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 is $7.25 per hour.

Illinois

On January 1, 2024, the minimum wage in Illinois increased to $14 per hour.

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:

• 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. Learn about Executive Order 2021-26. Learn about Subminimum Wage on the US Department of Labor 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

On January 1, 2024, the minimum wage in Cook County, excluding Chicago, for non-tipped workers will increase to $14. The minimum wage for tipped workers will increase to $8.40. For more information, see the Cook County Minimum Wage Ordinance. 

Chicago

The minimum wage in Chicago is currently $15.80 per hour for employers with 21 or more workers. It is $15.00 per hour for employers with 4 to 20 workers.  The minimum wage for youth workers is $13.50 per hour.

The minimum wage for tipped workers is $9.00 per hour for employers with 4 to 20 workers and $9.48 for employers with 21 or more workers.  If the employee's wages and tips do not add up to at least the full minimum wage, the 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.