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Boulder County (unincorporated) Minimum Wage (2026)
At a glance
| Current rate | $16.82/hour |
| Effective date | 2026-01-01 |
| Full-time annual | $34,986 |
| Colorado state rate | $15.16 (local is higher — local applies) |
Employer rules
Applies to all businesses in unincorporated Boulder County regardless of employee count (not in Boulder, Longmont, Louisville, Lafayette, Erie, Superior, Lyons, Nederland, Ward, Jamestown). Tipped: $13.80.
FAQ
What is the minimum wage in Boulder County (unincorporated)?
$16.82 per hour since 2026-01-01. This is higher than the CO state minimum ($15.16), so the local rate applies for work performed in Boulder County (unincorporated).
Does the Boulder County (unincorporated) rate apply to all employers?
Applies to all businesses in unincorporated Boulder County regardless of employee count (not in Boulder, Longmont, Louisville, Lafayette, Erie, Superior, Lyons, Nederland, Ward, Jamestown). Tipped: $13.80.
Which applies if city and state rates differ?
Employers must pay the highest of federal, state, and local rates for work performed in that jurisdiction.
Official source: bouldercounty.gov/departments/commissioners/local-minimum-wage/ · Compare Colorado state rate → · Verified 2026-09-15