The minimum wage in Illinois increased from $12 per hour to $13 per hour on January 1, 2023. Wages for tipped workers and workers under the age of 18 also went up.
The wage boost is part of an annual increase that will continue through 2025.
New minimum wages
The minimum wage for tipped workers in 2023 is $7.80 per hour. However, when combined with tips, tipped workers must still make at least $13 per hour or their employers must make up the difference. The minimum wage for workers under the age of 18 who work fewer than 650 hours per year is $10.50 per hour.
Employers who must pay the state minimum wage
Illinois law requires employers with more than three employees to pay at least the state minimum wage. Federal law requires employers that earn more than $500,000 per year and participate in interstate commerce to pay at least the federal minimum wage, which is currently $7.25 per hour. However, some industries and companies are exempt from minimum wage laws or have a separate minimum, such as the minimum for tipped workers. Some cities have established minimum wage laws that require a higher rate than the state or federal minimums.
Illinois employers may pay workers who are in training up to $0.50 less per hour for the first 90 days of employment. Employers may also apply for a license to pay certain disabled workers less than minimum wage.
Workers who received less than the required minimum wage from an employer may be able to file a claim for unpaid wages.
