Chicago and Illinois County to Raise Minimum Wage Next Month

Keeping step with the push to increase minimum wage across the U.S., both the city of Chicago and neighboring Cook County in Illinois will increase their minimum wage July 1, WMAQ-TV reports.

Minimum wage in Cook country will increase from US$13 to $13.35 for non-tipped employees and from $6.60 to $7.40 for tipped employees. Under Cook County’s Minimum Wage Ordinance, the minimum wage each year increases according to a formula and 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, which is $9.25. Next year on January 1, the rate will increase to $10.50.

Cook Country’s Minimum Wage Ordinance does not apply to the city of Chicago, which has its own ordinance. Beginning July 1, minimum wage for Chicago employers with 21 or more employees with be $15.40, and $14.50 or smaller employers. Minimum wage for tipped employees at large companies will be $9.24 and $8.70 for small companies.