Chicago, Cook County Minimum Wage Increases Take Effect Wednesday in Illinois

CHICAGO (WLS) — With the start of July on Wednesday, several new laws are taking effect, including changes to minimum wage rates across Chicago, Cook County and Illinois.

Among the most closely watched updates is a scheduled increase in the minimum wage for many workers.

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In Chicago, employees working for businesses with four or more workers will now earn a minimum of $17.05 per hour, up from $16.60 per hour. The overtime minimum wage rises to $25.58 per hour.

For tipped workers in Chicago at employers with at least four employees, the minimum wage is now $12.96 per hour, while the overtime minimum wage is $21.49 per hour.

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Cook County is also raising its wage floor, with the minimum wage increasing to $15.40 per hour for non-tipped employees and $9.25 per hour for tipped employees.

Statewide in Illinois, the minimum wage remains $15 per hour for non-tipped workers over 18. Tipped workers earn a minimum of $9 per hour, while youth workers and employees who work fewer than 650 hours in a calendar year earn $13 per hour.

Earlier this year, the Chicago City Council paused planned wage increases for tipped workers following opposition from the restaurant industry.

“Now, with all prices going up, it’s very important to increase the minimum wage,” Jose Uribe with Arise Chicago said. “People with low wages need to earn more money to be able to pay rent, food, and every bill. Because the bills don’t stop. Without a wage increase, how can we have a better future?”