Illinois: meal break laws
Whether your state requires employers to give adult workers a meal break, how long, and when.
Checked on official source| Meal break rule | 20 minutes no later than 5 hours into a shift of 7.5+ hours |
|---|---|
| Who it covers | Most employers (hotel room attendants: 30 minutes) |
Federal law does not require meal breaks, but short breaks of 5 to 20 minutes that an employer gives must be paid. Separate rules often apply to workers under 18.
General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply. Confirm with the state agency, the court or a licensed professional in Illinois.
Also for Illinois: Workers' comp deadlines in Illinois · Workers' comp benefits in Illinois · Paid leave programs in Illinois · Minimum wage in Illinois · Final paycheck rules in Illinois · Unemployment benefits in Illinois · Tipped minimum wage in Illinois · Payday frequency in Illinois · Rest break laws in Illinois
How we checked this
Rules come from the U.S. Department of Labor's table of state meal period requirements for adult private-sector workers. Last checked: November 12, 2026. Laws change; confirm with the state agency or a licensed professional before acting.
Cross-checked sources agree Checked on official source confirmed on a government, court or legislature site Single detailed source one detailed table built from statutes or official data Under review sources disagree; read the note and the law.