Colorado Pay Period and Frequency Laws

Various labor laws and regulations are in effect across the United States. Some federal laws apply to all states, but no law is in place around pay period and frequency on a nationwide level. Explore the requirements around the schedule for paying employees in Colorado.

Does Colorado Have Pay Period and Frequency Laws That Differ from Federal Laws?

Yes, there are laws in place in Colorado around pay frequency and periods that differ from federal law.

How Often Do Employers Need to Pay Employees in Colorado?

Employers in Colorado are required to pay employees no less than once per month or every 30 days. No pay period may last longer than a calendar month or 30 days (whichever is longer). Employers are allowed to pay employees more frequently (such as biweekly or semi-monthly), as long as the pay schedule is consistent.

Are There Designated Colorado Payday Limit Requirements?

Yes, it is required of employers to pay employees for the hours worked during a pay period within 10 days of the ending of that period.

How Long After a Pay Period Must Wage be Paid in Colorado?

Payday must be no later than 10 days after the end of the pay period.

What Are the Penalties to Employers for Late Paychecks in Colorado?

The law in Colorado allows an employee to recover a penalty of either $1,000 or double the unpaid wages (the greater of the two). However, an employee must make a written demand for owed wages, and the employer has 14 days to pay the wages.

Willful failure to pay wages increases the penalty to $3,000 or three times the unpaid amount (whichever is greater). Failing to pay within 60 days of a favorable determination for the employee, further penalties may be imposed. These could include fines and attorney fees.

What Are the Paycheck Requirements for An Employee Whose Employment Has Been Terminated?

Under the Colorado Wage Act, after employment has been terminated, an employee must receive any owed wages within 10 calendar days. An exception applies if the employee has any property or money that belongs to the employer and fails to return or pay it back.

Are There Any Municipalities or Cities in Colorado That Have Differing Pay Period or Pay Frequency Laws?

No, all cities and municipalities in Colorado adhere to the statewide pay period and frequency laws outlined above.

Are There Any Other Laws in Colorado Regarding Pay Periods and Pay Frequency?

Yes, employers are required to issue itemized pay statements at least monthly, or with every issued paycheck. The statement must include gross wages, net wages, withholdings, employee information, employer information, and the dates of the pay period.

Accurate hours are critical to accurate paychecks. An automated time and labor platform like WorkforceHub streamlines how you collect employee time data. Integrations with top payroll platforms ensure that employees receive the proper pay for hours worked. Plus, you can set up pay periods within the platform that comply with Colorado regulations