All states / Illinois
Illinois Minimum Wage (2026)
At a glance
| Hourly (2026) | $15.00 |
| Hourly (2025) | $15.00 |
| vs federal ($7.25) | +$7.75/hr higher |
Local minimum wages in Illinois
These cities and counties set their own rates. Employers must pay the highest applicable rate. Many update on July 1 rather than January 1.
| City / County | Rate | Effective | Small employer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | $17.05 | 2026-07-01 | — |
| Cook County | $15.40 | 2026-07-01 | — |
FAQ
What is the minimum wage in Illinois in 2026?
$15.00 per hour for 2026. Some cities set higher local rates.
How much is $15.00/hour per year?
Working full-time (40 hours/week, 52 weeks), that's $31,200 per year before taxes, about $2,600 per month. Calculate your own hours: /tools/hourly-salary-calculator/?rate=15.
Which rate applies if city and state minimum wages differ?
Employers must pay the highest of federal, state, and local rates for work performed in that jurisdiction.
Wage history (2019–2026)
Tipped employees in Illinois
Federal law (FLSA) allows a "tip credit": employers pay a lower cash wage ($9.00 here) as long as cash wage + tips reach at least the full minimum wage ($15.00). If tips fall short, the employer must make up the difference.
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor · Illinois labor department · NCSL. Verified 2026-09-09. Overtime rules by state → · 2027 increases →