ILIllinois pay rules
Minimum wage $15.00. Overtime after 40 hours in a week. If you are fired, your last check is due at the time of separation if possible, and no later than the next regular payday.
Illinois minimum wage$15.00 now
Illinois overtime lawsWeekly overtime after 40 hours
Illinois final paycheck lawFired: at the time of separation if possible, and no later than the next regular payday
Illinois PTO payout lawPayout required by law
| Rule | Illinois | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage | $15.00 an hour since January 1, 2025. No change planned. Chicago and Cook County set higher rates. | read the rulechecked October 29, 2026 |
| Cash pay if you get tips | At least $9.00 an hour. Tips may make up the rest, up to $6.00. Tip credit is 40% of the minimum wage. Chicago is phasing out its tip credit. | read the rulechecked October 29, 2026 |
| Overtime | 1.5x after 40 hours in a work week. No daily overtime. | 820 ILCS 105/4achecked October 29, 2026 |
| Last check if fired | At the time of separation if possible, and no later than the next regular payday, including your unused vacation | 820 ILCS 115/5checked October 29, 2026 |
| Last check if you quit | At the time of separation if possible, and no later than the next regular payday | 820 ILCS 115/5checked October 29, 2026 |
| If the last check is late | Wage Payment and Collection Act: 5% of the underpayment per month plus fees if you file a wage complaint. | 820 ILCS 115/5checked October 29, 2026 |
| Unused vacation when you leave | Must be paid out. Earned but unused vacation must be paid when you leave the job unless a written agreement says otherwise. | 820 ILCS 115/5checked October 29, 2026 |
| Meal break | 20-minute meal period, starting no later than 5 hours into the shift, for 7.5 or more continuous hours. | read the rulechecked October 29, 2026 |
| Rest break | No general paid rest period (hotel room attendants in large counties excepted). | read the rulechecked October 29, 2026 |
These rules cover the whole state. Cities and industries with their own rules are noted in the table. Checked October 29, 2026. Next check: January 1, 2027.