December is coming to an end, and 2026 is quickly approaching. With the new year comes many changes, particularly in the law.
One thing on everyone’s mind is the minimum wage in Illinois—and if it will increase?
Despite the minimum wage doubling in 2020, it will not increase again in 2026, according to the Illinois Department of Labor.
The minimum wage will remain at $15 per hour for workers aged 18 and older, while the tipped minimum wage will stay at $9 per hour.
It’s important to note that this minimum wage does not apply within the city of Chicago. There, the minimum wage is adjusted based on the Consumer Price Index or increases by 2.5% each Jul 1, whichever is lower.
As of July 1, the minimum wage in Chicago is $16.60 an hour for businesses with four or more employees. Tipped workers in the city earn a minimum wage of $12.62 per hour.