Chicago sets its own minimum wage under MCC Ch. 1-24, reaching $16.20 per hour in July 2024 with annual CPI indexing. The rate exceeds Illinois's state floor and applies separately from Cook County.
Municipal Code of Chicago Ch. 1-24 requires employers with employees performing at least two hours of work per two-week period inside city limits to pay the city minimum wage. As of July 1, 2024, the standard rate is $16.20 per hour, with tipped workers at $11.02 plus tips that must reach the full wage. Rates index annually each July to the Consumer Price Index, capped at 2.5%. The Office of Labor Standards inside the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) enforces compliance. Chicago's rate operates separately from Cook County's parallel ordinance and from the lower Illinois state minimum.
Civil fines of $500 to $1,000 per offense per affected worker, plus three times the underpaid wages as restitution under MCC 1-24-110. Repeat violations risk license revocation and additional retaliation penalties.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Chicago, IL
Chicago Building Code Chapter 13-196 requires approved smoke alarms in every residential unit: at least one on each story (including basement), within 15 fee...
Chicago, IL
Chicago has no ordinance specific to residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations. Landmark Commission approval is required only for perma...
Chicago, IL
Chicago has no ordinance specific to residential holiday inflatables. Inflator-motor noise after hours is enforced under MCC Section 8-32 (noise), and sidewa...
Chicago, IL
Chicago has no ordinance regulating residential holiday light display windows or brightness. Property maintenance complaints are handled under MCC Section 13...
Chicago, IL
Chicago requires Department of Buildings permits for outdoor kitchens with gas piping, electrical wiring, or plumbing under MCC Chapter 14A. Trade work must ...
Chicago, IL
Chicago has no ordinance specifically regulating residential smokers or wood-fired ovens. Smoke nuisance is enforced under Chicago Municipal Code Section 11-...
See how Chicago's minimum wage preemption rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.