Illinois onboarding checklist for employers
An onboarding checklist makes sure every new hire gets the same paperwork, notices and training. Here is what changes when the employee works in Illinois.
Illinois rules that affect this form
| Minimum wage | $15.00 per hour |
|---|---|
| Paid sick leave | Yes, under the Paid Leave for All Workers Act: 1 hour per 40 hours worked, at least 40 hours a year, usable for any reason. Employers covered by a local ordinance (such as Chicago or Cook County) follow that ordinance instead. |
| Meal breaks | At least 20 minutes for shifts of 7.5+ continuous hours, starting within the first 5 hours. Another 20 minutes for each additional 4.5 hours. |
| Rest breaks | No general requirement. Hotel room attendants in Cook County get two paid 15-minute breaks on shifts of 7+ hours. |
| Other rules to know | Pay transparency: employers with 15+ employees must include the pay scale and benefits in job postings (since Jan 1, 2025). Paid Leave for All Workers Act leave does not have to be paid out at separation unless the employer puts it in a PTO or vacation bank. |
What to include
- Form I-9 completed by the end of the employee's third day of work
- Federal W-4 and the state withholding form, if the state has one
- Report the new hire to the state new-hire registry
- Required state and federal workplace posters and written notices
- Paid sick leave, break and overtime rules explained in plain terms
- Handbook acknowledgment signed and filed
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Frequently asked questions
Is there an official Illinois onboarding checklist form?
Illinois does not publish one required onboarding checklist for private employers. Use a clear template and make sure it reflects the Illinois rules on this page.
What is the minimum wage in Illinois in 2026?
$15.00 per hour, effective January 1, 2025. $15.00 has applied since Jan 1, 2025, and the statute schedules no further increase. Workers under 18 who have worked 650 hours or fewer in the year can be paid $13.00. Chicago and Cook County have higher local rates.
Is paid sick leave required in Illinois?
Yes, under the Paid Leave for All Workers Act: 1 hour per 40 hours worked, at least 40 hours a year, usable for any reason. Employers covered by a local ordinance (such as Chicago or Cook County) follow that ordinance instead.
Other Illinois forms
Onboarding Checklist by state
This page is general information for employers, not legal advice. Employment laws change and can vary by city and county. Confirm details with the state labor department or an employment attorney. Read our disclaimer.