Illinois · Checked October 25, 2026
Illinois minimum wage, overtime and final paycheck rules
The Illinois minimum wage is $15.00 an hour. Next: no increase scheduled.
Minimum wage
Illinois: $15.00 an hour. Chicago and Cook County are higher.
No change is scheduled as of October 25, 2026.
Tipped employees
Lowest cash wage before tips: $9.00. Tips plus the cash wage must reach at least the full minimum wage each workweek, or the employer makes up the difference.
Overtime
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek, the federal rule. Illinois does not add a daily overtime rule.
Final paycheck
| Fired or laid off | At separation if possible, and no later than the next payday |
|---|---|
| Quits | Same as if fired |
| Law | 820 ILCS 115/5 |
Take-home pay in Illinois
See what a paycheck looks like after federal and Illinois taxes with the Illinois paycheck calculator.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Labor, Consolidated State Minimum Wage Table (July 1, 2026)
- U.S. Department of Labor, Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees (July 1, 2026)
- Final pay: Nolo, Final Paycheck Laws by State (statute citations listed per state)
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in Illinois?
$15.00 an hour as of October 25, 2026. Chicago and Cook County are higher.
Is the Illinois minimum wage going up in 2027?
No increase is scheduled as of October 25, 2026.
When is a final paycheck due in Illinois?
If fired or laid off: at separation if possible, and no later than the next payday. If the employee quits: same as if fired.
These are summaries of state law for general information, not legal advice. Cities and counties can set higher minimums, and special rules cover minors, trainees, farm work and some industries. Check with the state labor department before you make a pay decision.