Colorado Employment Laws

Prohibits employment discrimination based on disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, and lawful off-duty activities. Enforced by the Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD).

The 2026 minimum wage is $15.16/hour statewide and $19.29/hour in Denver. Overtime at 1.5x is required after 40 hours/week, 12 hours/day, or 12 consecutive hours — Colorado is one of few states with a daily overtime threshold.

Up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave, plus 4 additional weeks for pregnancy/childbirth complications and up to 12 weeks for NICU care (effective 2026). Premium is 0.88% of wages split 50/50 between employer and employee. Maximum weekly benefit is $1,381.45.

All employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave per 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours per year.

Employers cannot take adverse action based on lawful off-duty activities. Per Coats v. Dish Network (CO Supreme Court), marijuana use is not protected because it remains illegal under federal law.

Colorado significantly restricts noncompete agreements. SB25-083 (2025) further limited noncompetes, particularly impacting healthcare providers and minority business owners.