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Find out how Remote can guide you through the complexities of managing cross-border hiring, payroll, taxes, and compliance.

Employing in Colorado

In Colorado, workers’ rights are protected by numerous employment and labour laws, at both the state and federal level. As a result, employees enjoy protection from discrimination based on age, religion, sexual orientation, gender, and race.

Here are the key things you need to know about hiring in Colorado.

Hours of work in Colorado

Work and overtime laws in Colorado are governed by the state’s Department of Labour and Employment.

What is considered full-time employment in Colorado?

Full-time employment is generally considered to be between 32 and 40 hours per week.

Do pay employees get overtime in Colorado?

Non-exempt employees are entitled to overtime pay of 1.5x their regular pay rate if they work more than 40 hours in a week.

Under the federal Fair Labour Standards Act, employees are generally (but not always) exempt from overtime if they:

  • Earn more than the state or federal exemption threshold
  • Perform a role with duties that are
  • Work in a certified or licensed profession, such as law, accounting, architecture, or engineering

In Colorado, the annual pay threshold for exemption is currently $50,000 (or $31.41 per hour for “highly technical” IT professionals).

Note that the state exemption threshold will increase in both 2024 and 2025, while the federal pay threshold for exemption is currently being reviewed.

Minimum wage in Colorado

The minimum wage for private sector employees in Colorado is $14.42 per hour.

Onboarding timeline in Colorado

We can help you get your new employee started in Colorado fast, with a minimum onboarding time (MOT) of just 2 working days. Note that the MOT is dependent upon registration with the local authorities, and begins after the employee has submitted all the required information on the Remote platform.

For non-citizens of the US, a work eligibility assessment may be required, and can add three extra days to the onboarding time. If a follow-up is needed, there may be additional delays.

Please note that payroll cut-off dates can impact the actual first day of employment. Remote’s payroll cut-off date is the 10th of the month, unless otherwise specified.

Payroll cycle in Colorado

Under state law, employees must be paid at least once per month.

For Remote customers, employee payments are made twice per month in equal instalments, payable in arrears. The first payment is made on the 15th of the month and the second payment is made on the final day of the month. If relevant, bonus payments, commissions, and expense reimbursements are included in the second payment of the cycle.

Competitive benefits package in Colorado

Remote can help you craft a competitive benefits package to attract and retain the best global talent. Our benefits experts understand the trends, requirements, and expectations of Colorado's labour market, allowing your employees to feel appreciated and thrive.

Our benefits packages in Colorado usually include some or all of the following:

pension_or_401(k)
Pension or 401(K)
medical_insurance
Medical Insurance
vision_insurance
Vision Insurance
dental_insurance
Dental Insurance
life_insurance
Life Insurance
health_saving_plan_(hsa)
Health Saving Plan (HSA)
long_term_disability_insurance_(ltd)
Long term disability insurance (LTD)
flexible_spending_account_(fsa)
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Are employers required to provide health insurance in Colorado?

Under the federal Affordable Care Act, organizations with a headcount of 50 or more must offer statutory health insurance to their full-time employees.

Many employers also offer some level of supplemental health insurance. While this can lead to a relative rise in employment costs, it’s an essential benefit that ensures your people have access to routine care and are covered in the event of an emergency. 

Because Remote is the employer of record (EOR), it’s important for us to offer the same core benefits to all employees to ensure fair and non-discriminatory hiring practices. This protects both your business and ours.

Note that we do not add a markup on any benefits premiums or administration costs.

Are employers required to offer 401k in Colorado?

Yes; organizations must offer a retirement plan to their employees. You can either choose your own qualified savings plan, or enroll your employees into the state-sponsored Colorado Secure Choice Savings Program.

Note that this only applies if your business:

Failure to enroll can result in a fine of $100 per employee, per year (up to a maximum of $5,000).

Facts & Stats

Home to the breathtaking beauty of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado also boasts thriving tech scenes in both Denver and Boulder.

With a robust job market, a strong commitment to sustainability, and a high quality of life, The Centennial State is a highly sought-after destination for both employers and employees alike.

Capital City
Denver
Currency
United States Dollar
($, USD)
Population size
5,800,000
VAT - standard rate
2.9% (Additional local sales taxes apply)

Grow your team in Colorado with Remote

If you want to hire in Colorado, you’ll need to own a legal entity there — or partner with a global employment solutions provider, like Remote.  

We can employ top talent in Colorado on your behalf and manage complex HR tasks such as onboarding, payroll, benefits, and taxes. You can also manage and pay your contractors in Colorado through Remote.

Risks of misclassification

Colorado, like many other countries, treats self-employed individuals or contractors and full-time employees differently. Misclassification of contractors in Colorado may lead to fines and penalties for the offending company.

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Fair Pricing in Colorado

Payroll

29

per employee/month
Book a demo
  • Powerful, transparent international payroll
  • Simple self-service platform
  • Personalised support from dedicated specialists
  • Adhere to local payroll regulations in every country
  • Integrated payroll, expense management, and HRIS solution
Contractor Management

29

per contractor/month
Book a demo
  • Only pay for contractors you actively work with
  • Work with international contractors
  • Create, edit, and sign tailored, localised contracts
  • Approve contractor invoices with one click or auto-pay
  • Transparent payments with complete visibility
Employer of Record

699 599

per contractor/month
Book a demo
  • Hire without opening a local entity
  • Guided onboarding
  • Local payroll paid on time, every time
  • Built-in security and compliance
  • Flexible, localised benefits
  • Offer equity incentives with tax assistance
  • Dedicated experts for local support