of Denver, regardless of immigration status. If the work is performed within our jurisdiction, the worker must be paid at least $19.29 in 2026, with only a few exceptions. The primary exception involves the food and beverage industry: employers may claim a tip credit of up to $3.02 for eligible tipped workers, but only if those workers actually receive that amount in documented tips. Minimum wage for tipped workers in this industry will increase from $15.79 to $16.27.

Despite our compliance and educational efforts, failure to pay Denver’s minimum wage remains one of the most common forms of wage theft. Industries at higher risk of underpayments include hospitality—such as restaurants, bars—cleaning and maintenance, personal care and service, and gig app companies. In recent years, our office has seen a growing number of workers using gig apps for short-term jobs being misclassified as independent contractors and paid below the minimum wage. In many cases, these workers should be classified as employees under Denver’s ordinance and entitled to full wage protections.

Denver’s minimum wage increases to $19.29 in 2026

Whether you are an employer or a worker, Denver Labor is here to support you every step of the way. To stay compliant, employers must retain payroll records for at least three years, pay the applicable minimum wage rate, and provide workers with the bilingual civil wage theft poster, which must be displayed in a place accessible to employees. The updated poster for 2026 is available at DenverGov.org/WageTheftPoster.

We also conduct public-awareness advertising campaigns and meet regularly with community groups and stakeholders to make sure all parties are well informed. These efforts are making an impact in our community. In the 2025 reporting year, my team recovered a record $2,310,009.82 in restitution, enforced the rights of 7,200 workers, and helped ensure a level playing field for employers who follow the law.

Through comprehensive enforcement and education, we work to deter wage theft, reduce the harms of poverty, and promote economic justice. If you believe you are not being paid Denver’s minimum wage, or if you are an employer seeking support, please contact my team at the links below.