---
title: Colorado Certified Payroll: Find Your Track | WellStanding
url: https://wellstanding.com/guides/colorado-certified-payroll/
description: Colorado payroll runs on three tracks: state jobs of $500,000 or more, CDOT contracts and Denver's $2,000 ordinance. See which one holds your payment.
updated: 2026-11-05
type: guide
publisher: WellStanding Certified Payroll
---
# Colorado certified payroll: state, CDOT and Denver jobs

Sources: [Part 2 of Article 92 of Title 24, C.R.S.](https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-24.pdf) (2024 compilation; later session laws not checked), the [Office of the State Architect (OSA) page](https://osa.colorado.gov/state-buildings/prevailing-wage-and-apprenticeship), [CDOT's payroll page](https://www.codot.gov/business/civilrights/compliance/construction/payroll) (2024 footer) and [Denver Revised Municipal Code 20-76](https://denvergov.org/files/assets/public/v/2/auditor/documents/denver-labor/2026/sec._20_76.___payment_of_prevailing_wages.pdf).

Last reviewed November 5, 2026 against the sources it cites

The short answer

Colorado has three payroll tracks, all in LCPtracker: state agency contracts of $500,000 or more without federal funds (Part 2 of Article 92, which also applies to integrated project delivery contracts under Article 93), CDOT contracts, which follow Davis-Bacon wages whatever the funding, and Denver city contracts over $2,000. Part 3 adds some energy projects, with weekly payroll to the owner. School districts and other local governments are outside Part 2.

- [C.R.S. 24-92-202(1)](https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-24.pdf) applies Part 2 to contracts of $500,000 or more awarded by a state agency, and to their subcontractors, but not to projects that receive federal funding. It also applies Part 2 to an integrated project delivery contract for a public project awarded under Article 93.
- [C.R.S. 24-92-202(2)](https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-24.pdf) leaves CDOT out of Part 2 but requires a contractor on any CDOT public project, whatever the amount or funding source, to pay Davis-Bacon wages.
- [CDOT's payroll compliance page](https://www.codot.gov/business/civilrights/compliance/construction/payroll) says contractors enter payroll into CDOT's LCPtracker weekly and the project engineer accepts or rejects it for the week.
- [C.R.S. 24-92-209(3)](https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-24.pdf) has CDLE require back pay and fines of $5,000, $10,000, then $25,000 after a willful violation on a state project.
- [D.R.M.C. 20-76(e)(5)](https://denvergov.org/files/assets/public/v/2/auditor/documents/denver-labor/2026/sec._20_76.___payment_of_prevailing_wages.pdf) sets a $500 penalty for each week a contractor does not furnish certified payrolls, unless it was a good faith mistake corrected within 30 days.
- [OSA's prevailing wage page](https://osa.colorado.gov/state-buildings/prevailing-wage-and-apprenticeship) has every contractor and subcontractor on a state project enter and certify payroll in LCPtracker weekly while actively working.

## What goes wrong first on a Colorado job

A state agency must not approve a payment demand until you show unpaid wages were paid ([C.R.S. 24-92-204(1)(d)](https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-24.pdf)). Denver's [overview](https://denvergov.org/files/assets/public/v/2/auditor/documents/denver-labor/2026/prevailing-wage-overview-2026.pdf) says its Auditor's Office withholds payment when certified payrolls are not submitted in LCPtracker.

## State agency projects of $500,000 or more

Part 2 reaches state agencies and institutions with construction contracting authority ([24-92-201(1)](https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-24.pdf)). Part 2 applies to a contract for a public project awarded under part 1 of Article 92 and to an integrated project delivery contract for a public project awarded under Article 93 of Title 24 ([24-92-202(1)](https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-24.pdf)). A public project includes construction, repair, demolition, improvement, operation and maintenance programs, and private work under a contract for an agency to rent, lease or purchase at least 50 percent of it ([24-92-201(5)](https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-24.pdf); [OSA](https://osa.colorado.gov/state-buildings/prevailing-wage-and-apprenticeship)). [INFO #13](https://cdle.colorado.gov/sites/cdle/files/info_%2313_prevailing_wage_and_apprenticeship_program_requirements_for_public_projects_04.30.24.pdf) calls this broader than federal law.

