Colorado: rules and deadlines at a glance

Every 11 topic we track for Colorado on one page. Open a topic for the details, the law it comes from and how Colorado compares.

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Workers' comp deadlines · Workers' comp benefits · Paid leave programs · Minimum wage · Final paycheck rules · Unemployment benefits · Meal break laws · Tipped minimum wage · Payday frequency · Rest break laws · Noncompete laws

General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply; open a topic for the details.

Workers' comp deadlines

Tell your employer	4 working days, in writing
File a claim	2 years from injury

Workers' comp benefits Single detailed source

Waiting period	3 days
Waiting days paid back	After more than 2 weeks
Max weekly benefit (2026)	–

Paid leave programs

State program	Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI)
Status	Paying benefits since 2024

Minimum wage Checked on official source

State minimum wage	$15.16
Next change	$15.71 on Jan. 1, 2027

Final paycheck rules Single detailed source

If you are fired	Immediately
If you quit	Next regular payday

Unemployment benefits Single detailed source

Maximum weekly benefit	$804 (up to $884 for higher earners)
How long it lasts	13 to 26 weeks

Meal break laws Checked on official source

Meal break required	30 minutes when a shift exceeds 5 consecutive hours

Tipped minimum wage Checked on official source

Minimum cash wage	$12.14
Most tips can count	$3.02

Payday frequency Checked on official source

Required frequency	At least monthly

Rest break laws Checked on official source

Paid rest break	Paid 10 minutes per 4 hours worked

Noncompete laws Single detailed source

Noncompetes	Restricted by pay level or job