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Illinois Labor Laws 2025

Illinois has comprehensive labor protections including a $15 minimum wage (higher in Chicago), mandatory paid leave for all workers, One Day Rest in Seven requirement, and meal break requirements for longer shifts.

Important: Illinois requires all employees to receive at least one 24-hour rest period per week and paid leave that accrues at 1 hour per 40 hours worked.

Minimum Wage

Illinois has a state minimum wage that exceeds federal law, with increases to reach $15 by 2025.

Key Requirements

  • State minimum wage: $15.00 per hour (as of January 1, 2025)
  • Chicago minimum wage: $16.60 per hour for employers with 4+ employees
  • Tipped employees: $9.00/hour minimum (60% of minimum wage)
  • Youth minimum wage: $13.00/hour for workers under 18 working less than 650 hours per year

Additional Resources

Overtime

Illinois follows federal overtime requirements with no additional state provisions.

Key Requirements

  • Overtime pay: 1.5x regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek
  • No daily overtime requirement (calculated weekly)
  • Standard FLSA exemptions apply (executive, administrative, professional)
  • No state-specific overtime laws beyond federal requirements
  • Certain domestic workers have different overtime thresholds

Additional Resources

Meal Breaks

Illinois requires meal breaks for employees working specific shift lengths.

Key Requirements

  • Meal break: 20-minute unpaid break for shifts of 7.5+ hours
  • Break must begin no later than 5 hours after start of shift
  • Employees must be completely relieved of duties during meal break
  • Hotel room attendants: Additional 30-minute break for shifts over 7 hours
  • No state requirement for rest breaks (but if provided under 20 minutes, must be paid)

Additional Resources

One Day Rest in Seven

Illinois requires employees to receive at least 24 consecutive hours of rest in every calendar week.

Key Requirements

  • Employees must receive at least one 24-hour rest period per calendar week
  • Rest period must be in addition to regular periods of rest allowed for meals
  • Applies to all employers and employees
  • Exceptions for emergencies and certain industries
  • Employees can voluntarily choose to work on their day of rest

Additional Resources

Paid Leave for All Workers

Illinois requires paid leave for all employees beginning January 1, 2024.

Key Requirements

  • Accrual: 1 hour of paid leave for every 40 hours worked
  • Maximum accrual: 40 hours per 12-month period
  • Can be used for any reason (sick leave, vacation, personal matters)
  • Unused leave carries over to the next year (employer may cap at 40 hours)
  • Applies to all employers regardless of size

Additional Resources

Child Labor

Illinois has comprehensive restrictions on youth employment.

Key Requirements

  • Employment certificates required for minors under 16
  • Ages 12-13: Very limited types of work (agriculture, newspaper delivery)
  • Ages 14-15: Limited to 3 hours per school day, 24 hours per week during school
  • Ages 14-15: 8 hours per day, 48 hours per week when school not in session
  • Ages 16-17: No hour restrictions but hazardous occupation restrictions apply

Additional Resources

Minimum Wage by Location

Illinois minimum wage varies by location:

Chicago (21+ Employees)

$16.60/hour

Large employers in Chicago

Chicago (4-20 Employees)

$16.60/hour

Small employers in Chicago

Rest of Illinois

$15.00/hour

State minimum wage

Youth Workers (Under 18)

$13.00/hour

First 650 hours per year

One Day Rest in Seven Act

Illinois' unique "One Day Rest in Seven" requirement:

  • Every employee must receive at least 24 consecutive hours of rest in each calendar week
  • Rest period is in addition to regular meal breaks
  • Employees may voluntarily choose to work on their designated day of rest
  • Exceptions exist for emergencies and certain occupations

Paid Leave for All Workers

Illinois became one of the first states to mandate paid leave for any reason:

  • Applies to all employers regardless of size
  • Can be used for any reason - no documentation required
  • Employer may require up to 7 days advance notice for foreseeable leave
  • Unused leave carries over but employer can cap at 40 hours

Navigate Illinois' Comprehensive Labor Laws

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