Minimum wage in Chicago, Illinois
Chicago sets its own minimum wage under its Chicago Minimum Wage Ordinance. The general rate is $17.05 an hour, in effect since ; that is $2.05 above the Illinois rate of $15.00. Future rates are set by formula rather than a published schedule.
Read from City of Chicago: Minimum Wage on (page SHA-256 ec3197eba471…). Every figure on this page was found on that page at that time.
Current rates
| Rate per hour | Applies to | In effect since |
|---|---|---|
| $17.05 | Employers with 4 or more employees |
Scheduled changes
The city's page states no dated increase beyond the current rate.
How the rate is adjusted: Increases each July 1 by the CPI or 2.5%, whichever is lower.
Tipped employees
Tipped workers at employers with 4 or more employees: $12.96; the employer makes up any shortfall to the full minimum wage.
What the page also states
- A separate rate applies under City contracts and concession agreements.
Against the state and federal rates
| Law | Rate |
|---|---|
| Chicago (city ordinance) | $17.05 |
| Illinois (state law) | $15.00 |
| Federal (FLSA) | $7.25 |
Where federal, state and local laws all cover an employer, the highest applicable rate must be paid. Whether a particular job is covered by this ordinance (most apply to hours worked inside the city limits, with a minimum number of hours a week) depends on facts this site does not assess. This page describes published rates and is not legal advice; see FastGuide for how to raise an underpayment.
Related
- Other local rates in Illinois: Cook County.
- All city and county minimum wages and the Illinois minimum wage.
- Illinois wage profile: what occupations actually pay, from BLS data.
- Take-home pay calculator on FastCalc for what $17.05 an hour leaves after withholding; this site computes nothing.