Georgia vs Illinois Payroll Comparison
Compare payroll compliance requirements between Georgia and Illinois. See key differences in wages, taxes, leave policies, and employer obligations.
Compare State Payroll Requirements
Select 2 states to compare their payroll compliance requirements side-by-side.
| Requirement | Georgia | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Wage | $5.15 (state) / $7.25 (federal applies) | ⚠️$15.00/hour (state); $16.60/hour (Chicago large employers) |
| Tipped Minimum | $2.13 + tips | 60% of minimum wage ($9.00 state) |
| Overtime Threshold | ⚠️40 hours/week (no daily OT) | 40 hours/week (1.5x regular rate) |
| Final Pay (Termination) | Next regular payday | Next regular payday |
| Final Pay (Resignation) | Next regular payday | Next regular payday |
| PTO Payout Required? | ✓No (unless policy requires) | ⚠️Yes (accrued vacation must be paid) |
| Pay Frequency Mandate | Semi-monthly minimum | Semi-monthly (most employees) |
| State Income Tax | ⚠️Yes (5.49% flat rate, 2024) | ⚠️Yes (4.95% flat rate) |
| Unemployment Insurance | Yes | Yes |
| State Disability Insurance | ✓No | ✓No |
| Paid Family Leave | ✓No | ✓No (state program not yet enacted) |
| Paid Sick Leave | ✓No | ⚠️Yes (40 hours/year - Paid Leave for All Workers Act) |
| Workers' Comp Required | ⚠️Yes (3+ employees) | ⚠️Yes (all employers) |
Key Differences: Georgia vs Illinois
GAGeorgia
- Minimum Wage:$5.15 (state) / $7.25 (federal applies)
- Tipped Minimum:$2.13 + tips
- Overtime Threshold:40 hours/week (no daily OT)
- Final Pay (Termination):Next regular payday
- Final Pay (Resignation):Next regular payday
- PTO Payout Required?:No (unless policy requires)
ILIllinois
- Minimum Wage:$15.00/hour (state); $16.60/hour (Chicago large employers)
- Tipped Minimum:60% of minimum wage ($9.00 state)
- Overtime Threshold:40 hours/week (1.5x regular rate)
- Final Pay (Termination):Next regular payday
- Final Pay (Resignation):Next regular payday
- PTO Payout Required?:Yes (accrued vacation must be paid)
Understanding Georgia and Illinois Payroll Differences
State Income Tax: Georgia has state income tax (Yes (5.49% flat rate, 2024)), while Illinois has state income tax (Yes (4.95% flat rate)). This significantly impacts both employer withholding responsibilities and employee take-home pay.
Minimum Wage: Georgia minimum wage is $5.15 (state) / $7.25 (federal applies), compared to Illinois at $15.00/hour (state); $16.60/hour (Chicago large employers). Employers must pay at least the higher of federal, state, or local minimum wage requirements.
Paid Sick Leave: Georgia: No. Illinois: Yes (40 hours/year - Paid Leave for All Workers Act). States with mandatory paid sick leave require employers to track accruals and provide specific leave entitlements.
For complete compliance requirements, review the full state guides for Georgia and Illinois.