Illinois Overtime Laws
Illinois has its own overtime laws in addition to federal FLSA requirements.
Weekly OT Threshold
40 hrs
Daily OT Threshold
None
Double Time
No
Minimum Wage
$15.00
Overtime Rules
| Weekly Overtime | Hours over 40 in a workweek paid at 1.5x |
| Daily Overtime | Not required by state law |
| Double Time | Not required by state law |
| 7th Consecutive Day | No special rule |
Exemptions
The following categories of employees may be exempt from overtime requirements:
Executive, administrative, and professional employees
Important Notes
Illinois One Day Rest in Seven Act requires at least 24 consecutive hours of rest in every calendar week.
State Labor Department
Illinois Economy and Workforce
Illinois has the 18th largest economy in the world with a GDP exceeding $1 trillion, anchored by the Chicago metropolitan area's diverse economic base. The state leads in finance, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, transportation logistics, and is investing heavily in quantum computing and clean energy technologies.
Industries with Common Overtime
These Illinois industries frequently involve overtime work situations:
Finance and Professional Services
Chicago's status as a global financial center means workers in banking, trading, and professional services often work extended hours, particularly during market events and fiscal reporting periods.
Manufacturing
With over 9% of employment in manufacturing, including food processing, machinery, and transportation equipment, factory workers frequently work overtime shifts to meet production quotas.
Transportation and Logistics
As a major national hub with all six Class I railroads and O'Hare International Airport, warehouse workers, drivers, and logistics staff commonly work overtime during peak shipping seasons.
Healthcare
Nurses, medical technicians, and hospital support staff often work overtime due to patient care demands and staffing needs across the state's extensive hospital systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Illinois has the One Day Rest in Seven Act (ODRISA), which requires employers to provide employees at least 24 hours of rest in every calendar week. If employees work on the seventh consecutive day and exceed 40 hours, they must be paid overtime. Additionally, employees must receive a 20-minute meal break for every 7.5-hour shift.
No. Private-sector employers in Illinois cannot substitute compensatory time off for overtime wages. Employees must be compensated at 1.5 times their regular hourly rate for all hours worked over 40 in a week. Offering comp time instead of overtime pay violates state law.
Overtime in Illinois must be paid at 1.5 times your regular hourly rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. With the minimum wage at $14.00 per hour in 2024 (increasing to $15.00 in 2025), the minimum overtime rate is currently $21.00 per hour.
How to File a Wage Claim in Illinois
If you believe you are owed overtime pay, follow these steps:
Gather documentation including pay stubs, time records, and any written communications about wages or hours.
File a complaint with the Illinois Department of Labor's Fair Labor Standards Division.
You may also file a claim with the federal Wage and Hour Division if your employer is covered by FLSA.
Alternatively, you can file a civil lawsuit to recover unpaid wages, liquidated damages, and attorney's fees.
Important Illinois Consideration
Illinois' One Day Rest in Seven Act (ODRISA) requires employers to provide at least 24 hours of rest in every calendar week. Employers need a special permit from the Department of Labor if they want employees to voluntarily work on the seventh day. Employees who work on the seventh day and exceed 40 hours must receive overtime pay, and this arrangement must be truly voluntary.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Overtime laws can change and may have exceptions not listed here. For specific situations, consult with your employer's HR department, the state labor department, or an employment attorney.