From the next one January 1, 2026several states increase the amount their employees receive. In IllinoisHe Minimum wage remains set at $15 per houra sum that reaches this year 2025. However, the law provides Special cases in which the Employers can pay a lower amount.
The minimum wage law, introduced in Illinois for him State Department of Labor (IDOLfor its acronym in English), increased the amount he received this year Workers over 18 are paid $15 per hour. Currently There are no set increases for the next year, i.e. in 2026, the amount will continue to be set at the above-mentioned sum.
However, current legislation provides for some exceptions. Business people paying Rewards for your employees they can pay them 60% of the minimum wageas described on the official website.
In addition, entrepreneurs can Request licenses to pay lower amounts at least until Apprentices already certain employees with physical and mental limitations.
Another exception concerns the Employees over 18 who do not receive tips, who can earn $14.50 in their first 90 days in their new job.
In return, people under 18 can earn $13 an hour if they work fewer than 650 hours in a calendar year.
As soon as the employee has spent more than 650 hours with the same employer in a calendar year, he or she must receive compensation $15 per hour required.
IDOL points out that since 2025, those who they receive tips You have to charge at least $15 an hour, but that The employer can deduct 40% of tips from your salary.
Likewise, you can pay a training salary to employees aged 18 and over they receive tips from an amount of $9 for the first 90 days. This happens when A credit of 40% applies.
Otherwise, you will have to pay $14.50 until the end of the 90 days. If the credit is not used, the amount will then increase to $15 per hour.
In the case of overtime, the law provides that the employee is entitled to it if he has worked more than 40 hours per week receive compensation equal to half of their usual salary. In the following cases there is a Exemption from paying for additional hours:
In November 2025 the The median wage for Hispanic workers in Illinois was $26 an hoursays the specialist platform ZipRecruiter. The amount is slightly higher than the national average, which was $24.
The site also reports annual salaries of $81,882 and $20,350, but most currently range between $43,600 and $61,500. The highest earners in Illinois receive an annual salary of $74,130.
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