West Cook News

Cook County—Today, the Commission on Human Rights issued a notice to employees regarding the Cook County Minimum Wage Ordinance (MWO).

Effective July 1, 2024, the Cook County minimum wage will increase to $14.05 for non-tipped workers. It will remain $8.40 for tipped employees.

The MWO sets the lowest amount an employer must legally pay their employees. Each year, the minimum wage increases according to a formula set by the Ordinance. The MWO applies to hourly, salaried, and tipped employees over the age of 18 working in Cook County, including those making deliveries or driving within county limits.

Cook County’s minimum wage is based on the highest rate among the Federal minimum wage, Illinois State minimum wage, or on the County’s calculation using the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Pursuant to Sec. 42-13 of the MWO and Sec. 2.04 of its rules, Cook County’s minimum wage calculation may not be used when the unemployment rate in Cook County is 8.5% or greater. This year, with an unemployment rate below 8.5%, and an April CPI exceeding the inflationary cap, a 2.5% cap rate was applied.

Employees are covered by the Cook County MWO if:

- The employee has worked for an employer in Cook County for at least two hours in any two-week period.

- The employer has four or more employees (or if the employee is a domestic worker).

- The employer maintains a business facility in Cook County or holds a business license issued by Cook County.

Employees who believe their employer is not paying the required minimum wage should first refer to their municipality's regulations to ensure it does not have its own minimum wage laws. If no local opt-out exists from the MWO, employees can file a complaint with the Cook County Commission on Human Rights through their website.

Ordinance No. 16-5768 (MWO) was passed by the Cook County Board of Commissioners on October 26, 2016.

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