Minimum Wage in Illinois (IL)
The minimum wage in Illinois is $15.00 per hour , effective January 1, 2025. This is $7.75 (106.9%) above the federal minimum wage of $7.25. The tipped minimum wage is $9.00 per hour. Employers may pay tipped employees $9.00/hr in cash wages if tips bring total compensation to at least the minimum wage. Some cities in Illinois have higher local minimum wages, with Chicago at $16.20/hr. Illinois reached $15.00/hr in 2025. Tipped wage is 60% of minimum wage.
Minimum Wage by City in Illinois
Some cities in Illinois have enacted local minimum wage ordinances above the state rate. The table below shows minimum wages for 6 cities, sorted by rate. Workers should check whether their city has a local rate, as the highest applicable rate always applies.
| City | Minimum Wage | Annual (Full-Time) | vs. State Rate | vs. Federal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Local Rate | $16.20/hr | $33,696 | +$1.20 | +$8.95 |
| Springfield | $15.00/hr | $31,200 | Same | +$7.75 |
| Naperville | $15.00/hr | $31,200 | Same | +$7.75 |
| Rockford | $15.00/hr | $31,200 | Same | +$7.75 |
| Evanston | $15.00/hr | $31,200 | Same | +$7.75 |
| Cook County | $15.00/hr | $31,200 | Same | +$7.75 |
How Illinois Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Illinois with five states that have similar minimum wage rates. This comparison helps illustrate where Illinois stands nationally.
| State | Minimum Wage | Tipped Wage | Annual Full-Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois (IL) | $15.00/hr | $9.00/hr | $31,200 |
| Delaware (DE) | $15.00/hr | $2.23/hr | $31,200 |
| Maryland (MD) | $15.00/hr | $3.63/hr | $31,200 |
| Massachusetts (MA) | $15.00/hr | $6.75/hr | $31,200 |
| Rhode Island (RI) | $15.00/hr | $3.89/hr | $31,200 |
| Colorado (CO) | $14.81/hr | $11.79/hr | $30,805 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois Minimum Wage
What is the minimum wage in Illinois in 2026?
The minimum wage in Illinois is $15.00 per hour as of January 1, 2025. This is $7.75 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25. A full-time worker at this rate earns approximately $31,200 per year before taxes.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Illinois?
The tipped minimum wage in Illinois is $9.00 per hour. Employers can use a tip credit of $6.00/hr, paying tipped employees a cash wage of $9.00/hr, as long as tips bring total compensation to at least $15.00/hr.
Do any cities in Illinois have a higher minimum wage?
Yes. 1 city has a local minimum wage above the state rate. The highest is Chicago at $16.20/hr. When a city has a higher rate, employers must pay whichever rate is highest.
How much does a minimum wage worker earn per year in Illinois?
A full-time minimum wage worker in Illinois (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) earns approximately $31,200 per year before taxes. In Chicago, that figure rises to $33,696 per year. The federal minimum wage yields $15,080/year.
Find Your Exact Minimum Wage
Use our minimum wage lookup tool to find the exact rate for your specific city in Illinois, or browse all 50 states to compare minimum wages across the country. Remember: the highest applicable rate (federal, state, or local) always applies.