What is Illinois Minimum Wage

Publish date: 2024-04-19

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Illinois Minimum Wage: Keeping Your Wallet From Weeping (and Your Boss From Underpaying You)

Living in Illinois? Working those long hours (or at least pretending to, wink wink)? Then you, my friend, deserve to know what's coming to you! Buckle up, because we're about to dive into the glorious world of the Illinois minimum wage, a topic more thrilling than tax code (okay, maybe a slight exaggeration, but stick with me!).

So, How Much Moolah Are We Talking?

As of January 1st, 2024, the minimum wage in Illinois for fabulous folks over 18 is a cool $14 per hour. That's right, 14 bucks! Enough to buy you a decent latte (or three instant noodles, depending on your caffeine and hunger levels).

For those under 18, the rules get a tad trickier. There's a minimum wage of $7.75 per hour, but if you hustle hard and hit 650 hours in a year for the same employer, you get bumped up to the big leagues of $14 per hour. High five for perseverance!

Now, Now, Don't Get Greedy on Us...

There are always a few exceptions, like with any good party. For instance, some tipped employees (think waiters and waitresses) might see a lower base wage because their tips are supposed to make up the difference. But don't worry, employers can't just skimp completely. There's a whole minimum wage with tips calculation, so you're not left hanging with pocket change.

Also, young grasshopper (or should I say young earner?), new employees over 18 can be paid up to 50 cents less per hour for their first 90 days. It's like a trial period, to see if you can handle the responsibility of a whole $14 wage. Don't worry, after 90 days, you shoot up to the big bucks like a champ.

"But Wait, There's More!" (Famous Quote Not Credited Here)

Want to learn more about the nitty-gritty of minimum wage laws? Check out the Illinois Department of Labor website. They have all the official jargon you could ever want (or not want, but hey, knowledge is power!)

Here are some fun facts to impress your friends (or at least sound informed at your next watercooler chat):

The minimum wage in Illinois has been on a steady climb in recent years. It's like a slow and steady elevator ride to financial prosperity! (Okay, maybe that metaphor needs work, but you get the idea.)
There's a whole debate about the impact of minimum wage increases. Some folks say it's a win for workers, others worry about business costs. But hey, that's a topic for another day (and another internet rabbit hole).

FAQ: Minimum Wage Edition (For the Busy Bee)

How to find out the official minimum wage in Illinois?

Check out the Illinois Department of Labor website.

How much are tipped employees paid in Illinois?

There's a base wage, but tips should make up the difference to reach the $14 minimum wage.

What's the minimum wage for young folks under 18?

It's $7.75 per hour, but if you work more than 650 hours in a year for the same employer, you get bumped up to $14 per hour.

Is there a difference in minimum wage depending on the company size?

Nope! The $14 minimum wage applies to all companies in Illinois, regardless of size.

What if I'm a new employee? Do I get paid less?

For the first 90 days, you might get paid up to 50 cents less per hour, but then you shoot up to the regular $14 wage.

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