For some, Chicago minimum wage reaches $15 per hour threshold

In Nov. 2019, when Chicago decided to raise its minimum wage to $15 per hour in stages, its end goal seemed a long way off. However, that day has finally arrived. Starting July 1, 2021, the minimum wage increased to $15 per hour for those Chicago employees who work for employers with more than 21 employees. For employees working for smaller Chicago employers with 4-20 employees, the minimum wage increased to $14 per hour. Workers employed for very small businesses with less than four employees are eligible for the Illinois minimum wage of $11 per hour.

The minimum wage for Chicago’s tipped employees whose employers utilize the tip credit also increased on July 1. The minimum wage increased to $9 per hour for Chicago tipped employees working for businesses with more than 20 employees. For tipped employees working for smaller employers with 4-20 employees, the minimum wage increased to $8.40 per hour.

As a reminder, Chicago employers are required to update their posters and provide written notice to their employees with their first paychecks issued after July 1.

Should you have any questions concerning Chicago’s latest minimum wage increases, we encourage you to contact one of Chuhak & Tecson, P.C.’s Employment Practice attorneys.

For more information contact Ryan Haas (312 855 4614), principal and general counsel.

This Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. communication is intended only to provide information regarding developments in the law and information of general interest. It is not intended to constitute advice regarding legal problems and should not be relied upon as such.