Cook County Minimum Wage is on the Rise July 1

Effective July 1, 2022, the minimum wage in Cook County will increase for tipped employees and non-tipped employees that work for any employer located — and that gainfully employs any person(s) — within the boundaries of Cook County.

The minimum wage in Cook County is currently $13 for non-tipped workers and $6.60 for tipped workers. As of July 1, those rates will rise to $13.35 and $7.40, respectively.

According to Cook County's Minimum Wage Ordinance, minimum wage in the County is based on the greatest rate among the Federal minimum wage, Illinois State minimum wage, or on the County’s calculation using the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The ordinance applies to hourly, salaried, and tipped employees over the age of 18 working in Cook County and those who may be working within the County to make deliveries or driving within County limits.

Teenagers under the age of 18 must be paid Illinois' current minimum wage of $9.25, which will increase to $10.50 in January.

The city of Chicago has its own Ordinance: beginning July 1, minimum wage will be $15.40 for employers with 21 or more employees and $14.50 for smaller employers. Minimum wage for tipped employees at large companies will be $9.24 and $8.70 for small companies.

The current minimum wage for the state of Illinois for non-tipped workers is $12, and $7.20 for tipped workers. On January 1, 2023, those rates will increase to $13 for non-tipped workers and $7.80 for tipped workers. See below for a table of Minimum Wage increases for the state of Illinois.

Click here for a quick reference tool for a quick reference tool for the latest wage and tax information.

If you're unsure whether your employees' pay meets all the necessary requirements, it's always a good idea to consult with your accountant or an experienced payroll provider to ensure compliance and avoid costly mistakes.

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