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Chicago, Cook County minimum wage increases take effect Wednesday
ABC7 Chicago • • business
Key Points:
- As of July 1, Chicago's minimum wage for employers with four or more employees increased to $17.05 per hour, with an overtime rate of $25.58 per hour; tipped workers' minimum wage rose to $12.96 per hour, with overtime at $21.49 per hour.
- In Cook County, the minimum wage rose to $15.40 per hour for non-tipped employees and $9.25 per hour for tipped employees, while Illinois statewide minimum wages are $15 for non-tipped workers, $9 for tipped workers, and $13 for youths or those working less than 650 hours annually.
- Local workers like coffee barista Jillian Smith expressed relief at the wage increase, citing increased financial security despite ongoing concerns, while business owners like Jamie Key acknowledged the need to fairly compensate employees but highlighted challenges due to high labor costs.
- Workers emphasized that although the wage increase may not be transformative, it provides important support amid rising living costs and inflation, helping with essentials like groceries and rent.
