Prevailing wage requirements continue to shape labor costs and procurement strategies for public construction projects. The Illinois Department of Labor has issued its 2026 prevailing wage schedule, providing updated wage and fringe benefit rates that apply to construction work funded by public agencies throughout the state.
The Illinois Department of Labor published the 2026 prevailing wage rates for construction trades in every Illinois county following its annual statewide wage survey conducted in June.
The updated rates became effective on July 15, 2026, and apply to public works projects governed by the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act. The department establishes the rates by reviewing total compensation, including hourly wages and annualized fringe benefits, commonly paid to workers performing similar construction work within each locality.
The prevailing wage schedule is used by public agencies, contractors, subcontractors, and project owners to determine minimum compensation requirements on publicly funded construction and infrastructure projects.
The Illinois Department of Labor will accept written objections to the published wage rates through August 14, 2026. Any objections received will be reviewed through an administrative hearing process.
Prevailing wage updates directly affect project estimating, bidding, labor compliance, and contract administration for public construction. Construction owners, public agencies, and contractors working on Illinois public works projects should review the updated county-specific wage rates to ensure compliance with state labor requirements before submitting bids or beginning construction.
Source: Illinois Govt.