Part 2 applies to projects bid on or after July 1, 2021, per the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) [complaint form](https://osa.colorado.gov/sites/osa/files/documents/State%20Public%20Project%20Prevailing%20Wage%20Complaint%20Form_0.pdf) (December 2021). The form says "over $500,000"; the statute says "or more", and governs. Contracts must require weekly pay and an on-site daily log ([24-92-204(1)](https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-24.pdf)).

### What OSA asks you to do

1. **Set up your account.** [OSA's Policies and Procedures](https://osa.colorado.gov/sites/osa/files/documents/SBP-BasicStepsChecklist-2025_0.pdf) (2025 edition by file name) have you return the [SBP-2.6 setup form](https://osa.colorado.gov/sites/osa/files/documents/SBP-2.6%20Contractor%20Setup%20Information%20Form-Fillable_0.pdf) for your LCPtracker account.
2. **Enter and certify weekly,** per [OSA's FAQ](https://osa.colorado.gov/state-buildings/prevailing-wage-and-apprenticeship); the prime approves subcontractor data first.
3. **Add the paperwork.** In LCPtracker, submit a Contractor Fringe Benefit Statement per project and a deduction consent form per employee ([OSA FAQ](https://osa.colorado.gov/state-buildings/prevailing-wage-and-apprenticeship)). Keep the [SBP-2.7 daily log](https://osa.colorado.gov/sites/osa/files/documents/SBP-2.7%20Daily%20Log%20Sheet-accessible.pdf) on site.

### What holds your money

[OSA's policies](https://osa.colorado.gov/sites/osa/files/documents/SBP-BasicStepsChecklist-2025_0.pdf) say no payment is made if there are "unpaid Certified Payrolls" for the pay application period, and final payment waits on unresolved restitution. Part 2 names no separate fine for a late payroll report; its fines cover willful violations, missing posters ($100 per calendar day, [24-92-207(2)](https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-24.pdf)) and willfully false wage representations ($1,000 to $3,000 each, [24-92-210(7)](https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-24.pdf)).

### If a violation is alleged

Workers are directed to file first with the contracting agency ([complaint form](https://osa.colorado.gov/sites/osa/files/documents/State%20Public%20Project%20Prevailing%20Wage%20Complaint%20Form_0.pdf); [INFO #13](https://cdle.colorado.gov/sites/cdle/files/info_%2313_prevailing_wage_and_apprenticeship_program_requirements_for_public_projects_04.30.24.pdf)). Yet INFO #13's step table also has CDLE investigate a "complaint directly from employee", a path the form disclaims ("not to CDLE DLSS"). The statute calls for a CDLE complaint process ([24-92-209(7)](https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-24.pdf)). The steps in [24-92-209](https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-24.pdf) are:

1. Within 48 hours of a worker complaint or its own payroll analysis, the agency reports a perceived violation to you.
2. You have 15 calendar days to cure a legitimate administrative error. If it is uncured or willful, the agency refers it to CDLE.
3. On a willful finding, CDLE requires back pay and fines of $5,000, $10,000, then $25,000 for the third and later. After three willful violations in five years, three-year debarment is discretionary.
4. If the claim is unresolved 120 days after CDLE's initial determination, the worker may sue ([24-92-209(6)](https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-24.pdf)), within three years of the violation, for unpaid wages, interest and equal liquidated damages ([24-92-210(1), (5)](https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-24.pdf)).

Separately, [24-92-210(1)](https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-24.pdf) says an employee or former employee of a contractor or subcontractor may bring a civil action for a violation of 24-92-204 within three years after the alleged violation, and it states no waiting period.

