On Nov. 1, 2026, CU will implement an updated State of Colorado pay plan to reflect a $19.29 minimum hourly rate and will provide compression increases to certain classified employees. To ensure pay equity, minimum wage increases will also be applied to university staff.

The following changes will take effect:

1. Classified staff and university staff whose pay falls below the new minimum wage  will have their pay increased to the new minimum wage.
2. For classified staff, step pay increases resulting from the structural adjustment to the pay plan will be based on an employee’s time in their current job series as of June 30, 2026.
3. Classified staff earning between $19.29 and $23.99 per hour as of Oct. 31, 2026, will receive a base salary compression increase in addition to a step pay increase, if applicable.

Employee Services, in collaboration with campus Human Resources will apply the necessary adjustments. Departments do not need to take any action. Communication templates will be shared with campus HR teams for use with impacted employees.

For additional information, visit the DHR Compensation webpage.