Colorado overtime rules
Colorado pays 1.5 times the regular rate after 40 hours in a workweek, after 12 hours in a workday, and after 12 consecutive hours. The rules come from COMPS Order #40 (7 CCR 1103-1), effective February 1, 2026.
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In the calculators: Colorado rules page available; automatic calculation coming. Until then the HoursReady calculators apply federal rules for Colorado and say so on screen.
Daily overtime after 12 hours
Over 12 hours in a workday: 1.5 times the regular rate. Hours 9 through 12 are straight time in Colorado, unless the week goes over 40.
Example. One 13-hour day at $20.00: 12 × $20.00 + 1 × $30.00 = $270.00.
Overtime after 12 consecutive hours
Over 12 consecutive hours of work, regardless of when the workday starts or ends: 1.5 times the regular rate.
Example. Workday starts at midnight. Shift 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m., no meal period: 13 hours in a row, so hour 13 is overtime. A duty-free meal period that meets Rule 5.1 is subtracted from the count; it does not restart it.
COMPS Order #40 (eff. Feb 1, 2026) as published in the Code of Colorado Regulations prints Rule 4.1.1(C) without the number 12; Rules 4.1.5 and 4.2 and COMPS Order #39 state 12 consecutive hours.
Weekly overtime after 40 hours
Over 40 hours in a workweek: 1.5 times the regular rate. When more than one rule applies, the one that pays more is used.
Example. Four 11-hour days = 44 hours. Weekly overtime: 4 hours. No daily overtime.
Questions
Does Colorado have daily overtime after 8 hours?
No. Colorado's daily line is 12 hours, not 8.
Who is exempt?
The COMPS Order has its own exemptions. Exemption questions need a professional.
This page explains published rules. It is not legal advice. Exemption questions need a professional. Not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Labor or any state agency.