Current Minimum Wage in Illinois
The minimum wage in Illinois is $15.00 per hour as of 2026. This is $7.75 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr.
Wage Breakdown
| Pay Period | Gross Pay | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly | $15.00 | 1 |
| Daily (8 hours) | $120 | 8 |
| Weekly | $600 | 40 |
| Biweekly | $1,200 | 80 |
| Monthly | $2,600 | ~173 |
| Annual | $31,200 | 2,080 |
Tipped Employee Wage
Tipped workers in Illinois can be paid a cash wage of $9.00/hr, with the expectation that tips make up the difference to the full $15.00/hr minimum. If tips don't bring total compensation to the minimum wage, the employer must make up the difference.
Scheduled Increases
Reached $15.00 in Jan 2025. Chicago: $16.20 (large employers).
Living Wage vs. Minimum Wage
Federal Poverty Line (single)
$15,060/year
Minimum wage is $16,140 above poverty line
Estimated Living Wage (IL)
~$15.88/hr
Based on cost of living index (93.4)
Cost of Living Context
Illinois's cost of living index is 93.4 (national average = 100). This means living in Illinois is 6.6% cheaper than the national average. The median hourly wage in Illinois is $22.68/hr, which is 51% above the minimum wage.
Key Facts
Reached $15/hr goal. Chicago has a higher local minimum. Tipped workers earn 60% of standard minimum.
How This Compares
| Metric | IL | Federal | Highest (WA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Wage | $15.00 | $7.25 | $16.66 |
| Tipped Wage | $9.00 | $2.13 | $16.66 |
| Annual (FT) | $31,200 | $15,080 | $34,653 |
Useful Resources
Illinois Average Salary
Median income and top employers in IL
Illinois Tax Rates
Income, sales & property tax in IL
Salary Calculator
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