2026 HR Compliance Guide
Colorado HR Compliance Deadlines for 2026
3 verified employment law changes affecting Colorado employers in 2026 — with effective dates, required actions, and penalties for non-compliance. Every entry cites an official government or agency source.
Colorado state law changes
Colorado Minimum Wage Increase to $15.16/hr
Colorado's minimum wage increases from $14.81 to $15.16 per hour effective January 1, 2026, reflecting the annual CPI-based adjustment mandated by Amendment 70 and subsequent legislation. The tipped employee minimum wage also adjusts upward accordingly. Denver and other Colorado localities may maintain higher local minimums.
New: $15.16/hr (was $14.81/hr)
Applies to: All Colorado employers
What to do: Adjust payroll systems to $15.16/hr, update tipped employee base wages, verify compliance with any applicable local minimum wage rates (e.g., Denver), and post updated wage notices.
Penalty: Back pay, penalties up to $500 per violation, and potential treble damages
Colorado FAMLI — 2026 Premium Reduction & New Neonatal Leave
Effective January 1, 2026, the Colorado FAMLI premium decreases to 0.88% of wages (0.44% employer / 0.44% employee). FAMLI provides up to 12 weeks of paid leave, plus up to 4 additional weeks for serious health conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth. New for 2026: a first-of-its-kind paid neonatal care leave benefit.
Applies to: Employers with Colorado employees (10+ employees pay the employer share; smaller employers remit only the employee share)
What to do: Update payroll to the 0.88% premium rate effective January 1, 2026, and update leave policies to reflect the new neonatal care leave provisions.
Penalty: Missed premiums accrue interest and penalties under the FAMLI Act.
City & county ordinances in Colorado
Denver, CO Minimum Wage Increase to $19.29/hr
The City and County of Denver's local minimum wage rises to $19.29 per hour effective January 1, 2026 (up from $18.81), based on the annual CPI adjustment. Denver's rate exceeds the Colorado state minimum of $15.16.
New: $19.29/hr (was $18.81/hr)
Applies to: Employers with employees performing work within the City and County of Denver
What to do: Update Denver payroll to $19.29/hr effective January 1, 2026; tipped food/beverage workers get a $3.02 tip credit (cash wage $16.27).
Penalty: Back wages, fines up to $75 per day per employee, and restitution under Denver's minimum wage ordinance.
Federal deadlines that also apply
These federal requirements apply to Colorado employers alongside the state rules above.
Stay compliant — and turn it into recertification credits
Track every Colorado deadline on our free interactive compliance calendar, check how many HRCI or SHRM credits you still need with the Gap Planner, or start earning credits now with a free course.