Tipped & Minimum Wage in Cook County, Illinois (2026)
Cook County, Illinois sets its own local minimum wage of $15.40/hour in 2026. Tipped workers — see the local rules and how much to tip below.
By The TipFig Editorial Team · independent editorial research project
Local Minimum-Wage Law in Cook County
Local Min
$15.40/hr
Tipped Cash Wage
$9.25/hr
Max Tip Credit
$6.15/hr
Tip Credit?
Yes
Unincorporated Cook County; effective July 1, 2026 (non-tipped $15.40; tipped $9.25).
Source: Cook County, Illinois — Minimum Wage Ordinance
Standard Tip Percentages in Cook County
Restaurants
15–20%
Delivery
15–20%
Rideshare
15–20%
Bars
$1–2/drink
Hotel
$2–5/night
Salon/Spa
15–20%
These percentages are general U.S. etiquette norms. In Cook County, the tipped cash wage is lower than the full minimum, so tips are a core part of server income — 15–20% on the pre-tax subtotal is the expected norm.
Calculate tips with Cook County's tax built in
Our calculators apply the 8.25% combined Illinois rate automatically — your tip stays on the pre-tax subtotal.
Tip Calculator for Cook County, Illinois
Enter your bill — Illinois's 8.25% sales tax is applied automatically and your tip stays on the pre-tax subtotal.
Results
Bill Breakdown
Tip is calculated on the pre-tax amount. Adjust state for accurate tax rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in Cook County, Illinois in 2026?
As of 2026-08-29, Cook County has its own local minimum wage of $15.40/hour. Unincorporated Cook County; effective July 1, 2026 (non-tipped $15.40; tipped $9.25). Tipped employees are paid a cash wage of $9.25/hour (employer may claim a tip credit of up to $6.15/hour). Source: Cook County, Illinois — Minimum Wage Ordinance.
Does Cook County have its own minimum wage or follow Illinois state law?
Cook County sets its own local minimum wage ($15.40/hour in 2026), which is higher than the Illinois state rate of $15.00/hour. Employers must pay the higher local rate for work performed in Cook County.
What is the tipped minimum wage and tip credit in Cook County?
In Cook County, the tipped cash wage is $9.25/hour and employers may take a tip credit of up to $6.15/hour, for a combined cash-plus-tip minimum of $15.40/hour (local). If tips don't bring the employee to the minimum, the employer must make up the difference.
How much should I tip in Cook County?
Like the rest of the U.S., Cook County follows national tipping norms — tip 15–20% on the pre-tax subtotal at restaurants, bars, and for delivery and rideshare, not the 8.25% combined sales tax. In Illinois, tipped workers already earn at least $15.40/hour, yet 15–20% remains the customary gratuity because tips supplement take-home pay.
Other Illinois Cities
More State Guides
Local minimum-wage figures for Cook County are from Cook County, Illinois — Minimum Wage Ordinance (retrieved 2026-08-29). Minimum wages change frequently; verify with the local agency before making wage or payroll decisions. Tip percentages are general etiquette guidelines, not legal advice. Sales-tax rates are approximate combined state + local averages.