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What is the minimum wage in Illinois?

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: 2026-04-30

Illinois minimum wage is governed by the Illinois Minimum Wage Law, 820 ILCS 105/1-105/15.

1. Statewide Rate (2025)

  • $15.00/hour as of January 1, 2025 — completing the phase-in established by P.A. 101-0001 (the "Lifting Up Illinois Working Families Act") signed in 2019.
  • Phase-in history: $9.25 (2020) → $10.00 → $11.00 → $12.00 → $13.00 → $14.00 → $15.00 (2025).

    • 2. Youth Minimum

    Workers under 18 who work fewer than 650 hours per calendar year may be paid $13.00/hour (2025) — 820 ILCS 105/4(a).

    3. Tipped Minimum

    Tipped employees may receive a cash wage of 60% of the minimum wage = $9.00/hour (2025), provided tips bring them to at least $15.00. Employer must make up any shortfall (820 ILCS 105/4(c)).

    4. Local Minimums

  • Chicago: $16.20/hour as of July 1, 2024 — for employers with 4+ employees. Tipped wage in Chicago is being phased up to eliminate the tip credit by July 1, 2028 (Ord. 2023-O-23). As of 2025, Chicago tipped minimum is approximately $11.02 (rising annually).
  • Cook County (unincorporated): $14.05 (July 1, 2024) — note Cook County's increase trails Chicago and many municipalities have opted out.

    • Where local rates differ, the higher applies.

    5. Overtime

    Illinois follows 40-hour/week standard: 1.5x after 40 hours/week (820 ILCS 105/4a). No daily OT. Illinois requires a One Day Rest in Seven Act (820 ILCS 140) — at least 24 consecutive hours of rest each calendar week.

    6. Exemptions

    Federal FLSA exemptions apply (executive, administrative, professional, computer, outside sales) using the $684/week salary minimum. Agricultural workers and certain seasonal employees have limited exemptions.

    7. Enforcement

  • Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) investigates wage claims.
  • Private right of action under 820 ILCS 105/12: unpaid wages + 5% per month damages + attorney's fees + costs.
  • 3-year statute of limitations.

    • 8. Equal Pay Act

    Illinois's Equal Pay Act (820 ILCS 112) prohibits paying women less than men for substantially similar work; large employers (100+ employees) must obtain Equal Pay Registration Certificates.

    This is legal information, not legal advice.

    When to Talk to a Lawyer
    • Your Chicago employer underpays you below the city minimum
    • Your employer takes the tip credit but tips don't bring you to $15
    • You're owed unpaid wages plus 5%/month damages under § 12
    Related Statutes & Laws
    • 820 ILCS 105/4
    • 820 ILCS 105/12
    • 820 ILCS 140
    • 820 ILCS 112
    • Chicago Mun. Code § 1-24

    This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.