CICERO, ILLINOIS — Workers in Cicero just got a raise. On July 1, 2025, the town’s minimum wage officially increased to $14.05 per hour, following Cook County’s latest wage update. The change applies to most hourly, tipped, and part-time workers — especially those in restaurants, retail, and delivery jobs.
Cicero is one of the Cook County suburbs that has opted in to the county’s minimum wage ordinance, which raises pay each year based on inflation in the Chicago region.
New Wage Details for Cicero in 2025
As of July 1:
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Standard hourly wage: $14.05
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Tipped wage (base): $8.40
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Youth workers (under 18): $11.95
Employers must ensure that tips + base wage = at least $14.05/hour. If not, they are required by law to make up the difference.
Who Qualifies for the New Wage?
The updated rate applies to:
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Workers putting in 2+ hours per week in Cicero
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Employees at businesses with 4 or more workers
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Part-time, full-time, and seasonal positions
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Tipped workers like servers and bartenders
The wage rules are enforced under the guidance of the Cook County Commission on Human Rights, which handles complaints and violations across opt-in suburbs like Cicero.
How Cicero Compares to Other Cities
| Location | 2025 Wage | Tipped Base Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Cicero | $14.05 | $8.40 |
| Chicago | $16.60 | $11.54 |
| Statewide IL | $14.00 | $8.40 |
While Cicero’s rate is higher than the federal and Illinois minimums, it still trails behind Chicago’s latest jump — which gives city workers a distinct edge.
How to Report Violations
If you’re not being paid the new rate:
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File a complaint with the Cook County Commission on Human Rights
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You can submit anonymously
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Workers may be eligible for back wages and compensation
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Employers may face penalties for non-compliance
Many Cicero-based restaurants and small employers have already updated payrolls, but enforcement remains a challenge.
Why This Matters for Cicero Residents
With grocery prices, gas, and rent on the rise, a few extra dollars per hour make a big difference for working families. Cicero’s decision to remain part of Cook County’s wage program ensures that its residents aren’t left behind in regional wage growth.
The change also supports equity for workers who commute into Cicero from neighboring suburbs or Chicago.
Are You Seeing the Wage Increase on Your Paycheck?
If your employer hasn’t updated your hourly rate yet, leave a comment and tell us where you work. We’re gathering feedback from Cicero workers to track how the 2025 wage changes are rolling out across the suburbs.
