State regulatory desk
Small-business cover in Colorado.
Workers’ comp threshold in Colorado: Required for all employers with one or more employees[S].
Updated 2026-05-16 · Beaconcover editorialThe short answer: In Colorado, workers' compensation is required for all employers with one or more employees. Most clients and licenses also ask for general liability before you can take a job.
§ 01
Workers' comp
What does Colorado require?
CO threshold
Required for all employers with one or more employees[C]
Colorado requires workers' compensation coverage for all employers with one or more employees, with narrow exemptions for certain independent contractors and sole proprietors with no employees. Electrical and plumbing trades require state licensure; general contracting is licensed locally. Regulated by the Colorado Division of Workers' Compensation (Dept. of Labor & Employment).
§ 02
Licensing & bonding
What licensing and bonding does Colorado require?
- Electrical and plumbing licensed at state level; GC licensing is municipal
- First-employee workers' comp threshold
§ 03
Colorado by trade
One page per trade × state.
HAHandymanCLCleaning BusinessJAJanitorial ServiceHVHVAC ContractorGEGeneral ContractorELElectrical ContractorPAPainting ContractorLALandscaping BusinessPLPlumbing ContractorRORoofing ContractorTITile ContractorCACarpet Cleaning BusinessLALawn Care ServicePOPool Service BusinessPEPest Control BusinessFOFood Truck BusinessPHPhotographerPEPersonal TrainerDADaycare / Childcare BusinessHAHair SalonNANail SalonDODog Walker / Pet SitterMOMobile Auto DetailingCACarpenterWEWelderTRTree Service BusinessPRPressure Washing BusinessCACatering BusinessMAMassage TherapistBUBusiness ConsultantINInsurance AgentACAccountant / CPAATAttorney / Law FirmARArchitectNONotary / Notary Signing AgentREReal Estate AgentITIT ConsultantHOHome InspectorRIRideshare Driver (Uber / Lyft)DEDelivery Driver (DoorDash / Instacart / Amazon Flex)