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What are the minimum wage requirements for employees in Illinois and how often do these requirements change?

In Illinois, the minimum wage currently stands at $11.00 per hour for individuals who are 18 years old or above. However, employees who are below the age of 18 years and work for less than 650 hours in any given calendar year are paid a lower minimum wage rate of $7.75 per hour. Additionally, tipped employees in Illinois are entitled to a minimum wage of $6.60 per hour, which is $4.95 less than the standard minimum wage for non-tipped employees.

Illinois’ minimum wage requirements have undergone a number of changes in recent years. The current minimum wage of $11.00 per hour took effect on January 1st, 2021, following an increment from the previous minimum wage of $10.00 per hour that was set in July 2020. Further increases in the minimum wage are scheduled in the coming years until it reaches $15.00 per hour for standard employees and $9.00 per hour for tipped employees by January 1st, 2025.

It's important to note that there are exceptions to the minimum wage requirements in Illinois. For example, salaried employees and certain types of workers may be exempted from minimum wage laws. Also, the law may provide specific requirements for calculating your wages, such as overtime pay, commissions, and bonuses.

If you believe your employer is violating Illinois minimum wage requirements, you may have the right to file a wage claim or file a lawsuit against the employer in question. Contacting a licensed attorney who specializes in labor and employment law is recommended as they can provide further guidance and legal counseling.