Chicago Minimum Wage 2026
The minimum wage in Chicago, IL is $16.60/hr ($1.60 above the $15.00 Illinois state minimum). Chicago is phasing out its tipped subminimum wage; the tipped rate rises 8% each year until it matches the standard minimum in 2028.
Chicago vs. Illinois vs. federal
Chicago sets a higher floor than Illinois law ($15.00/hr statewide) and well above the federal minimum of $7.25/hr. When city, state, and federal minimums differ, employers must pay the highest rate for hours worked inside Chicago city limits. Workers earning at the Chicago minimum make $9.35 more per hour than the federal floor.
What this means for hiring in Chicago
A higher local wage means every hour of a bad hire costs more. The cost of replacing an hourly worker typically runs 30% of first-year wages, and in Chicago that number sits well above what it would be elsewhere in Illinois. That's why employers here are moving away from resume-only screening toward seeing real proof of skill before they bring someone on.
On Vetano, every candidate in Chicago is ID-verified and shows their skills on video before you ever see their profile, so you spend your Chicago minimum-wage hours on people who can actually do the job.
FAQ
What is the minimum wage in Chicago?+
$16.60 per hour as of 2026-07-26. Chicago is phasing out its tipped subminimum wage; the tipped rate rises 8% each year until it matches the standard minimum in 2028.
Is Chicago's minimum wage higher than Illinois's state minimum?+
Yes. Chicago requires $16.60/hr, compared to $15.00/hr statewide. The higher rate applies to work performed within city limits.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Chicago?+
$11.02 per hour. Employers must make up any shortfall if tips don't bring earnings to $16.60.
Is Chicago's minimum wage going up?+
No scheduled increases at this time.
Hiring hourly workers in Chicago?
Post a job on Vetano and reach ID-verified candidates in Chicago who show their skills on video. First 30 days free.
Free for talent to get hired. Talent Pro ($79/mo) is optional for gig work, and Vetano never takes a cut of what workers earn.
Other city minimum wages
Cities where the local minimum exceeds the state rate. Also see the full state wage index.