What is the minimum wage in Illinois for 2026?

The 2026 statutory minimum wage in Illinois is $14.00 per hour under 820 ILCS 105/1.

Does Illinois require daily overtime pay?

Illinois does not require daily overtime. Overtime is calculated weekly for hours exceeding 40 hours under FLSA 29 U.S.C. § 207.

Are tip credits allowed in Illinois?

Yes, Illinois allows employers a maximum tip credit offset of $5.60/hr, requiring a minimum direct cash wage of $8.40/hr.

What is the prevailing wage in Cook County, IL?

In Cook County, IL, prevailing wage rates under General Decision IL20260009 range up to $83.60/hr total package (base pay + fringe benefits) depending on the construction trade classification.

Are fringe benefits mandatory on public works projects in Cook County?

Yes. Under the Davis-Bacon Act and state prevailing wage laws, contractors must either pay the required fringe benefit rate directly into bona fide benefit plans (health insurance, pension, apprenticeship training) or pay the cash equivalent on worker paychecks.

How do contractors submit certified payroll in Cook County, IL?

Contractors working on public projects in Cook County must submit weekly Certified Payroll Reports (Form WH-347 or state electronic portal equivalent) certifying compliance with statutory trade rates and fringe benefit contributions.

Davis-Bacon General Decision • IL20260009 2026 Statutory Rate Audit

Cook County, IL Prevailing Wage Rates 2026

Official public works wage determination for Cook County. Audits hourly base rates, mandatory fringe benefit contributions, and certified payroll requirements for commercial construction contractors.

Official Determination Active

IL Public Works

Enforced by US Department of Labor & Illinois DOL

Max Trade Package $83.60 / hr

Avg Fringe Benefit $26.07 / hr

State Min Floor $14.00 / hr

Apprentice Rate Floor 60% - 90% Base

Cook County Certified Trade Pay Calculator

Audit base hourly pay, fringe benefit packages, and certified payroll totals

Select Construction Trade

Hours Worked (Weekly)

Base Pay Earnings $0.00 $0.00/hr base

Fringe Benefit Escrow $0.00 $0.00/hr fringe

Total Gross Package $0.00 $0.00/hr package

ℹ️ Certified Payroll Rule: Fringe benefits must be paid into approved benefit plans (health, pension, apprenticeship) or added directly to cash paychecks as gross wages.

Official Cook County Trade Rate Schedule (2026)

Verified Rates

Construction Trade	Base Hourly	Fringe Benefits	Total Hourly Package	Apprentice Rate (60%)
Electrician	$53.00/hr	$26.40/hr	$79.40/hr	$31.80/hr
Carpenter	$52.50/hr	$25.10/hr	$77.60/hr	$31.50/hr
Plumber	$55.25/hr	$27.80/hr	$83.05/hr	$33.15/hr
Ironworker	$54.70/hr	$28.90/hr	$83.60/hr	$32.82/hr
Construction Laborer	$47.40/hr	$22.15/hr	$69.55/hr	$28.44/hr

Form WH-347 & Certified Payroll Rules in Cook County

Under the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts (DBRA) and state prevailing wage statutes, contractors and subcontractors performing work on federally funded or state public works contracts exceeding $2,000 in Cook County must pay mechanics and laborers no less than the prevailing wage package set forth under General Decision IL20260009.

Weekly Certified Payroll Submission

Contractors must submit weekly Statement of Compliance forms (Form WH-347) documenting employee work classifications, total hours worked, exact hourly rates, and fringe benefit contributions.

Apprentice Ratios & Registration

Apprentices may be paid below full journeyman rate only if individually registered in a bona fide apprenticeship program approved by the US Department of Labor or state apprenticeship agency.

Statutory Compliance Internal Mesh

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Davis-Bacon Prevailing Wages

$3 Billion Unpaid Wage Alert • Statutory Audit Engine

Audit Cook County Certified Payroll Compliance

Verify 2026 Davis-Bacon trade schedules, mandatory fringe benefit contributions, and Form WH-347 compliance for public works contracts.

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