SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – You might have forgotten, unless you’re a business owner.
The State of Illinois minimum wage goes up to $12 an hour, from $11, on New Years Day.
But, that won’t necessarily be the rate for everyone.
“For tipped workers, the wage will be $7.20 an hour,” said Jason Keller, Assistant Director, Illinois Department of Labor. “For minors under the age of 18 working, it will generally be $9.25.”
A law signed in 2019 gradually raises the state minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025.
Keller says employers usually don’t cause problems in paying the correct wage, but workers should keep an eye on their pay stubs just in case.
“We always advise at the beginning of the year to make sure that your employer has paid you the correct minimum wage,” said Keller. “If there are any issues, approach your employer, then you can approach us and file a complaint with us, and we will look in to the matter.”
Keller says there’s a part of their website where potential violations can be reported. Violations can also be reported by calling (312) 793-2800.
The City of Chicago’s minimum wage is already $15 per hour. The state’s youth minimum wage will gradually go up to $13 by 2025.
Prior to 2019, the last time the state minimum wage was raised was when it went to $8.25 in 2010.
