Denver, State Minimum Wages to Increase on Jan. 1

Denver, state minimum wages to increase on Jan. 1

Denver’s minimum wage increase at start of 2026 will make it one of the highest in the U.S.

Denver’s minimum wage will automatically rise to $19.29 per hour this week as the rate is adjusted for inflation at the start of 2026. Under city rules, the Denver Department of Finance tweaks the minimum wage each year based on the Consumer Price Index. That means an increase of 2.56% starting on Thursday, boosting the current minimum wage of $18.81 per hour. Denver is among the U.S. cities with the highest minimum wages. The highest rate is in…

Denver's minimum wage rises to $19.29 on Jan. 1, 2026; businesses brace for changes

DENVER Starting Jan. 1, tens of thousands of workers in Denver will see more money in their paychecks as the citys local minimum wage increases to $19.29 an hour, with eligible tipped workers earning at least $16.27.The 2.56% increase from 2025s rates is part of a 2019 ordinance tying annual wage adjustments to the Consumer Price Index. City officials say the goal is to protect low-wage workers from falling behind as inflation raises the cost of…

Denver minimum wage set to increase to $19.29 in 2026

A sign at a Papa John’s in 2021 advertises wages for new hires. (BusinessDen file) When the clock strikes midnight on the cusp of the new year, Denver’s minimum wage will rise from $18.81 to $19.29. That, according to a survey by the Colorado Restaurant Association, will cost the average Mile High restaurant an extra $70,000 next year. “With costs continuing to skyrocket and dining on the decline, local restaurants aren’t earning enough to stay …

Denver minimum wage rises to $19.29 in 2026

Wages for tipped workers will also grow, despite pressure from the governor.