EVANSTON, ILLINOIS — If you’re working a part-time or hourly job in Evanston, your paycheck might be slightly larger this month. That’s because Evanston increased its minimum wage to $14.05 on July 1, 2025, aligning with Cook County’s annual inflation-based adjustment.
Evanston is one of the few Cook County suburbs that chose to opt in to the Cook County Minimum Wage Ordinance, which requires local businesses to raise wages every year based on the Consumer Price Index.
What’s the New Minimum Wage in Evanston?
Effective July 1, 2025:
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Standard hourly rate: $14.05
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Tipped wage (base): $8.40
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Youth workers (under 18): $11.95
Employers must ensure tips + base pay = at least $14.05/hour, or they are in violation of county law.
This marks an increase from the 2024 wage of $13.70/hour.
Who Must Pay the New Wage?
The rule applies to:
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Employers with 4 or more employees
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Workers who complete at least 2 hours of work per week in Evanston
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All part-time, seasonal, and hourly roles — including restaurant, retail, and delivery jobs
The updated wage law is enforced locally in cooperation with the Cook County Commission on Human Rights, which investigates violations and helps workers recover lost pay.
How Evanston Differs from Chicago
| City | 2025 Minimum Wage | Tipped Base Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Evanston | $14.05/hour | $8.40/hour |
| Chicago | $16.60/hour | $11.54/hour |
While Evanston’s rate is higher than many parts of Illinois, it still lags behind Chicago, where the minimum wage jumped again in July.
The difference in pay can be significant for workers who commute or switch between jobs in both cities.
What If You’re Not Being Paid the New Rate?
You can report wage violations directly to the Cook County Commission on Human Rights, which oversees enforcement for Evanston and other opt-in towns.
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Complaints can be filed anonymously
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Workers are eligible for back pay and penalties
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Employers may face fines and corrective action
You can also contact Evanston’s City Clerk or local worker advocacy groups for assistance.
Why Evanston Opted In
Unlike many suburbs that chose to opt out of the county’s wage law, Evanston remained committed to a living wage standard. City leaders have repeatedly voiced support for aligning wages with inflation and cost-of-living increases — especially in a university and service-heavy job market.
Do You Work in Evanston?
If you’re earning less than $14.05/hour in 2025, or not seeing tip adjustments made, drop a comment below and tell us your story. We’re tracking wage enforcement across Cook County and want to hear from Evanston workers.
