POLISCOPE
Back to feed
NewsNBC Chicago – LocalJune 30, 2026United States

Minimum Wage Changes in Chicago and Cook County Starting July 1

While the Illinois state minimum wage remains unchanged, Chicago and Cook County are implementing scheduled increases to their local minimum wage rates effective July 1. These adjustments apply to non-tipped and tipped employees based on specific local ordinances.

minimum wagelabor lawChicagoCook CountyIllinois
Read the full story at NBC Chicago – Local

Why It Matters

Workers in Chicago and Cook County will see their hourly pay rates increase on July 1, while state-level minimum wages remain at the levels reached on January 1, 2025.

Key Facts

  • The Illinois state minimum wage for non-tipped workers is $15 per hour.
  • The Illinois state minimum wage for tipped workers is $9 per hour.
  • State-level minimum wage increases concluded on Jan. 1, 2025.
  • Chicago's minimum wage for companies with four or more employees increases to $17.05 per hour on July 1.
  • Chicago's minimum wage for tipped workers increases to $9 per hour on July 1.
  • Cook County's minimum wage for non-tipped employees increases to $15.40 per hour on July 1.
  • Cook County's minimum wage for tipped employees increases to $9.25 per hour on July 1.
  • Some home-rule communities in Cook County may set their own minimum wages, provided they are not lower than the state minimum.

Who's Mentioned

locationChicago“City implementing a minimum wage increase.”locationCook County“County implementing a minimum wage increase.”locationIllinois“State government with a fixed minimum wage.”