Overview

• On July 1 tipped workers’ hourly wage will increase from $11.02 to $12.62, while Chicago’s full minimum wage rises to $16.60 under the One Fair Wage schedule.
• Mayor Brandon Johnson said he remains “crystal clear” in his commitment to phase out the subminimum wage and bring tipped pay to parity by 2028.
• The Illinois Restaurant Association reported more than 100 closures since 2024 and urged City Council to pause the scheduled raises.
• Ald. Bennett Lawson’s motion to overturn the pay bumps has been delayed by Johnson allies, and Ald. Michael Rodriguez pledged to oppose any repeal effort.
• One Fair Wage data shows Chicago tipped employees have seen a 49 percent income increase since 2021, the largest gain in the country.