The minimum wage increased this month in both Denver and the state of Colorado.

Why it matters: An estimated 260,800 local employees will benefit from the pay bumps directly and indirectly, according to the Economic Policy Institute.

By the numbers: As of Jan. 1, Colorado's minimum wage rose from $14.42 to $14.81 per hour.

• In Denver, hourly wages climbed to $18.81, up from $18.29 in 2024 — continuing a 2019 Denver City Council-approved plan to incrementally raise them from $12.85 in 2020.
• Other local governments also raised their minimum wages this year. Boulder County's is $16.57 (up from $15.69), while Edgewater's is $16.52 (up from $15.02).

Context: Since 2020, Colorado law has allowed local governments to set their own minimum wages following the 2019 passage of House Bill 1210.

• Denver led the charge, making the change almost immediately. Boulder County and Edgewater joined last year.

Zoom out: Colorado is one of 21 states where minimum wage hikes are happening this year.

• The minimum wage is highest in Washington, D.C. ($17.50), Washington state ($16.66), California ($16.50) and New York ($16.50).

The big picture: This year's increases lift the pay of more than 9.2 million people nationwide, per the Economic Policy Institute's tally.

Yes, but: Critics, particularly in the restaurant industry, argue rising labor costs are driving closures.

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