Colorado Wage and Hour Law

Overtime Pay Law in Colorado

Generally, non-exempt workers who are covered by the Wage Order, must receive overtime compensation (1.5 times their regular rate) for hours worked over 40 in a workweek; 12 in a workday; and 12 straight hours without regard to the beginning and ending time of the workday. For more information about overtime law in Colorado, visit the CO Dept. of Labor and Employment.

Rest and Meal Breaks

Workers must receive an uninterrupted 30-minute unpaid meal period when working five or more consecutive hours.  If the worker is not completely relieved of their job duties, they must be compensated. Likewise, if any other condition is not met, then the employee must be allowed to eat while working, and be compensated for this meal break.

Workers must receive a paid, 10-minute rest break for every 4 hours worked. Employers may require their workers to stay on the premises for this rest break.

Minimum Wage Law in CO

Effective Jan. 1, 2009, the minimum wage for Colorado workers is $7.28 per hour. This Colorado minimum wage applies to all adult workers and emancipated minors.

Certain minimum wage credits and exceptions exists under CO minimum wage law, including the following:

• Employers may take a credit up to $25 per week for employer-provided lodging toward their minimum wage obligation.
• Employers are also allowed to take a credit for the "reasonable cost" of meals toward fulfilling their minimum wage obligation.
• Minors beneath the age of 18 who are emancipated can be paid $6.19 per hour. This also applies to workers with a physical disability certified for the director.
• Any wage deductions must be in compliance with the Colorado Wage Act.

Minimum Wage for Colorado Tipped Employees

The tipped minimum wage in Colorado is $4.26 per hour. Employers cannot use a tip credit of more than $3.02. A tipped worker can be defined as an employee who regularly makes more than $30 a month in tips.

Employers are required to pay tipped employees at least $4.26 per hour. If a worker's direct wage plus tips does not equal the minimum wage, the employer must make up the difference. Employer-mandated tip sharing with workers who are not regularly tipped nullifies tip credits towards minimum wage. Additionally, deduction of credit card processing fees from tipped workers nullifies tip credits towards minimum wage.

For more information, view the Colorado Department of Labor Website