# Labor Rights in Illinois

[Labor rights by state](/labor-rights/)

Illinois is the most protective state in this group: a $15 minimum wage, paid leave for any reason under the Paid Leave for All Workers Act, mandated meal periods and a weekly day of rest, and a constitutional ban on right-to-work laws. Chicago workers get even higher local minimums.

Data last verified 2026-10-12

## Workplace rights in Illinois at a glance

  Minimum wage (2026)$15.00 statewide, with no further statutory increases scheduled. Chicago and some other localities set higher rates adjusted each July 1; the highest applicable rate wins.Tipped minimum wage (2026)$9.00 cash wage (60% of the minimum, with a $6.00 tip credit). Wages plus tips must reach $15.00 per hour, with the employer covering any shortfall. Chicago is phasing out its tip credit under the One Fair Wage ordinance.Overtime1.5x the regular rate after 40 hours in a workweek for employers with 4 or more employees. No daily overtime.Paid sick leaveIllinois has no traditional sick-leave mandate, but the Paid Leave for All Workers Act (effective 2024) requires nearly all employers to provide 1 hour of paid leave per 40 hours worked, up to 40 hours per 12-month period, usable for any reason with no documentation required.Paid family and medical leaveNo state program.Meal breaks20-minute meal period for every 7.5 continuous hours worked, beginning no later than 5 hours into the shift, plus an additional 20-minute period for every additional 4.5 continuous hours (One Day Rest in Seven Act). Employees also get 24 hours of rest in every consecutive 7-day period.Rest breaksNo dedicated paid rest-break requirement, but employers must provide reasonable restroom breaks under ODRISA.Right-to-work lawNoAt-will employmentimplied contract, public policyFinal paycheckDue at the time of separation if possible, but no later than the next regular payday (820 ILCS 115/5).

## How Illinois compares to federal law

Illinois sets a minimum wage above the federal floor of $7.25 an hour, so the state rate is what most employers must pay. Overtime follows the federal Fair Labor Standards Act: time-and-a-half after 40 hours in a workweek.

## Neighboring states

- [**Wisconsin**$7.25 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.](/labor-rights/wisconsin/)
- [**Iowa**$7.25 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.](/labor-rights/iowa/)
- [**Missouri**$15.00 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work no.](/labor-rights/missouri/)
- [**Indiana**$7.25 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.](/labor-rights/indiana/)

[Compare all 50 states and DC side by side](/labor-rights/)

Workplace laws change. This summary reflects state law as verified on 2026-10-12; confirm details with your state labor department before acting on it.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the minimum wage in Illinois in 2026?

$15.00 per hour statewide, with no further increases scheduled. Chicago and some other localities set higher rates, so check your work location; the highest applicable rate wins.

### Do I get paid time off in Illinois even if I am not sick?

Yes. The Paid Leave for All Workers Act gives most Illinois employees 1 hour of paid leave for every 40 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year, usable for any reason without providing documentation.

### Am I entitled to a meal break in Illinois?

Yes. Under the One Day Rest in Seven Act, employees working 7.5 continuous hours get a 20-minute meal period starting no later than 5 hours into the shift, plus 24 hours of rest in every 7-day period.

### How fast must Illinois employers pay my final wages?

At the time of separation if possible, but no later than the next regular payday.