Hourly Jobs in Denver, CO
Denver is a fast-growing Mountain West hub, and it sets its own minimum wage well above Colorado's state rate, so most hourly work starts above 19 an hour. Its hourly economy runs on hospitality, logistics, healthcare, and a construction boom tied to the region's growth. Just note the rate depends on working within Denver's boundaries, since the state and some suburbs use lower numbers.
Denver at a glance
- Metro population: about 3.0 million
- Minimum wage: 19.29 per hour (City and County of Denver, 2026; Colorado state rate is 15.16)
- What the market actually pays: entry-level work starts at the 19.29 city floor and commonly runs 19.29 to 22 per hour
- Tipped minimum: 16.27 per hour cash for food and beverage workers, with tips bringing the total to at least 19.29
- Typical hourly range: about 19 to 26 per hour depending on role and experience
- Cost of living: above the national average, with one-bedroom rent around 1,850 per month
Top hourly industries hiring in Denver
- Hospitality and food service: a strong restaurant, hotel, and events scene keeps service roles open.
- Warehouse and logistics: distribution work near the airport corridor.
- Healthcare: hospital systems hire CNAs, techs, and support staff.
- Construction: tied to the region's rapid growth.
- Retail and outdoor tourism: steady demand year-round.
Typical hourly pay in Denver
- Retail associate: 19.29 to 23 per hour
- Fast food or line cook: 19.29 to 22 per hour
- Warehouse associate: 19 to 25 per hour
- CNA or caregiver: 19 to 25 per hour
- Delivery driver: 19 to 25 per hour
- Server: 16.27 base plus tips, often 22 to 30 per hour effective
(Ranges are local estimates. Confirm against current BLS metro figures before publishing.)
Getting hired in Denver
- The Denver city rate applies to work performed within Denver; the Colorado state rate is 15.16, and some suburbs set their own, so confirm the worksite.
- Hospitality hiring concentrates downtown and in LoDo; warehouse and logistics roles cluster near the airport corridor.
- Denver allows a tip credit, so food and beverage tipped workers have a 16.27 cash base with tips on top; confirm how tips are handled.
- Colorado has a flat state income tax.