## Weekly or monthly? OSA's own documents use both

| Source | What it says |
| --- | --- |
| [C.R.S. 24-92-204(1)(b)](https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-24.pdf); [CDLE INFO #13](https://cdle.colorado.gov/sites/cdle/files/info_%2313_prevailing_wage_and_apprenticeship_program_requirements_for_public_projects_04.30.24.pdf) (April 30, 2024) | Monthly reports, to the agency (statute) or the Department of Personnel and Administration (INFO #13). |
| [OSA Policies and Procedures](https://osa.colorado.gov/sites/osa/files/documents/SBP-BasicStepsChecklist-2025_0.pdf) | Agencies "shall review monthly payroll reports" and review LCPtracker certified payroll with each monthly pay application. |
| [OSA prevailing wage page](https://osa.colorado.gov/state-buildings/prevailing-wage-and-apprenticeship) | FAQ: contractors certify weekly and the project manager accepts or rejects payrolls "for the month". Role table: project managers "Review and approve weekly project payrolls". |

None explains how weekly entries become the monthly report. Certify every week, then ask the project manager what monthly submission your contract expects.

## CDOT contracts

Part 2 does not apply to CDOT, but [24-92-202(2)](https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-24.pdf) requires a contractor on any CDOT public project, whatever the funding, to pay Davis-Bacon and related-act wages. [CDOT's payroll page](https://www.codot.gov/business/civilrights/compliance/construction/payroll) says every contractor enters and certifies payroll weekly in CDOT's LCPtracker, and the prime reviews subcontractor data. A missing classification needs DOL Form 1444 (see our [SF-1444 guide](https://wellstanding.com/guides/sf-1444-additional-classification/)). CDOT's FAQ and deductions guidance did not load, so this rests on its payroll page and the statute.

## Denver contracts over $2,000

[D.R.M.C. 20-76](https://denvergov.org/files/assets/public/v/2/auditor/documents/denver-labor/2026/sec._20_76.___payment_of_prevailing_wages.pdf) covers contracts "in excess of" $2,000, change orders included, for drayage, construction, alteration, improvement, repair, maintenance or demolition by or for the city, financed by it, or on city property, and for custodial work ([20-76(a), (b)](https://denvergov.org/files/assets/public/v/2/auditor/documents/denver-labor/2026/sec._20_76.___payment_of_prevailing_wages.pdf)). [Denver Labor's page](https://denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Auditors-Office/Denver-Labor/Prevailing-Wage) says "$2,000 or more"; the ordinance governs. It excludes dedicated-fund transfers to entities such as metropolitan districts, and downtown development authority projects ([20-76(a)(3)](https://denvergov.org/files/assets/public/v/2/auditor/documents/denver-labor/2026/sec._20_76.___payment_of_prevailing_wages.pdf)).

The ordinance requires certified payroll copies each pay period ([20-76(d)(5)](https://denvergov.org/files/assets/public/v/2/auditor/documents/denver-labor/2026/sec._20_76.___payment_of_prevailing_wages.pdf)); the [overview](https://denvergov.org/files/assets/public/v/2/auditor/documents/denver-labor/2026/prevailing-wage-overview-2026.pdf) says to submit weekly in LCPtracker. [Denver Labor's tutorials](https://denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Auditors-Office/Denver-Labor/Prevailing-Wage) send payroll to your assigned prevailing wage analyst for review, and a rejection notice comes from that analyst.

### Denver penalties: the ordinance and the overview differ

The [ordinance text](https://denvergov.org/files/assets/public/v/2/auditor/documents/denver-labor/2026/sec._20_76.___payment_of_prevailing_wages.pdf), whose amendment history ends with Ord. No. 542-26 (May 11, 2026), is newer than the overview, whose footer reads "Updated 01/2025". Its editor's note exempts from 542-26 any project with a Department of Housing Stability Award Letter before June 1, 2026 (ask Denver Labor which text governs). The sources read do not say what 542-26 changed.

