Colorado’s salary landscape has shifted in 2026. From rising minimum wages to growing demand in key industries, workers across the state are seeing changes that impact how they negotiate, job hunt, and plan for the future. Understanding current salary benchmarks—by industry, skill level, and region—can help you make smarter decisions about your next career move.
Whether you’re working in Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, or Colorado Springs, staying informed is essential. Job Store Staffing is here to break down the numbers and help you align your goals with today’s job market.
Colorado Minimum Wage in 2026
Let’s start with the baseline: Colorado’s statewide minimum wage has risen to $15.16 per hour in 2026. But several cities and counties have higher local minimums:
- Denver: $19.29/hour
- Boulder County and City of Boulder: $16.82/hour
- Edgewater: $18.17/hour
For tipped workers, the rate varies by city but ranges from $12.14/hour (statewide) to $16.27/hour in Denver. These increases reflect rising costs of living and ongoing legislative efforts to improve wage standards across the state.
Administrative and Office Roles
Office administrators in Colorado now earn an average of $47,296 annually ($22.74/hour). Some general business administrators make significantly more, averaging $76,880/year.
The minimum salary threshold for overtime exemption in administrative roles is now $1,111.23/week, or $57,784 annually, which is important to keep in mind when comparing offers.
Accounting & Finance Salaries
Accounting salaries vary widely based on location, credentials (such as a CPA), and job function. In 2026, the average annual pay for general accountants in Colorado ranges between $70K and $75K. Senior roles or those in high-cost cities like Aspen can exceed $100K annually.
Skilled Trades: Growing Paychecks and Opportunities
Skilled trades are in high demand statewide. The average salary for specialized roles in this sector is now around $76K/year ($37/hour).
Here’s how it breaks down:
- Electrician/Plumber: Median salary $62,000, with top 10% earning $105,000+
- HVAC Technician: $59,810 median, top earners over $91,000
- Heavy Equipment Operator: $58,710/year
- Carpenter: ~$59,310 median, with top earners up to $98,000
In Denver and other metro areas, construction-related roles are seeing faster growth and higher wages.
Manufacturing & Engineering Roles
Colorado’s manufacturing sector is competitive and well-paying, especially for technical positions:
- Manufacturing Engineers: Average salary of $90k
- Engineer Supervisors: Up to $124k/year
- Plant/Manufacturing Managers: Often $116,000–$173,000 annually
- Advanced Manufacturing (Denver): Top roles earning $139,981+
Specialized positions like circuit designers and lean consultants now command $180K to over $200K per year, making this a highly rewarding path for skilled professionals.
What This Means for You
Understanding these benchmarks gives you power. Whether you’re negotiating a raise, preparing for interviews, or thinking about upskilling, knowing what employers are paying is essential to positioning yourself competitively.
At Job Store Staffing, we work closely with Colorado’s leading employers across manufacturing, skilled trades, accounting, administration, and customer service. That means we don’t just have job listings—we have insight into what companies are really offering and who they’re looking for.
Ready to Make Your Next Move in Colorado?
Whether you’re seeking a higher-paying opportunity or want help navigating today’s job market, Job Store Staffing is here to guide you. We connect job seekers with roles that match their experience and goals—offering real support, resume guidance, and access to employers who are hiring now. Visit our job board to get started today.
