The Illinois minimum wage for 2026 is $15.00 per hour. Chicago and Cook County set higher local minimum wages.
The tipped cash wage is 60% of the minimum, or $9.00.
Wage rates for 2026
Overtime & premium pay
| Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Weekly | 40 hours (1.5x) |
Applies to employers with 4 or more employees, excluding family members.
Related labor laws in Illinois
Paid sick leave
Required. Illinois' Paid Leave for All Workers Act provides up to 40 hours of paid leave per year.
Overtime
Overtime is required after 40 hours (1.5x) in a week. Applies to employers with 4 or more employees, excluding family members.
Pay frequency & final paycheck
Rules for how often employees must be paid and when a final paycheck is due vary. Confirm the current requirements with the Illinois Department of Labor.
Meal & rest breaks
Whether a meal break or paid rest break is required, and whether that time is paid, follows Illinois and federal rules.
Time off to vote
Whether employees get time off to vote, and whether it is paid, is set by state election law.
Jury duty
Your job is protected during jury service. Whether the employer must pay you depends on the state.
Bereavement leave
Only six states require bereavement or funeral leave. Many employers offer it voluntarily.
Local minimum wages in Illinois
Several Illinois cities and counties set a minimum wage above the state rate. Employers must pay the higher local rate for work done there.