Colorado Fast Food & Counter Worker Overtime & Pay Rules
Side-by-side statutory audit of Fast Food & Counter Worker hourly wages, 1.5x overtime thresholds, shift benchmarks ($16.50/hr median), and meal break penalty pay under 7 CCR 1103-1 COMPS Order #39.
Managing payroll or shift workers in COLORADO?
Avoid Department of Labor non-compliance fines. Automate state-specific overtime, double-time rules, tip credits, and statutory tax withholdings with Gusto Payroll Automation.
Colorado Fast Food & Counter Worker Paycheck Calculator
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Managing payroll or shift workers in COLORADO?
Avoid Department of Labor non-compliance fines. Automate state-specific overtime, double-time rules, tip credits, and statutory tax withholdings with Gusto Payroll Automation.
In Colorado, a Fast Food & Counter Worker is entitled to a minimum statutory base wage of $14.42/hr (State industry median: $16.50/hr). Overtime is calculated at 1.5x regular rate after 12 hours per day under 7 CCR 1103-1 COMPS Order #39.
Visual Pay Composition Breakdown
FLSA Exemption & Overtime Rules for Fast Food & Counter Workers in Colorado
Non-Exempt (Eligible for 1.5x Overtime & Fast Food Minimum Wage Badges)
Non-exempt hourly position under FLSA § 213. California AB 1228 mandates a $20.00/hr fast food minimum wage across all major fast food chains.
Colorado Statutory Wage & Overtime Authority
Statutory Legal Citation: 7 CCR 1103-1 COMPS Order #39
Colorado COMPS Order #39 mandates daily overtime at 1.5x regular rate for hours worked over 12 in a workday or 12 consecutive hours regardless of workday boundary.
Employee Statutory Rights (CO)
- ✓ Daily overtime pay (1.5x) for hours worked over 12 in a workday or 12 consecutive hours.
- ✓ 30-minute meal break for shifts over 5 hours; paid 10-minute rest period for every 4 hours.
- ✓ Paid sick leave accrual under Healthy Workplaces and Families Act (HWFA).
Employer Mandatory Obligations (CO)
- § Pay tipped employees at least $11.40/hr direct cash wage.
- § Include rest period penalty pay for missed 10-minute breaks.
- § Post COMPS Order #39 poster in all employee work areas.
Colorado Statutory Wage & Overtime FAQs
What is the minimum wage in Colorado for 2026? ↓
Under statutory citation 7 CCR 1103-1 COMPS Order #39, the 2026 minimum wage in Colorado is $14.42 per hour. Employers paying below this baseline face Department of Labor back-pay audits and statutory interest penalties.
Does Colorado mandate daily overtime pay? ↓
Colorado mandates 1.5x daily overtime pay for non-exempt shift hours exceeding 12 hours in a single workday under 7 CCR 1103-1 COMPS Order #39.
Can employers in Colorado take a tip credit against wage rates? ↓
Colorado permits employers to claim a maximum tip credit of $3.02/hr against tipped staff, requiring a minimum direct cash wage of $11.40/hr.
Common Colorado Payroll Compliance Traps & Audit Penalties
Overlooking 12-consecutive-hour daily overtime rule across overnight shifts.
Failing to pay 10-minute rest breaks as compensable working time.
Using federal FLSA salary exemption threshold ($35,568) instead of CO state threshold ($55,000).
Managing payroll or shift workers in Colorado?
Avoid Department of Labor non-compliance fines. Automate state-specific overtime, double-time rules, tip credits, and statutory tax withholdings with Gusto Payroll Automation.
Audit Colorado Fast Food & Counter Worker Overtime & Pay
Verify 2026 statutory minimum wage floors, 1.5x overtime thresholds, and meal break penalties for Fast Food & Counter Workers in Colorado.