Illinois minimum wage
Minimum wage in Illinois, in effect since January 1, 2025
$15.00 an hour
That is $7.75 above the federal minimum of $7.25. Employers in Illinois pay the higher state rate.
Next increase: none announced as of October 9, 2026.
Tipped employees
Employers in Illinois can pay tipped employees a cash wage of $9.00 an hour, taking a tip credit of up to $6.00, as long as tips bring the employee to at least $15.00 for every hour worked. If they don't, the employer makes up the difference.
Youth and training wages
Workers under 18 may be paid $13.00 an hour for fewer than 650 hours worked for an employer in a calendar year; after 650 hours they must be paid $15.00.
Exceptions and details
- Employers may take a tip credit of up to 40% of the minimum wage (pay at least 60%, or $9.00 an hour).
- Employees 18 and older may be paid a 90-day training wage of $14.50 (non-tipped) or $9.00 (tipped, using the 40% credit).
- The state law applies to employers with 4 or more employees, excluding family members (DOL WHD state table).
- Chicago and Cook County set higher local minimum wages.
Cities and counties with a higher minimum wage
These places in Illinois set their own minimum wage. Employers there pay the local rate.
| Place | Minimum wage | Next change |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago | $17.05 | — |
| Cook County | $15.40 | — |
Common questions
- What is the minimum wage in Illinois?
- $15.00 an hour, in effect since January 1, 2025.
- What is the tipped minimum wage in Illinois?
- $9.00 an hour in cash wages, provided tips bring the employee up to $15.00 an hour.
- When does the Illinois minimum wage go up?
- No increase had been announced as of October 9, 2026.
- Do any cities or counties in Illinois have a higher minimum wage?
- Yes: Chicago ($17.05), Cook County ($15.40).
Running payroll in Illinois?
Recent changes
Last verified against the official source on October 9, 2026.
No changes recorded since we started tracking this page.
Sources
- Illinois Department of Labor, Fair Labor Standards Division · data as of January 1, 2025 · last checked October 9, 2026
We copy figures from official sources and re-check them against the source before every update. See our methodology. This is general information, not legal advice.