Illinois publishes 2026 prevailing wage rates for public construction projects
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (KBSI) — The Illinois Department of Labor has published the 2026 prevailing wage rates for construction trades in every county across the state.
The updated rates took effect Wednesday, July 15, following the department’s annual statewide survey conducted in June under the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act.
The Prevailing Wage Act requires workers on publicly funded construction and infrastructure projects to receive wages that reflect local standards. The department said the law is intended to protect workers, promote fair competition among contractors and help ensure public investments support Illinois communities.
Each year, the department determines prevailing wage rates by reviewing total compensation, including hourly wages and annualized fringe benefits, paid to workers performing similar work on public projects within each locality.
“Illinois’ prevailing wage law helps ensure that public investments create quality jobs while maintaining a level playing field for responsible contractors,” Illinois Department of Labor Director Jane Flanagan said in a statement.
Anyone wishing to object to the 2026 prevailing wage rates must submit a written objection to the Illinois Department of Labor by Aug. 14. Objections will be heard by an administrative law judge.
The prevailing wage rates for each Illinois county and construction trade are available on the Illinois Department of Labor’s Prevailing Wage Act webpage.
