Commission on Human Rights

The Cook County Human Rights Ordinance prohibits people in Cook County from unlawfully discriminating against or harassing other people. 

It is prohibited to discriminate or harass on the basis of a person's race, traits associated with a person's race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective styles), color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income (including use of a Housing Choice Voucher), housing status, gender identity, criminal history, bodily autonomy, pregnancy status, ethnicity and caste.

The Cook County Minimum Wage Ordinance requires that all employers with employees in Cook County pay those employees not less than a minimum wage as determined annually by law.

As of January 1, 2025, the minimum wage in Cook County increased to $15.00 per hour for non-tipped employees. The minimum wage increased to $9.00 per hour for tipped employees.

The Cook County Paid Leave Ordinance requires that all employers with employees in Cook County provide those employees with paid leave. 

Beginning December 31, 2023, employees in Cook County can earn at least one (1) hour of paid leave for every 40 hours worked. 

The Cook County Living Wage Ordinance requires that all employees who contract with Cook County government to provide labor or who operate on property in Cook County that receives a Class 6B, Class 8 or Class 9 property tax incentive pay their employees not less than a living wage as determined annually by Cook County's Chief Financial Officer.

As of 2025, the living wage is $15.45 per hour with employer-provided healthcare benefits, and $19.32 per hour without.