New minimum wage in Illinois: How much is it and when does it come into effect?

The District of Columbia and 30 states in the country have a minimum wage higher than the federal of $7.25 dollars per hour, which has not increased nation-wide since 2009.

Several of these states tie their increases to the cost of living to keep up with inflation, while others have legislation that establishes automatic increases at the beginning or throughout the year.

Some states, including Illinois, are preparing for an increase in the minimum wage next year.

How much will it increase and when will it take effect?

Currently, the standard minimum wage in Illinois is $13 per hour for workers over 18 years of age and $10.50 per hour for workers under 18 years of age.

Tipped workers receive 60% of the state minimum wage or $7.80 per hour for workers 18 years of age and older, and $6.30 per hour for workers under 18 years of age. .

Thanks to legislation passed in 2019, Illinois' minimum wage increases by $1 each year. Starting January 1, 2024, the standard base wage will increase to $14 per hour and $12 for workers under 18 years of age. The state minimum wage for tipped workers will rise to $8.40.

This means that in January 2025, the standard minimum wage will rise to $15 per hour. The wage for young people under 18 who work less than 650 hours per hour will be $13 and $9 for tipped employees.

The minimum wage in Chicago is higher than the state wage

The benchmark wage in the city of Chicago is higher than in the rest of the state. In July of this year, the minimum wage in 'the Windy City' increased $15.40 per hour for companies with 21 or more employees, $14.50 per hour for companies with up to 20 employees and $12 per hour for workers under 18 years of age.

In Chicago, tipped workers can be paid $9.24 per hour for businesses with 21 or more workers, $8.70 per hour for businesses with up to 20 employees, and $7.20 per hour for minor employees. of 18 years.