Colorado overtime.
Colorado layers its own overtime rules on top of the federal FLSA baseline.
CO
40
hrs
12
hrs
—
$14.81
/hr
How Colorado calculates overtime.
Weekly overtime
Hours over 40 per workweek paid at 1.5×
Daily overtime
Hours over 12 in a single day paid at 1.5×
Double time
Not required by state law
7th consecutive day
No special rule
Calculate your Colorado overtime
The weekly timesheet automatically applies CO rules.
Who's outside the rules
These categories of employees may be exempt from the overtime requirements above:
01
Executive, administrative, professional, and outside sales employees
Colorado requires overtime for hours over 12 in a day (not 8 like California) OR over 40 in a week.
Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
(303) 318-8441
https://cdle.colorado.gov
Colorado at a glance
Colorado's economy reached $533 billion in nominal GDP in 2024, featuring a diverse mix of aerospace, defense, technology, energy, and tourism sectors. The state employs over 240,000 workers across 280 aerospace companies and supports 188,000 tourism jobs. Denver's professional, scientific, and technical services sector employs over 208,000 workers.
Industries with frequent overtime
Aerospace and Defense
Home to Lockheed-Martin, Raytheon, Boeing, and Sierra Space, Colorado's aerospace sector frequently requires overtime during contract deadlines and production surges. The state has four military commands and numerous defense contractors.
Ski Resorts and Tourism
Colorado's ski industry set consecutive records for skier visits, with tourism workers in Summit and Routt Counties earning approximately half of local income. Peak ski season creates significant overtime opportunities.
Oil and Gas
The fossil fuel sector employs over 32,000 workers in the Denver region, with field operations and drilling often requiring extended shifts and overtime pay.
Construction
Colorado's construction industry is expected to benefit from federal infrastructure investments, with projects often requiring overtime to meet seasonal deadlines before winter.
Technology
Professional, scientific, and technical services dominate Denver's economy. Tech startups and established firms alike may require overtime during product launches and development sprints.
Colorado overtime FAQ
Yes. Under the COMPS Order, Colorado employers must pay 1.5x for hours worked over 12 in a day OR over 12 consecutive hours, in addition to weekly overtime for hours over 40. The employee receives whichever calculation results in higher pay.
No. Colorado law prohibits private employers from giving compensatory time off instead of paying time-and-a-half overtime wages. This differs from federal law which allows comp time for some public employees.
Employers who fail to pay overtime within 14 days of a written demand face penalties of 125% to 300% of unpaid wages. For intentional violations, employers may be required to pay double damages (twice the unpaid amount).
Filing a wage claim in Colorado
If you believe you're owed unpaid overtime, here's what to do — in order.
Gather documentation of hours worked and unpaid overtime, including pay stubs and timesheets.
File a wage complaint with the Colorado Division of Labor Standards and Statistics (DLSS).
Submit your complaint online through the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment website.
Send a written demand to your employer requesting payment within 14 days to trigger penalty provisions.
The Division will investigate your claim and work toward resolution.
You may also file a civil lawsuit for unpaid wages, penalties, and attorney fees.
Colorado's COMPS Order provides some of the strongest worker protections in the nation, including daily overtime after 12 hours (compared to California's 8 hours), mandatory rest breaks, and penalties of up to 300% of unpaid wages for violations. The state also sets a higher exempt salary threshold than federal law, requiring exempt employees to earn at least $55,000 annually as of 2024.
For general education only. Overtime law changes and has exceptions not listed here. For a specific situation, talk to your employer's HR department, the Colorado Department of Labor, or an employment attorney.