Department of Economic Inclusion

Cincinnati Municipal Code Chapter 317, as amended July 1, 2016, ordains a “living wage” for contractors and subcontractors providing services to the City of Cincinnati under non-professional services contracts equal to or greater than $20,000.  Among other things, the purpose of the establishment of minimum living wage rates is to encourage the development of jobs paying wages above the poverty level, to raise the income of low-income working people employed by covered employers on city contracts, and to provide incentives for covered employers to provide health insurance to their employees.  Those rates are adjusted on an annual basis.

Effective April 30, 2018, the adjusted living wage rates for contracts executed PRIOR to July 1, 2016 are as follows:

• $12.11/hr. – For employees whose employer PROVIDES family health care benefits; and
• $13.66/hr. – For employees whose employer DOES NOT provide health care benefits.

Effective April 30, 2018, the adjusted living wage rates for contracts executed or amended ON OR AFTER July 1, 2016 are as follows:

• $12.13/hr. – Employees of covered employers who work fewer than 1500 hours on an annual basis on a single City contract and employer PROVIDES health benefits;
• $13.68/hr. – Employees of covered employers who work fewer than 1500 hours on an annual basis on a single City contract and employer DOES NOT provide health benefits
• $15.52/hr. – Employees of covered employers who work 1500 hours or more on an annual basis on a single City contract.

Questions about living wage should be directed to the Department of Economic Inclusion at (513) 352-3144 or DEI@cincinnati-oh.gov.