COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS — If you work in a Cook County suburb outside of Chicago, your paycheck may look slightly different this month. That’s because Cook County’s minimum wage increased on July 1, 2025, under the county’s own wage ordinance — though it still remains significantly below the City of Chicago’s updated rate.
The new minimum wage in Cook County is $14.05 per hour, a modest bump from the 2024 rate of $13.70. For tipped workers, the base wage rose to $8.40/hour, with tips required to make up the difference to minimum standards.
This annual adjustment is part of the Cook County Minimum Wage Ordinance, which went into effect in 2017 and applies to many—but not all—municipalities in the county.
Who Does the New Wage Apply To?
The updated rate applies to employees who:
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Work at least 2 hours within a week in a covered municipality in Cook County
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Are not exempt under federal or Illinois law
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Work for employers with 4 or more workers
Cook County’s law mirrors Chicago’s structure but follows a lower rate due to different inflation adjustments. The changes were confirmed by the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development.
What Cities Follow the Cook County Minimum Wage?
Not every city in Cook County follows the ordinance. Some opted out when the law passed.
Cities that Follow the Wage Law:
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Evanston
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Oak Park
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Cicero
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Berwyn
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Broadview
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North Riverside
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Skokie
Cities that Opted Out (follow state wage of $14.00):
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Des Plaines
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Rosemont
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Elmwood Park
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Mount Prospect
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Schaumburg
A full list of opt-in/opt-out cities is maintained on the Cook County website.
Wage Breakdown – July 2025
| Worker Type | Rate (Cook County) |
|---|---|
| Standard hourly | $14.05 |
| Tipped hourly (base) | $8.40 |
| Youth (under 18, working <650 hrs/year) | $11.95 |
Employers must ensure that tips + base pay = at least $14.05 for all hours worked.
How Is This Calculated?
The wage increases are tied to the Consumer Price Index for the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area. However, the law caps increases if unemployment is too high or inflation is too low.
Each June, the County announces the new rate, which takes effect the following July 1. Details are available from the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development.
Still Not Seeing the Raise on Your Paycheck?
If your employer hasn’t updated your pay:
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You can file a complaint with the Cook County Commission on Human Rights
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Use the official complaint form here
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You are entitled to back pay for any missing wages
Violations may result in fines and penalties for employers, as well as restitution for affected workers.
Why It Matters
With inflation still impacting grocery bills, gas, and housing, even small wage increases matter. While Cook County’s new minimum is better than many parts of the country, it still trails behind Chicago’s $16.60/hour, creating a pay gap within the same region.
For low-wage workers commuting between suburbs and the city, this difference can mean hundreds of dollars less per month — despite working similar jobs.
Do You Work in a Cook County Suburb?
If your pay hasn’t gone up to reflect the new $14.05/hour rate, we want to hear from you. Leave a comment below and tell us where you work — we’re tracking how this law is being enforced across the region.
