Rates verified and last updated on July 23, 2026
Illinois' minimum wage is $15.00 per hour, reached on January 1, 2025 as the final step of the 2019 increase law, with a tipped cash wage of $9.00 (60% of the full rate). Chicago and Cook County set higher local rates that adjust every July 1 — $17.05 and $15.40 respectively as of July 1, 2026. Workers under 18 who work fewer than 650 hours per year may be paid a youth rate of $13.00.
| Minimum wage | $15.00/hour (effective January 1, 2025) |
|---|---|
| Tipped minimum wage | $9.00/hour (plus tips to reach $15.00/hour) |
| Overtime | 1.5x after 40 hrs/week |
| Next scheduled increase | None currently scheduled |
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Weekly gross
$600.00
Monthly gross
$2,600.00
Annual gross
$31,200.00
Overtime is calculated at 1.5x the hourly rate. 1.5x after 40 hrs/week. Gross pay before taxes and deductions.
| Year | Minimum wage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $10.00/hour | $9.25 on Jan 1, then $10.00 on Jul 1 |
| 2021 | $11.00/hour | — |
| 2022 | $12.00/hour | — |
| 2023 | $13.00/hour | — |
| 2024 | $14.00/hour | — |
| 2025 | $15.00/hour | Final step of the 2019 law |
| 2026 | $15.00/hour | — |
Several local jurisdictions in Illinois set minimum wages above the statewide rate. Employers must pay the highest rate that applies to the work location.
| Jurisdiction | Minimum wage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago | $17.05/hour (tipped $12.96) | Effective Jul 1, 2026 for employers with 4+ employees; tip credit phasing out ~8%/year until parity in 2028 |
| Cook County (outside Chicago) | $15.40/hour (tipped $9.25) | Effective Jul 1, 2026; some suburbs have opted out of the county ordinance and follow the state rate |
The Illinois Minimum Wage Law requires 1.5x pay after 40 hours in a workweek; there is no daily overtime. The One Day Rest In Seven Act additionally guarantees most employees 24 consecutive hours of rest each workweek and meal breaks. Chicago's Fair Workweek ordinance adds scheduling-predictability rules for covered industries.
Illinois follows the federal FLSA exempt salary threshold of $684 per week ($35,568 per year) together with the federal duties tests. There is no separate, higher state threshold.
The enforced FLSA exempt salary threshold is $684 per week ($35,568 per year). The 2024 DOL rule that briefly raised it to $1,128 per week was vacated by federal courts in Texas in late 2024, and the DOL formally withdrew the rule on May 14, 2026, restoring the 2019 level.
Illinois' statewide minimum wage is $15.00 per hour in 2026. It reached $15.00 on January 1, 2025 and has no further scheduled state increases — future changes require new legislation. Chicago ($17.05) and Cook County ($15.40) are higher.
As of July 1, 2026, Chicago's minimum wage is $17.05 per hour for employers with four or more employees, with a tipped cash wage of $12.96. Chicago adjusts its rate every July 1 based on inflation, and its tip credit is being phased out entirely by 2028.
The Illinois tipped cash wage is $9.00 per hour — 60% of the $15.00 minimum. Employers may claim a 40% tip credit, but tips plus cash wages must reach $15.00 per hour. In Chicago the tipped wage is $12.96 and in suburban Cook County $9.25 as of July 1, 2026.
The state rate has no scheduled increases beyond $15.00. However, Chicago and Cook County adjust their higher local minimums every July 1, so employers in those jurisdictions see annual changes — most recently on July 1, 2026.
Yes, unless exempt. Illinois uses the federal FLSA threshold: salaried employees earning under $684 per week ($35,568 per year), or whose duties do not meet an exemption test, must be paid 1.5x after 40 hours in a workweek.
This page is provided for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. Wage and hour law changes frequently and can vary by city, county, industry, and employer size. Always confirm current requirements with the relevant government agency or a qualified employment attorney before making payroll decisions.
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