| Violation under [20-76(e)](https://denvergov.org/files/assets/public/v/2/auditor/documents/denver-labor/2026/sec._20_76.___payment_of_prevailing_wages.pdf) | Penalty |
| --- | --- |
| Underpayment | $50 per worker per week, unless a good faith mistake was corrected within 30 days of notice ([(e)(2)](https://denvergov.org/files/assets/public/v/2/auditor/documents/denver-labor/2026/sec._20_76.___payment_of_prevailing_wages.pdf)); $2,500 plus $75 per worker per week after a prior penalty but not more than two others within three years, $5,000 plus $100 after three or more ([(e)(3), (4)](https://denvergov.org/files/assets/public/v/2/auditor/documents/denver-labor/2026/sec._20_76.___payment_of_prevailing_wages.pdf)) |
| Certified payrolls not furnished | $500 per week, not combined with the penalties above, excused for a good faith mistake corrected within 30 days ([(e)(5)](https://denvergov.org/files/assets/public/v/2/auditor/documents/denver-labor/2026/sec._20_76.___payment_of_prevailing_wages.pdf)) |
| False report not corrected within 15 days | $50 per week per incident, added to the others ([(e)(6)](https://denvergov.org/files/assets/public/v/2/auditor/documents/denver-labor/2026/sec._20_76.___payment_of_prevailing_wages.pdf)) |

The [overview](https://denvergov.org/files/assets/public/v/2/auditor/documents/denver-labor/2026/prevailing-wage-overview-2026.pdf) lists different fines for unsubmitted payrolls, $10 to $100 per worker per week. Those are not in the ordinance, which is newer and governs. For underpayment, the overview also describes Denver's Civil Wage Theft Ordinance process, separate from [20-76(e)](https://denvergov.org/files/assets/public/v/2/auditor/documents/denver-labor/2026/sec._20_76.___payment_of_prevailing_wages.pdf) and not in the text read: 14 days to pay restitution, then 12% interest, and after 30 days 300% damages.

To dispute a determination, petition the Auditor for a hearing within 30 days of notice, a prerequisite to any later action ([20-76(g)(1)](https://denvergov.org/files/assets/public/v/2/auditor/documents/denver-labor/2026/sec._20_76.___payment_of_prevailing_wages.pdf)).

## Jobs outside the three tracks

**School districts and other local governments.** Part 2 excludes counties, cities, school districts and other political subdivisions ([24-92-201(1)](https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-24.pdf)), as [INFO #13](https://cdle.colorado.gov/sites/cdle/files/info_%2313_prevailing_wage_and_apprenticeship_program_requirements_for_public_projects_04.30.24.pdf) says. Check your contract.

**Federally funded jobs outside CDOT.** Part 2 does not apply ([24-92-202(1)](https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-24.pdf)); the federal payroll rules apply ([29 CFR 5.5(a)(3)(ii)(A)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/subtitle-A/part-5/subpart-A/section-5.5)). See our [WH-347 guide](https://wellstanding.com/guides/wh-347/).

**Energy sector projects (Part 3).** Part 3 covers a project that generates, transmits or distributes electricity or natural gas for Colorado consumers, is built by or for a public utility, and is funded by the state or by utility customer funding approved in Public Utilities Commission proceedings on an electric resource acquisition or a certificate of convenience and necessity ([24-92-303(5)(a)](https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-24.pdf)); some cooperative-funded work also counts. INFO #13 applies it to bids invited from January 1, 2024.

INFO #13 reads the size tests in [24-92-304(1)(b)](https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-24.pdf) as alternatives: generation of one megawatt or more, or storage of one megawatt of power or four megawatt hours, in a project funded by the state ([24-92-303(5)(a)(I)(A)](https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-24.pdf)) with $500,000 or more of state assistance; or other listed types, such as electric transmission ([24-92-303(5)(b)(II)](https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-24.pdf)), costing $1 million or more with $500,000 or more from the state, a utility or a cooperative. For generation, [24-92-304(1)(a)](https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-24.pdf) states the one-megawatt test with no dollar amount and (1)(b)(I) sets the $500,000 test for projects funded by the state; INFO #13's list does not mention generation projects funded another way. INFO #13 writes "more than $1,000,000"; the statute says "one million dollars or more". Exemptions include project labor agreements and a utility's own employees ([24-92-304(1)(c)](https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-24.pdf)).

Where Part 3 applies, the lead contractor submits certified payroll for all contractors to the owner weekly ([24-92-305(1)](https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-24.pdf)), and each quarter the owner or lead contractor sends craft labor certifications to CDLE (INFO #13).

