Illinois has no minimum dollar threshold for prevailing wage coverage. The law applies to all public works projects regardless of contract value. Public bodies must obtain prevailing wage rates from the Illinois Department of Labor and include them in all bid specifications.
Illinois has an active prevailing wage law (Illinois Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130)). Administered by Illinois Department of Labor. Certified payroll is required. Federal Davis-Bacon applies to all federal projects.
The federal Davis-Bacon Act applies to all federally funded or federally assisted construction contracts over $2,000 in Illinois. This includes projects funded by federal agencies, FHWA highway projects, HUD housing, and projects receiving federal grants.
First offense: penalty equal to 20% of total underpaid amount. Second and subsequent violations: 50% penalty. Certified payroll filing failures: up to $1,000 first offense, $2,000 for repeat offenses. Debarment for 4 years after two violations within 5 years. Discrimination penalty: $5,000 per violation.
Effective June 30, 2025 (SB1344): new civil penalties for failure to file certified payrolls — up to $1,000 first offense and $2,000 for repeat offenses within 5 years, plus individual liability.