Hiring Chef in Chicago: Local Wage Laws and Hiring Checklist

Hiring Chef in Chicago: Local Wage Laws and Hiring Checklist: Key Takeaways

Chicago’s minimum wage reaches $16.60 per hour for employers with 4+ employees as of July 1, 2025.
Tipped employees’ subminimum wage is being phased out by 2028, increasing 8% annually from July 2024.
The Fair Workweek Ordinance requires predictable scheduling and compensation for restaurant workers earning ≤$32.60/hour or $62,561.90 annually.

Hiring a chef in Chicago requires understanding unique local wage laws and following a strategic hiring checklist to find skilled talent.

Complying with wage regulations and utilizing effective recruitment techniques ensures a smooth hiring process and workplace fairness.

Need a deeper playbook? Read how to hire a top chef.

1. Understanding Chicago Local Wage Laws for Hiring Chefs

When hiring a chef in Chicago, it’s critical to comply with the city’s evolving wage laws to avoid penalties and attract quality candidates.

Minimum Wage Requirements

As of July 1, 2025, the minimum wage for employers with four or more employees is set at $16.60 per hour. This rate applies regardless of industry and ensures a fair base salary for chefs and kitchen staff. For broader context, review wages compared by state.

Tipped Employee Wage Phasing

Chicago is gradually eliminating the subminimum wage for tipped workers. From July 1, 2024, the base pay for tipped employees will increase by 8% each year until 2028, when tipped employees will receive the full minimum wage. This impacts chefs who earn tips as part of their compensation, requiring employers to adjust pay accordingly. If you hire tipped roles, see how to post jobs for tipped employees.

Fair Workweek Ordinance Overview

The Fair Workweek Ordinance protects restaurant employees by mandating predictable schedules and compensation for last-minute schedule changes. It applies to food service workers earning up to $32.60/hour or $62,561.90 annually. As a chef, you must factor this regulation into your scheduling policies to remain compliant. Support compliant postings with job posting compliance guidance.

2. Comprehensive Hiring Checklist for Chefs in Chicago

Following a structured checklist ensures you select the best chef while complying with Chicago’s regulations.

Define Job Requirements

Start by clearly outlining the chef’s job responsibilities, required skills, and experience levels. Specify cuisine expertise, leadership abilities, and operational duties to attract well-suited candidates. Use a chef job description as a template.

Utilize Multiple Recruitment Channels

Post the position on culinary-specific job boards like Culinary Agents, Poached, and RestaurantZone. Additionally, leverage social media platforms and your professional network to widen your reach and discover strong contenders.

Ready to list an opening? Post a chef job in minutes.

Screen Candidates Effectively

Conduct interviews to assess technical skills, leadership qualities, and cultural fit. Ask targeted questions such as "How do you manage food costs while maintaining quality?" or "Describe a kitchen crisis you handled." These reveal problem-solving and management capability. Leverage these chef interview questions to probe skills.

For second-in-command roles, tailor your sous chef interview questions.

Conduct Practical Assessment

Arrange a "stage" or working interview allowing candidates to demonstrate their culinary skills in your kitchen. Evaluate their timing, food preparation technique, cleanliness, teamwork, and dish presentation to ensure they meet your standards.

Verify References

Contact previous employers or supervisors to confirm candidate reliability, performance, and leadership traits. Valid references can help reduce hiring risks and validate your choice.

Offer Competitive Compensation

Ensure that salary offers meet or exceed Chicago’s minimum wage and consider the candidate’s expertise. Include benefits such as health insurance, professional growth opportunities, and flexible hours to attract and retain top talent.

3. Best Practices for Hiring Chefs in Chicago

Beyond the basics, include additional steps to enhance your hiring success.

Maintain compliance with wage and scheduling laws to foster trust and avoid fines.
Communicate clearly with candidates about pay structures and benefits.
Keep detailed documentation of interview notes, assessments, and offer letters.

Hiring for senior roles? Prepare with executive chef interview questions.

4. Official Resources for Hiring Chefs in Chicago

Use these authoritative sources for up-to-date wage and labor regulations:

Hiring Chef in Chicago: Local Wage Laws and Hiring Checklist: Conclusion

Hiring a chef in Chicago means navigating local wage laws like the increasing minimum wage and the Fair Workweek Ordinance while following a detailed hiring checklist.

By clearly defining job requirements, conducting thorough interviews and practical assessments, verifying references, and offering competitive compensation, employers can find skilled chefs who thrive.

Staying informed through official resources ensures compliance and builds a positive work environment for your kitchen team.

01. What is the minimum wage for chefs in Chicago starting July 2025?

From July 1, 2025, chefs and other employees in Chicago working for employers with four or more employees must be paid a minimum wage of $16.60 per hour.

02. How is the tipped employee wage changing in Chicago?

The subminimum wage for tipped employees is being phased out by 2028, with an 8% annual increase starting July 2024 until tipped workers receive the full minimum wage.

03. What protections does the Fair Workweek Ordinance provide?

The ordinance requires predictable schedules and compensation for schedule changes for food service workers earning up to $32.60/hour or $62,561.90 annually, aiming to protect workers from last-minute scheduling.

04. What is included in a comprehensive hiring checklist for chefs?

It includes defining job requirements, using multiple recruitment channels, screening candidates, conducting practical assessments, verifying references, and offering competitive compensation.

05. Where can employers find official resources on wage laws in Chicago?

Employers can consult the City of Chicago Minimum Wage Information page, the Fair Workweek Ordinance page, and Cook County's Minimum Wage Ordinance website for the latest regulations.