We prepare certified payroll for public works contractors. Tell us about your project.

## Questions

**Does Colorado have its own prevailing wage law for public works?**

Partly: Part 2 covers state agency contracts of $500,000 or more (it also applies to integrated project delivery contracts under Article 93), Denver has an ordinance, and Part 3 adds some energy projects. See the [state-by-state table](https://wellstanding.com/guides/certified-payroll-requirements-by-state/).

**Do school districts in Colorado require certified payroll?**

Not under Part 2, which excludes them. Check your contract.

**Is Colorado certified payroll weekly or monthly?**

CDOT says weekly. Denver's ordinance says each pay period, its overview weekly. State jobs: weekly per OSA's page, monthly per the statute.

**My payroll was rejected in LCPtracker. What do I do?**

Correct it and resubmit. On state and CDOT jobs the prime reviews subcontractor payroll first ([OSA FAQ](https://osa.colorado.gov/state-buildings/prevailing-wage-and-apprenticeship), [CDOT payroll page](https://www.codot.gov/business/civilrights/compliance/construction/payroll)), then the project manager or engineer accepts or rejects it. On Denver jobs, [Denver Labor](https://denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Auditors-Office/Denver-Labor/Prevailing-Wage) says your assigned analyst reviews it and sends any rejection. See our [LCPtracker rejected payroll guide](https://wellstanding.com/guides/lcptracker-rejected-payroll/).

## Sources

Every figure on this page links to its source where it first appears. The full list, in order:

1. [Part 2 of Article 92 of Title 24, C.R.S.](https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-24.pdf) leg.colorado.gov
2. [Office of the State Architect (OSA) page](https://osa.colorado.gov/state-buildings/prevailing-wage-and-apprenticeship) osa.colorado.gov
3. [CDOT's payroll page](https://www.codot.gov/business/civilrights/compliance/construction/payroll) codot.gov
4. [Denver Revised Municipal Code 20-76](https://denvergov.org/files/assets/public/v/2/auditor/documents/denver-labor/2026/sec._20_76.___payment_of_prevailing_wages.pdf) denvergov.org
5. [overview](https://denvergov.org/files/assets/public/v/2/auditor/documents/denver-labor/2026/prevailing-wage-overview-2026.pdf) denvergov.org
6. [INFO #13](https://cdle.colorado.gov/sites/cdle/files/info_%2313_prevailing_wage_and_apprenticeship_program_requirements_for_public_projects_04.30.24.pdf) cdle.colorado.gov
7. [complaint form](https://osa.colorado.gov/sites/osa/files/documents/State%20Public%20Project%20Prevailing%20Wage%20Complaint%20Form_0.pdf) osa.colorado.gov
8. [OSA's Policies and Procedures](https://osa.colorado.gov/sites/osa/files/documents/SBP-BasicStepsChecklist-2025_0.pdf) osa.colorado.gov
9. [SBP-2.6 setup form](https://osa.colorado.gov/sites/osa/files/documents/SBP-2.6%20Contractor%20Setup%20Information%20Form-Fillable_0.pdf) osa.colorado.gov
10. [SBP-2.7 daily log](https://osa.colorado.gov/sites/osa/files/documents/SBP-2.7%20Daily%20Log%20Sheet-accessible.pdf) osa.colorado.gov
11. [Denver Labor's page](https://denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Auditors-Office/Denver-Labor/Prevailing-Wage) denvergov.org
12. [29 CFR 5.5(a)(3)(ii)(A)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/subtitle-A/part-5/subpart-A/section-5.5) ecfr.gov

## Related

- [Certified payroll requirements by state](https://wellstanding.com/guides/certified-payroll-requirements-by-state/)
- [How to fill out the WH-347](https://wellstanding.com/guides/wh-347/)
- [FHWA-1273 changes in 2026](https://wellstanding.com/guides/fhwa-1273-changes-2026/)
- [SF-1444 additional classification request](https://wellstanding.com/guides/sf-1444-additional-classification/)
- [LCPtracker rejected payroll](https://wellstanding.com/guides/lcptracker-rejected-payroll/)