Cook County laws that reach small businesses
Four short guides to the county rules that add to federal and Illinois law for work and premises inside Cook County, and where they stop at the county line.
Prepared by Prem Tax and Accounting Corp. Last checked against official sources on October 29, 2026.
Cook County adds four sets of rules for work and premises inside the county: paid leave, a minimum wage, a business license for unincorporated areas and a human rights ordinance. The Commission on Human Rights enforces all but the license, which the County Department of Revenue issues.
DuPage, Kane, Will and Kendall counties generally follow state law, so a business there answers to federal and Illinois law plus any rules of its own town. Chicago and many suburbs have their own rules, so check your town before you apply a county rule.
Each guide says what applies only in Cook County. Where the County wage applies, it has been $15.40 an hour ($9.25 tipped) since July 1, 2026, against $15.00 ($9.00 tipped) in the Illinois law.
Cook County paid leave: what employers owe and when
The Cook County Paid Leave Ordinance in plain English: who it covers, 1 hour per 40 worked, the 90-day wait, records, penalties and what applies in Chicago.
Read →Cook County minimum wage: the July 1 rate and who pays it
Cook County's minimum wage in plain English: $15.40 and $9.25 tipped since July 1, 2026, who pays it, the yearly recalculation and Chicago and suburb rules.
Read →Do You Need a Cook County Business License?
Cheat sheet to the Cook County General Business License for unincorporated areas: who needs it, the $40 fee, penalties and a permit checklist for owners.
Read →Cook County Human Rights Ordinance: What Employers Should Know
Cheat sheet to the Cook County Human Rights Ordinance for employers: who it covers, 19 protected classes, the 180-day filing window and a hiring checklist.
Read →Common questions
Do these rules apply in DuPage, Kane, Will or Kendall?
Generally not. County ordinances reach work and premises inside Cook County, though a business based elsewhere can be reached for staff who work there. Those counties generally follow state law, and a town can set its own rules.
Does Chicago follow the County ordinances?
For minimum wage and paid leave, no. Chicago has its own ordinances, and the County law does not apply to work done in Chicago.
Do small employers owe the County minimum wage?
Generally the County and Illinois wage laws both cover employers with four or more employees. Some suburbs opted out of the County wage, so ask your town.
Official sources
- Cook County: Minimum Wage Ordinance and Regulations
- Cook County: Paid Leave Ordinance and Regulations
- Cook County Commission on Human Rights
- Cook County: General Business License
- Illinois Department of Labor: Minimum Wage Law
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