This page lists what the Cook County Minimum Wage Ordinance asks of employers for work done in Cook County, the rates since 2021 and the penalties. Chicago and places outside the county follow other wage rules. For the big picture, see the overview.
What the law requires
| Requirement | In plain words | Section |
|---|---|---|
| County rate | Pay each covered employee at least the County rate for every hour worked in Cook County | Code 42-13 |
| Tipped workers | Pay at least the tipped rate; if tips plus that wage fall short of the full minimum in any 7-day period, pay the difference | 42-14; Rules 2.03 |
| Overtime | Overtime-eligible staff get at least 1.5 times the County minimum after 40 hours a week; the Code points to Illinois law (see the FLSA guide on exemptions) | 42-15; Rules 2.05 |
| Notice | Post the County notice at each Cook County facility and give one with the first paycheck and yearly | 42-19; Rules 4.03 |
| Records | The Rules expect 3 years of payroll records and require 3 years of tipped-employee records | Rules 4.02 |
| Retaliation | No punishing someone for asserting rights | 42-20 |
| Union waiver | Allowed only in clear, explicit terms | 42-17 |
Key numbers and dates
| Item | Amount or date | Year in force | Source label |
|---|---|---|---|
| County, non-tipped / tipped | $15.40 / $9.25 | From July 1, 2026 | County 2026 notice |
| County, non-tipped, July 1 of 2021 to 2024 | $13.00, $13.35, $13.70, $14.05 | 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 | County notices |
| Illinois, non-tipped / tipped | $15.00 / $9.00 | From Jan 1, 2025, same in 2026 | 820 ILCS 105/4 |
| Chicago, non-tipped / tipped | $17.05 / $12.96 for employers with 4 or more employees | From July 1, 2026 | City of Chicago |
| Yearly formula | CPI change times the highest of the state, federal or County rate, rounded up to $0.05, capped at 2.5%; no CPI increase if Cook County unemployment is 8.5% or more | Since 2021 (tipped since 2018) | Rules 2.04; Code 42-13(e) |
| Time to complain | 3 years from the first underpayment | Current Rules | Rules 5.02 |
Source: Cook County Commission on Human Rights notices
Recent and pending changes
- Jan 1, 2025 (final): Illinois reached $15.00. The statute shows no scheduled increase for 2026 or 2027.
- July 1, 2025 (final): the County rate stayed at $15.00 and $9.00.
- July 1, 2026 (final): the County rate rose to $15.40 and $9.25, with the 2.5% inflation cap applied.
Penalties and enforcement
The Commission on Human Rights, which also enforces the County's paid leave ordinance, handles complaints. A worker files a written, verified complaint, or sues in court without going to the Commission first. Next, use the checklist and FAQs; payroll details are in tips and overtime reporting.
| Tier | What can follow | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Fine | $500 to $1,000 per offense, and each day is a separate offense | Code 42-22; Rules 5.10 |
| Commission remedies | Back wages, reinstatement, required notices, and loss of County benefits such as licensing and property tax incentives | County FAQ Q15 |
| Private suit | Three times the underpayment plus costs and attorney fees; agreeing to work for less is no defense | Code 42-23 |
| Time limit | 3 years from the first underpayment, or from discovery if it was concealed | Rules 5.02 |
Official sources
- Cook County Commission on Human Rights: Minimum Wage Ordinance FAQs, July 2026
- Cook County: Minimum Wage Ordinance Rules, approved July 1, 2018
- Cook County: 2026 notice on the Minimum Wage Ordinance
- Illinois General Assembly: 820 ILCS 105/4
- City of Chicago: Minimum Wage Information
This page is a plain-language summary. The official source controls if there is any difference.