The state of Illinois has implemented a new minimum wage adjustment, effective January 1, 2025, as part of its ongoing commitment to improving working conditions and pay equity.
Here’s a clear and up-to-date breakdown of how much Illinois workers should earn this year based on their age, type of job, and special circumstances.
Minimum wage in Illinois for 2025
Illinois’ minimum wage for workers over the age of 18 is $15.00 per hour. This increase is part of a staggered plan implemented by the state since 2020 with the goal of achieving a living wage for all workers.
This salary applies to the majority of employees, regardless of employer size or sector of employment. In addition, any hours worked beyond 40 per week must be paid at time and a half, or $22.50 per hour.
Wages for Tipped Employees
Employers may pay a base wage of $9.00 per hour to tipped employees, such as waiters, bartenders, and hotel staff, as long as tips received cover the general minimum wage of $15.00 per hour.
If tips do not cover the difference, the employer is legally obligated to make up the difference. This measure aims to protect workers with variable incomes by ensuring that everyone receives at least the state minimum wage.
Salary for young employees
Workers under the age of 18 who work fewer than 650 hours per year receive a reduced minimum wage of $13.00 per hour. This exception primarily applies to part-time or seasonal jobs, such as those typically held by students over the summer or after school.
It is important to note that if a young worker works more than 650 hours per year, they will begin to receive the full minimum wage of $15.00 per hour.
Exceptions and Special Conditions
Certain employers in Illinois can apply for a license to pay less than the minimum wage to workers with disabilities or apprentices in training. Nonetheless, this practice is being phased out.
As part of a transition to more inclusive and equitable employment, the state will stop issuing licenses allowing people with disabilities to be paid less than the minimum wage on December 31, 2029.
Worker Rights in the United States
All employees in Illinois are entitled to the appropriate minimum wage, regardless of immigration status or company size. They must also receive their final pay, which includes wages, accrued vacation, and bonuses, on the next scheduled payday following termination of employment.
The Illinois Department of Labor provides hotlines and online resources for employees to file complaints or ask questions about their wages and working conditions.
The minimum wage in Illinois in 2025 reflects an effort to improve workers’ quality of life while also reducing wage inequality.
The state establishes a clear framework for employers and employees by mandating a minimum hourly wage of $15.00 for adults, $9.00 for tipped employees, and $13.00 for youth. Understanding these rights is critical to creating a fair and transparent work environment.
