Illinois minimum wage 2026–2027: $15.00 now
Illinois's minimum wage is $15.00 an hour, in force since January 1, 2025 – $7.75 more than the federal $7.25. No increase is scheduled: Illinois's rate is fixed in state law and changes only when the legislature or voters act.
Share
Illinois minimum wage pay calculator
Illinois minimum wage rates
| Who | Rate | From | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most workers (state rate) | $15.00 | January 1, 2025 | official |
| Tipped workers (cash wage) | $9.00 | now | official |
When does the Illinois minimum wage go up?
No increase is scheduled: Illinois's rate is fixed in state law and changes only when the legislature or voters act. Reached $15.00 on January 1, 2025 under the 2019 law; no automatic adjustment.
Tipped workers in Illinois
Employers may pay tipped workers a cash wage of $9.00 an hour and count up to 40% of the minimum wage ($6.00) of tips toward the minimum wage, as long as wages plus tips reach $15.00 for every hour; otherwise the employer pays the difference.
Who is covered, and who can be paid less
Employers with 4 or more employees, not counting family members. Workers under 18 who work fewer than 650 hours a year: $13.00. Jobs covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act never get less than $7.25.
City and county minimum wages in Illinois
These places set their own, higher rate; inside their limits it replaces the state rate.
| Place | Now | Next | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ChicagoEmployers with 4 or more employees; tipped workers $12.96 | $17.05since July 1, 2026 | – | city |
Illinois minimum wage history
On January 1, 2020 the Illinois minimum wage was $10.00; today it is $15.00 – up $5.00, or 50.0%.
| January 1 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $10.00 | $11.00 | $12.00 | $13.00 | $14.00 | $15.00 | $15.00 |
How Illinois compares
Illinois ranks tied 13th with 6 others of the 50 states and D.C. The average statewide minimum wage is $11.53; Illinois's $15.00 is $3.47 above it. Neighbors: Indiana $7.25, Iowa $7.25, Kentucky $7.25, Missouri $15.00, Wisconsin $7.25.
Overtime and pay rules
Overtime: Over 40 hours a week, at one and a half times the regular rate. A full-time week at the minimum wage pays $600.00; with 5 overtime hours it is $712.50.
Good to know
- Tipped workers may be paid 60% of the minimum wage ($9.00) in cash (Illinois Department of Labor).
- Illinois will stop issuing licenses to pay workers with disabilities below the minimum wage on December 31, 2029 (IDOL).
Where to get help
The minimum wage in Illinois is enforced by the Illinois Department of Labor; wage claims: labor.illinois.gov. The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division takes complaints in every state at 1-866-487-9243, and your name is kept confidential.
Illinois minimum wage questions
What is the minimum wage in Illinois right now?
$15.00 an hour for most adult workers. Illinois's minimum wage is $15.00 an hour, in force since January 1, 2025 – $7.75 more than the federal $7.25.
What will the Illinois minimum wage be in 2027?
It stays at $15.00 – no change is scheduled for 2027.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Illinois?
Employers may pay tipped workers a cash wage of $9.00 an hour and count up to 40% of the minimum wage ($6.00) of tips toward the minimum wage, as long as wages plus tips reach $15.00 for every hour; otherwise the employer pays the difference.
How much is the Illinois minimum wage per year?
At $15.00 an hour and 40 hours a week, $600.00 a week, about $2,600 a month and $31,200 a year before taxes.
Do cities in Illinois have a higher minimum wage?
Yes. Chicago: $17.05. Inside those limits the local rate applies.
Where do I report unpaid minimum wage in Illinois?
With the Illinois Department of Labor – or with the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (1-866-487-9243). Keep your pay stubs and a record of your hours.
Other states
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division – State Minimum Wage Laws, Consolidated Minimum Wage Table and Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees (July 1, 2026 editions), the DOL's history table, and each state's and city's own labor department pages, linked on every state page. Checked October 16, 2026. Rates are for most adult, non-exempt workers; some jobs, industries and employers are exempt or have other rates. This is general information, not legal advice – the state labor department has the final word.