What is the minimum wage in Chicago in 2026?

$17.05 per hour as of July 1, 2026, a single rate for employers with 4 or more employees. That is above the Illinois state minimum of $15.00.

What is the tipped minimum wage in Chicago in 2026?

$12.96 per hour as of July 1, 2026. The tipped-wage phaseout is paused, so this rate is frozen until July 1, 2028.

Do Chicago suburbs follow the Chicago minimum wage?

No. Suburban Cook County has its own ordinance ($15.40, tipped $9.25, effective July 1, 2026), and municipalities that opted out of the county ordinance follow the Illinois state rate of $15.00.

When does Chicago's minimum wage change next?

Chicago adjusts its rate annually on July 1, so the next scheduled change is July 1, 2027. The tipped rate stays frozen until July 1, 2028.

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Chicago Minimum Wage (2026)

Effective July 1, 2026 · verified as of August 18, 2026

Chicago minimum wage: $17.05 / hour (single rate for employers with 4+ employees)
Tipped minimum: $12.96 / hour (frozen until July 1, 2028 under the paused tipped-wage phaseout)
Illinois state minimum (for comparison): $15.00 / hour (tipped $9.00)

Nearby rates & notes

Suburban Cook County has its own ordinance: $15.40 / hour, tipped $9.25 (effective July 1, 2026). Some municipalities have opted out and follow the Illinois state rate instead.
Chicago adjusts its rate annually on July 1.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum wage in Chicago in 2026?: $17.05 per hour as of July 1, 2026, a single rate for employers with 4 or more employees. That is above the Illinois state minimum of $15.00.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Chicago in 2026?: $12.96 per hour as of July 1, 2026. The tipped-wage phaseout is paused, so this rate is frozen until July 1, 2028.
Do Chicago suburbs follow the Chicago minimum wage?: No. Suburban Cook County has its own ordinance ($15.40, tipped $9.25, effective July 1, 2026), and municipalities that opted out of the county ordinance follow the Illinois state rate of $15.00.
When does Chicago's minimum wage change next?: Chicago adjusts its rate annually on July 1, so the next scheduled change is July 1, 2027. The tipped rate stays frozen until July 1, 2028.

Primary sources, verified as of August 18, 2026: City of Chicago: Minimum Wage Information · Illinois DOL: Minimum Wage Law

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