Depending on what city you live in, you could see a higher minimum wage than the state average thanks to the passing of HB 19-1210.

The bill allows local governments to set the minimum wage in their area, removing the obstacles local governments had been dealing with in regards to wages. What the bill does not do is allow any municipality to offer a minimum wage lower than the state average.

Currently, the minimum wage in Colorado is $11.10 an hour and will go up to $12 an hour starting next January.

A $12 an hour wage over 40 hours per week comes out to around $25,000 per year pre-tax. That sort of wage would not allow for much quality of life in larger cities where the cost to live is higher.

If passed as is, the bill will take effect in August. If there is a referendum it will be added to the November 2020 General Election and the voters will decide. It makes sense to allow communities to decide their minimum wage in order to attract workers.

The tipped employee minimum wage is currently $8.08.