What Are the Minimum Wage Laws for Youths in Illinois?

 Posted on July 11, 2019 in Employee Rights

For many young Americans, working at a part-time job is an important milestone of growing up. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 20.9 million 16- to 24-year-olds who were employed in July 2018. These youths are working at jobs that range from retail to the food industry, most of which are covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Among other things, the FLSA established a minimum wage rule which states that employers may not pay employees less than the current federal minimum wage. In 1996, the FLSA was amended to allow employers to pay employed youths less than the normal minimum wage, but when doing so, employers must follow certain rules.

Federal Minimum Wage Laws

The FLSA states that no employer is permitted to pay its employees less than $7.25 per hour, except if that employee is considered to be a “youth.” According to the FLSA, an employer may pay a person who is under the age of 20 a lower wage for a specific, yet limited period of time. An employer may pay a minimum wage of $4.25 per hour for the first 90 consecutive calendar days of that youth’s employment. After 90 days, the employer is required to pay the youth the same minimum wage as everyone else, $7.25 per hour, unless a state or local law states otherwise.

Illinois Minimum Wage Laws

In the state of Illinois, the minimum wage is currently $8.25 for workers who are over the age of 18. Workers who are under the age of 18 are permitted to be paid $0.50 less than the minimum wage, meaning they can be paid $7.75 per hour. Illinois youth minimum wage has no time limit, so youths may be paid $0.50 less until they reach the age of 18. Since the Illinois youth minimum wage is higher than the federal youth minimum wage, Illinois employers must follow Illinois law.

Contact an Illinois Minimum Wage Violation Lawyer

It is the responsibility of the employer to be knowledgeable of the current minimum wage laws and to pay their employees accordingly. If you have been accused of violating federal or state minimum wage laws, or you simply have questions about employment laws, you should contact a Schaumburg, IL employment law attorney today. At the Miller Law Firm, P.C., we can help you make sure your company is following all the minimum wage laws. Call our office today at 847-995-1205 to schedule a free consultation.

https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/whdfs32.pdf

https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2018/55-percent-of-16-to-24-year-olds-employed-in-july-2018.htm

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2400&ChapterID=68