Illinois Overtime Calculator

Yes. Illinois overtime is governed by both the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Illinois Minimum Wage Law (IMWL). Both require time-and-a-half for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. The IMWL generally tracks federal standards but provides a longer statute of limitations for unpaid wage claims — three years under state law versus two under the FLSA. When the two laws differ, the standard more favorable to the employee applies.

Overtime in Illinois starts after 40 hours worked in a single workweek. There is no daily overtime threshold — working a long shift does not trigger overtime by itself. Only your total hours for the week matter. Each workweek stands on its own; employers cannot average hours across multiple weeks to avoid paying overtime.

Illinois's statewide minimum wage is $15.00 per hour as of 2026, which is among the highest state floors in the country. Chicago has a higher local rate of $16.60 per hour as of July 2025, with further adjustments possible. The minimum overtime rate statewide is $22.50 per hour (1.5 times the $15.00 minimum).

Being paid a salary does not automatically exempt an employee from overtime. Salaried workers who earn less than $684 per week ($35,568 per year) are generally entitled to overtime pay regardless of their job duties. Workers above that threshold are only exempt if they genuinely meet the executive, administrative, or professional duties tests under the FLSA and IMWL.

Not in the private sector. Illinois law prohibits private employers from substituting compensatory time off for overtime pay. Non-exempt employees in Illinois must receive actual cash payment at 1.5 times their regular rate for overtime hours. Comp time arrangements are only permitted for public-sector employers under specific collective bargaining conditions.

Under the Illinois Minimum Wage Law, employees have three years from the date wages were due to file a claim — longer than the two-year federal FLSA limit. You can file with the Illinois Department of Labor or pursue a private lawsuit. Under the IMWL, successful claimants can recover unpaid wages plus 2% of the underpaid amount per month, plus attorney's fees and costs.