Labor Rights in Illinois
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. |
| Overtime | 1.5x the regular rate after 40 hours in a workweek for employers with 4 or more employees. No daily overtime. |
| Paid sick leave | Illinois 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 leave | No state program. |
| Meal breaks | 20-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 breaks | No dedicated paid rest-break requirement, but employers must provide reasonable restroom breaks under ODRISA. |
| Right-to-work law | No |
| At-will employment | implied contract, public policy |
| Final paycheck | Due 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.
- Iowa$7.25 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.
- Missouri$15.00 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work no.
- Indiana$7.25 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.
Compare all 50 states and DC side by side
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.