Overtime for Colorado (2026)

How This Calculator Works in Colorado

This overtime calculator applies Colorado's specific overtime rules to estimate your total pay including overtime. Enter your hourly rate and total hours worked to see your regular pay, overtime pay, and gross total. It accounts for Colorado's daily overtime thresholds and weekly 40-hour rule and the standard 1.5x overtime multiplier.

Colorado Overview

Colorado requires daily overtime pay after 12 hours worked in a single day, in addition to the standard federal 40-hour weekly overtime threshold. This makes Colorado one of only a few states with a daily overtime trigger. The state minimum wage is $14.42 per hour — Colorado's minimum wage of $14.42/hr is adjusted annually for inflation. The state also has specific rules for tipped employees and agricultural workers.

How Colorado Compares

Colorado's minimum wage of $14.42 is above the federal minimum of $7.25. Unlike most states, Colorado enforces daily overtime, which can significantly increase pay for workers with long shifts. Neighboring Utah has a minimum wage of $7.25 and uses only the weekly overtime standard.

The federal overtime standard requires 1.5x pay after 40 hours per week. Colorado's minimum wage of $14.42 exceeds the federal minimum of $7.25. Only a few states, including California and Alaska, mandate daily overtime in addition to the weekly threshold.

Tips for Colorado Residents

• 1Colorado's minimum wage is $14.42 per hour. Verify your base rate meets or exceeds this before calculating overtime — overtime pay is calculated on your regular rate, not the minimum.
• 2Colorado requires daily overtime pay after 12 hours worked in a single day, in addition to the standard federal 40-hour weekly overtime threshold. This makes Colorado one of only a few states with a daily overtime trigger. Plan your schedule around these thresholds to understand your expected pay.
• 3Overtime pay in Colorado is subject to the state income tax (top rate 4.4%) plus federal taxes. Your effective overtime rate after taxes will be less than the gross 1.5x figure — budget accordingly.
• 4Track your hours meticulously. Under the FLSA, employers must pay overtime for all qualifying hours regardless of whether the overtime was pre-approved. Keep your own records as a backup.
• 5Salaried employees are not automatically exempt from overtime. To be exempt, you must meet specific duties tests and earn above the salary threshold. If you are classified as exempt but believe you should qualify, consult Colorado's department of labor.

Frequently Asked Questions