Illinois Minimum Wage in 2026: $15 an Hour
The minimum wage in Illinois is $15 an hour since January 1, 2025, $7.75 above the federal minimum. Full time that is $31,200 a year before tax.
Illinois minimum wage at a glance
| Minimum wage | $15 an hour |
|---|---|
| In effect since | January 1, 2025 |
| Next change | None announced |
| Tipped cash wage | $9 an hour |
| Overtime rate | $22.50 an hour |
| Federal minimum | $7.25 an hour |
The state minimum applies to employers with 4 or more employees, and Chicago's local minimum is $17.05 from July 1, 2026.
What $15 an hour pays
| A week (40 hours) | $600 |
|---|---|
| A 50-hour week with overtime | $825 |
| A month | $2,600 |
| A year | $31,200 |
| Take-home a year (single) | $25,850 |
Illinois and its neighbors
For employers in Illinois
- Pay at least $15 an hour; a higher city or county rate applies where it exists.
- Overtime: time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek.
- Pay transparency: Postings must include the pay scale (wage or salary, or range) and a general description of benefits and other compensation such as bonuses or stock options, either in the posting or through one hyperlink. Details →
- A full-time hire at $15 an hour costs more than $31,200 once payroll taxes and insurance are added. Employee cost calculator →
Source: labor.illinois.gov, checked October 12, 2026. General information, not legal advice.
Minimum wage in other states
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District of Columbia
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in Illinois in 2026?
$15 an hour, since January 1, 2025. The state minimum applies to employers with 4 or more employees, and Chicago's local minimum is $17.05 from July 1, 2026.
How much is the Illinois minimum wage a year?
$31,200 a year for 40 hours a week, 52 weeks: $2,600 a month or $600 a week before tax. After federal and state taxes a single filer takes home about $25,850 a year.
Is the Illinois minimum wage going up?
No increase has been announced yet. Check back after the state publishes next year's rate.
What is overtime pay at minimum wage in Illinois?
$22.50 an hour (time and a half) for hours over 40 in a workweek. A 50-hour week at minimum wage pays $825.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Illinois?
Employers may pay tipped workers a cash wage of $9 an hour if tips bring them up to $15; if not, the employer must pay the difference.
Do cities in Illinois have a higher minimum wage?
Not that we list. If your city or county sets its own minimum wage, the higher rate applies where the work is done.
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