West Cook News

Cook County has announced a notice concerning the Minimum Wage Ordinance, effective July 1, 2025. The minimum wage will remain at $15.00 for non-tipped workers and $9.00 for tipped workers. The ordinance outlines the lowest wage employers must legally pay their employees.

The ordinance applies to all employees over the age of 18 working in Cook County, including those making deliveries or driving within county limits. The minimum wage is determined by the highest rate among federal, state, or county calculations using the Consumer Price Index.

The ordinance specifies that the county's minimum wage calculation cannot be used if the unemployment rate reaches or exceeds 8.5%. This year, it remained below this threshold.

To qualify under this ordinance, an employee must work at least two hours in any two-week period for an employer with four or more employees (or as a domestic worker). Employers must maintain a business facility or hold a business license issued by Cook County.

Employees who suspect they are not receiving appropriate wages should check local municipal laws first and can file complaints with the Cook County Commission on Human Rights if necessary. Complaints can be submitted through an online form available on the Commission’s website.

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