The minimum wage requirements in Illinois are determined by the Illinois Minimum Wage Law (IMWL). The current minimum wage in Illinois is $11.00 per hour for non-tipped employees and $6.60 per hour for tipped employees.
However, the minimum wage for non-tipped employees is set to gradually increase to $15.00 per hour by January 1, 2025. The rate of increase depends on the size of the employer, with larger employers being required to pay the higher wage sooner. Additionally, the minimum wage for tipped employees is set to gradually increase to 60% of the regular minimum wage by January 1, 2025.
There are some exceptions to the Illinois minimum wage requirements. For example, employees who are under 18 years of age may be paid a lower wage for the first 90 days of their employment. Additionally, certain employees may be exempt from the minimum wage requirements under federal or state law, such as certain agricultural workers or executive and administrative employees.
If an employer fails to pay the minimum wage required by the IMWL, employees may file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Labor or bring a civil lawsuit against the employer. Employers who violate the IMWL may be subject to penalties, including fines and even criminal charges.
If you are an employee who believes that your employer is not paying you the minimum wage required by the IMWL, you may wish to consult with an experienced employment law attorney to discuss your options. Additionally, employers may wish to consult with an attorney to ensure that they are in compliance with the IMWL and other applicable laws.
By