All states / Illinois / Chicago
Chicago Minimum Wage (2026)
$17.05 per hour · City ordinance effective 2026-07-01 +$2.05 vs IL state
At a glance
| Current rate | $17.05/hour |
| Effective date | 2026-07-01 |
| Full-time annual | $35,464 |
| Illinois state rate | $15.00 (local is higher — local applies) |
Employer rules
Tipped employees: $12.96. Tiered by employer size historically; verify current tiers on official page.
FAQ
What is the minimum wage in Chicago?
$17.05 per hour since 2026-07-01. This is higher than the IL state minimum ($15.00), so the local rate applies for work performed in Chicago.
Does the Chicago rate apply to all employers?
Tipped employees: $12.96. Tiered by employer size historically; verify current tiers on official page.
Which applies if city and state rates differ?
Employers must pay the highest of federal, state, and local rates for work performed in that jurisdiction.
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Official source: chicago.gov/city/en/depts/bacp/supp_info/minimumwageinformation.html · Compare Illinois state rate → · Verified 2026-09-07