This is how much the minimum wage in Illinois will increase by 2025
The minimum wage in Illinois will rise in 2025 and will be one of the highest in the country. Here’s the new amount and when it goes into effect.
After raising the minimum wage in Illinois in 2024, the state is preparing to increase it once again in 2025, which will benefit millions of workers across the state.
Illinois is one of 30 states in the country, plus the District of Columbia, that have wages above the federal minimum of $7.25 per hour. Some of these states have annual increases tied to the cost of living or inflation, while others have laws that establish automatic increases each year.
The last increase in Illinois occurred on January 1, 2024, when the minimum wage rose to $14 per hour, and it will rise even further next year thanks to legislation passed in 2019.
Here's how Illinois' minimum wage will increase by 2025: New amount and when it goes into effect
Currently, the standard minimum wage in Illinois is $14 per hour for workers 18 or older and $12 per hour for workers under 18 who work less than 650 hours in a calendar year.
On the other hand, tipped workers receive 60% of the state minimum wage, or $8.40 per hour for workers 18 years of age and older.
As for next year’s increase, starting January 1, 2025, the minimum wage in Illinois will rise to $15 per hour for workers 18 or older and $13 for those under 18 who work fewer than 650 hours in a calendar year. The minimum wage for tipped workers will rise from $8.40 to $9 per hour, the Illinois Department of Labor has confirmed.
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Chicago's minimum wage increased in July 2024 and will rise again in 2025
The minimum wage in the city of Chicago is higher than in the rest of the state. In July of this year, it was set at $16.20 per hour for employers with 4 or more workers and $15 for young workers.
On the other hand, tipped workers, such as restaurant waiters, have a minimum wage of $11.02 for employers with 4 or more workers and $10.20 for young people.
Additionally, the city will be raising the minimum wage for next year, specifically in the month of July. The Windy City’s minimum wage increases annually in accordance with the Consumer Price Index or 2.5%, whichever is less. The amount of the minimum wage in Chicago for 2025 will be confirmed next year.