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Colorado Overtime After 12 Hours: Daily and Weekly Calculator

Colorado overtime can be triggered by weekly hours, daily hours, or 12 consecutive hours even when a shift crosses two workdays. The COMPS Order applies the rule that produces the required premium without duplicating the same hour.

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Colorado Overtime After 12 Hours: Daily and Weekly Calculator

Quick answer: Most covered nonexempt Colorado employees receive time-and-one-half for hours over 40 in a workweek, over 12 in a workday, or over 12 consecutive hours, whichever calculation results in the greatest number of overtime hours.

Three Colorado overtime triggers

The consecutive-hours rule matters for overnight shifts that cross the employer’s workday boundary.

Example: 14-hour shift

An employee works 14 hours in one Colorado workday. Two hours are generally overtime even if weekly hours remain below 40.

Example: overnight consecutive hours

An employee works from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. The employer’s workday resets at midnight. Neither side of midnight exceeds 12 workday hours, but the employee worked 14 consecutive hours. The final two hours can trigger Colorado overtime.

Weekly overtime

An employee working five 10-hour days has 50 weekly hours. Daily hours do not exceed 12, but 10 hours are weekly overtime.

Payroll should calculate the applicable daily, consecutive, and weekly totals and avoid duplicate payment for the same hours unless another law or agreement requires it.

2026 COMPS framework

Colorado’s current COMPS Order #40 is effective in 2026. The state minimum wage is $15.16 per hour, and local minimum wages may be higher. Overtime must use the employee’s regular rate, not merely the minimum wage.

Regular-rate and coverage issues

Bonuses, commissions, shift differentials, and multiple rates can increase the regular rate. Colorado also has exemption, industry, and agricultural rules that require separate review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Colorado have daily overtime after eight hours?

Generally no. The principal Colorado daily trigger is over 12 hours, subject to special rules.

What are 12 consecutive hours?

They are 12 continuous working hours even when the shift crosses the employer’s workday boundary.

What if I work five 10-hour days?

The 10 hours above 40 are generally weekly overtime.

What is Colorado’s 2026 minimum wage?

The statewide rate is $15.16 per hour, although local rates can be higher.

Are overtime hours counted twice?

The same hours are generally not pyramided; payroll applies the calculation required by the applicable rules.

Official Sources

This article is for general educational purposes and is not legal, tax, accounting, or payroll advice. Federal, state, local, contractual, and industry-specific rules may produce a different result.

Reviewed for accuracy by the OvertimePayUSA editorial team using official labor sources such as the U.S. Department of Labor and state agencies.
Official Sources

This calculator is for educational purposes only. Consult your employer or a labor attorney for advice specific to your situation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can my employer require me to work overtime?
Yes. Employers can require overtime work. However, they must pay the required overtime premium (1.5x or higher per state law) for hours over the threshold. Refusing to work overtime may result in termination, but employers cannot refuse to pay overtime premiums that are legally owed.
What should I do if I think I'm owed unpaid overtime?
Document everything: save pay stubs, time records, emails, and any communications about hours worked. Calculate what you believe is owed. Contact your employer in writing first. If they don't respond satisfactorily, file a complaint with your state Department of Labor or the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division. Consider consulting an employment attorney for large amounts.
Is my salaried position automatically exempt from overtime?
No. Many salaried positions still qualify for overtime pay. Exemption requires: (1) earning above the minimum threshold (~$35,500 federally, varies by state), and (2) spending more than 50% of time in exempt duties (executive, professional, administrative). If unsure, file a wage claim or consult an employment attorney.
Can I get overtime pay if I work multiple jobs?
Federal overtime laws (FLSA) typically count only hours for a single employer. However, some states have more generous rules. Hours worked for different employers at the same time usually don't combine for overtime purposes unless you're an independent contractor. Check your state's Department of Labor for specific rules.
What's the statute of limitations for claiming unpaid overtime?
Federally, you have 2-3 years to file a lawsuit for unpaid wages (3 years for willful violations). State laws vary: California allows 3-4 years, New York allows 6 years. For administrative complaints, the timeframe is often shorter (1-2 years). Act quickly if you believe you're owed wages.
Do I have to be paid for meal breaks?
If you work during a meal break or cannot take a true break away from your workstation, that time must be paid. If you take an actual, uninterrupted break (usually 20+ minutes), it can be unpaid. Rules vary by state—check your state's Department of Labor for specifics.
Does Colorado have daily overtime after eight hours?
Generally no. The principal Colorado daily trigger is over 12 hours, subject to special rules.
What are 12 consecutive hours?
They are 12 continuous working hours even when the shift crosses the employer’s workday boundary.
What if I work five 10-hour days?
The 10 hours above 40 are generally weekly overtime.
What is Colorado’s 2026 minimum wage?
The statewide rate is $15.16 per hour, although local rates can be higher.
Are overtime hours counted twice?
The same hours are generally not pyramided; payroll applies the calculation required by the applicable rules.
⚖️ Statutory Legal Authority: Overtime pay calculations strictly follow the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), 29 U.S.C. § 207 and U.S. Department of Labor (WHD) Regulations 29 C.F.R. Part 778. State daily overtime rules comply with California Labor Code § 510, Colorado COMPS Order #38, and Alaska Stat. § 23.10.060.