All states / Colorado / Boulder
Boulder Minimum Wage (2026)
$16.82 per hour · City ordinance effective 2026-01-01 +$1.66 vs CO state
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
Tip credit up to $3.02/hr (tipped employees must reach the full rate with tips).
FAQ
What is the minimum wage in Boulder?
$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.
Does the Boulder rate apply to all employers?
Tip credit up to $3.02/hr (tipped employees must reach the full rate with tips).
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.
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Official source: bouldercolorado.gov/local-minimum-wage · Compare Colorado state rate → · Verified 2026-09-15