Business & Work

The minimum wage is the lowest hourly rate employers are allowed to pay their employees. If you earn less than minimum wage, you may be entitled to recover the difference that is owed to you. There are federal, state, and local laws about minimum wage.

Minimum wage laws

Federal

Since July 24, 2009, the federal minimum wage has been $7.25 per hour.

Illinois

On January 1, 2025, the minimum wage in Illinois increased to $15 per hour and $9 per hour for tipped workers. This is the minimum wage for workers 18 years and older, or workers under 18 who work more than 650 hours in a calendar year. 

For workers 17 years old and younger who work less than 650 hours in a calendar year, the minimum wage is $13 per hour.

Here are some things to know about minimum wage: 

• Tipped employees must be paid minimum wage, but employers may take up to 40% credit for tips out of the employee’s wages.
• Employers may apply for licenses to pay less than minimum wage to certain workers with disabilities. In 2025, Illinois passed the Dignity in Pay Act. Under the act, employers will no longer be able to pay less than minimum wage to workers with disabilities, starting on December 31, 2029. Learn more on the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities website.
• Employers must pay overtime if an employee works more than 40 hours in a week. The rate for overtime pay is time and a half of the employee's regular pay rate.
• For more information, see the Illinois Department of Labor's page on the Illinois Minimum Wage Law, as well as their Frequently Asked Questions page. Download the "Your Rights Under Illinois Employment Laws" poster that should be posted where employees can see it. Employers with remote workers must make this available electronically, either by email or on their website.
• Learn more about the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, and other standards for workers.

Cook County

Starting January 1, 2025, the minimum wage in Cook County (excluding the City of Chicago) is $15 per hour and $9 per hour for tipped employees. For more information, see the Cook County Minimum Wage Ordinance. 

The Cook County Minimum Wage Ordinance does not apply to the City of Chicago. Chicago has a separate minimum wage ordinance, as explained below. 

Chicago

As of July 1, 2025, the minimum wage in Chicago is $16.60 per hour and $12.62 per hour for tipped workers. The minimum wage for youth workers is $16.50 per hour and $12.54 per hour for tipped workers. The Chicago minimum wage applies to employers with four or more workers. If you are a tipped worker and your wages and tips do not add up to at least the full minimum wage, your employer must make up the difference.

For more information, see the City of Chicago's page on the Minimum Wage Ordinance. 

Can I be fired for asking about the minimum wage?

No. It is illegal for your employer to fire or retaliate against you in any way for asking about minimum wages.

If you feel you have been retaliated against for asking or complaining about wages, you should:

• Contact the Illinois Department of Labor,
• Contact the US Department of Labor, or
• Speak with a lawyer.  

If you feel the issue might be because of illegal discrimination, you should:

• Contact the Illinois Department of Human Rights,
• Contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), or
• Speak with a lawyer.

In Chicago, you can file a complaint by calling 311, using CHI 311, or by filling out a Complaint Form.