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NewsNBC Chicago – LocalJuly 1, 2026United States

Minimum Wage Changes in Illinois, Chicago, and Cook County

While the Illinois state minimum wage reached its final scheduled increase on January 1, 2025, Chicago and Cook County have implemented separate annual increases effective July 1.

minimum wagelabor lawIllinoisChicagoCook County
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Why It Matters

Workers in Chicago and Cook County will see hourly pay increases as of July 1, while workers elsewhere in Illinois will see no change to the state-mandated minimum wage for 2026.

Key Facts

  • The Illinois state minimum wage for non-tipped workers is $15 per hour as of Jan. 1, 2025.
  • The Illinois state minimum wage for tipped workers is $9 per hour as of Jan. 1, 2025.
  • There are no further mandatory state-level minimum wage increases scheduled for 2026.
  • Chicago's minimum wage for companies with four or more employees increased to $17.05 per hour on July 1.
  • Chicago's minimum wage for tipped workers increased to $9 per hour on July 1.
  • Cook County's minimum wage for non-tipped employees increased to $15.40 per hour on July 1.
  • Cook County's minimum wage for tipped employees increased to $9.25 per hour on July 1.
  • Home-rule municipalities in Cook County may set their own minimum wages, provided they are not lower than the state minimum.

Who's Mentioned

locationChicago“City jurisdiction with independent wage laws”locationCook County“County jurisdiction with independent wage laws”locationIllinois“State government jurisdiction”