How Much Do You Take Home on Minimum Wage in Colorado?
The minimum wage in Colorado is $15.16 per hour in 2026. Working a standard 40-hour week for 52 weeks, your gross annual income is $31,533. After federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare, your estimated take-home pay is $27,517 per year.
Note: This calculator shows federal taxes only. Colorado also has state income tax which will further reduce take-home pay.
| Time Period | Gross Pay | Federal Tax Est. | Take Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly | $15.16 | $1.93 | $13.23 |
| Weekly (40 hrs) | $606 | $77 | $529 |
| Monthly | $2,627.73 | $334.68 | $2,293 |
| Annual | $31,533 | $4,016 | $27,517 |
What Taxes Come Out of a Minimum Wage Paycheck in Colorado?
Working at the Colorado minimum wage of $15.16/hr, three federal taxes are deducted from every paycheck:
- Federal Income Tax - After the $16,100 standard deduction for 2026 (single filer), $15,432.80 of your $31,532.80 annual income is taxable, starting in the 10% federal bracket.
- Social Security (6.2%) - Deducted on all earned income up to the 2026 wage base of $184,500. Minimum wage earnings are always fully subject to it.
- Medicare (1.45%) - Deducted on all earned income with no cap.
Colorado Minimum Wage Details for 2026
Colorado's minimum wage is $15.16/hr in 2026, adjusted annually for inflation.
Take-home pay: A full-time Colorado worker at $15.16/hr earns $31,533 per year before taxes. After 2026 federal income tax ($1,604) and FICA ($2,412), estimated take-home is about $27,517 per year - roughly $2,293 per month or $529 per week. Colorado also levies a state income tax, so your actual net pay will be somewhat lower than this federal-only estimate.
Local rates: Denver sets a notably higher local minimum wage than the state; Edgewater and unincorporated Boulder County also have local rates.
Scheduled changes: Colorado indexes its minimum wage to the CPI every January, so 2027 will bring another increase.
Cost of living: Denver and Boulder rank among the pricier metros in the Mountain West, which is why Denver's local wage runs well above the state floor.
Wage figure verified against the U.S. Department of Labor state minimum wage table (updated July 1, 2026). Federal tax estimates use the 2026 IRS standard deduction of $16,100 for single filers. This is an estimate, not tax advice.
How This Is Calculated: Colorado Worked Example
Every figure in the table above comes from the same four-step calculation, using the 2026 IRS standard deduction, 2026 federal tax brackets, and current FICA rates. Here is the full math for one year of full-time work at the Colorado minimum wage:
- Step 1 - Annual gross pay: $15.16/hour × 40 hours × 52 weeks = $31,532.80.
- Step 2 - Apply the standard deduction: The 2026 IRS standard deduction for a single filer is $16,100.
- Step 3 - Federal income tax: Taxable income is $31,532.80 − $16,100 = $15,432.80. The first $12,400 is taxed at 10% ($1,240) and the remaining $3,032.80 at 12% ($363.94), for a total of $1,603.94.
- Step 4 - FICA taxes: Social Security (6.2%) plus Medicare (1.45%) equals 7.65% of gross pay: $31,532.80 × 0.0765 = $2,412.26. FICA applies from the first dollar earned - the standard deduction does not reduce it.
Annual take-home: $31,532.80 − $1,603.94 − $2,412.26 = $27,516.60. That matches the Annual row in the table above. Assumptions: single filer, no dependents, standard deduction, no state or local income tax withheld in this federal estimate, no pre-tax benefits. Your actual paycheck may differ - this is an educational estimate, not tax advice.
Colorado Minimum Wage FAQ
Data sources: Minimum wage rates from U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division. Tax calculations based on 2026 IRS federal tax brackets. State-specific rates verified against state labor department websites. Last updated: April 2026
Disclaimer: These calculators provide estimates for federal taxes only and should not be considered tax advice. Actual take-home pay may vary based on additional deductions, state/local taxes, filing status, and other factors. Consult a tax professional for personalized advice.