Chicago’s Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection recently announced that the city’s minimum wage for various employers will increase per the Minimum Wage Ordinance (Ordinance), effective July 1, 2022.

The minimum wage for July 1, 2022 will increase to:

• $14.50 per hour for Small Employers (employers with 4-20 employees); and

• $15.40 per hour for Larger Employers (employers with 21 or more employees).

While the minimum wage for Small Employers is fixed per the Ordinance until 2023, the minimum wage for Larger Employers increases annually according to the Consumer Price Index or 2.5%, whichever is lower.  Employers should ensure timely compliance with the Ordinance by setting the appropriate minimum wages by July 1.