Illinois sets a $15 statewide minimum wage under the Minimum Wage Law and permits home rule cities like Chicago to require higher local wages for covered employees.
The Illinois Minimum Wage Law (820 ILCS 105) raised the state minimum to $15 per hour effective January 1, 2025, with a tipped credit and youth subminimum. Section 105/4 expressly does not preempt local minimum wage ordinances. Chicago's Minimum Wage and Paid Sick Leave Ordinance and Cook County's Minimum Wage Ordinance set higher rates within those jurisdictions. Wage theft is enforceable under the Wage Payment and Collection Act (820 ILCS 115). Non-home-rule municipalities are limited to state floor rates absent specific authority.
Employers underpaying wages owe damages of triple the underpayment plus 5 percent monthly interest, attorney fees, and Department of Labor administrative penalties.
See how Pekin's minimum wage preemption rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.