Local background and sample hourly wages below the press release.
From the Illinois Department of Labor:
Illinois’s 2026 Prevailing Wage Rates Published
Annual update supports fair wages, responsible contractors, and Illinois communities
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) has published the 2026 prevailing wage rates for construction trades in every county across Illinois.
The updated rates took effect Wednesday, July 15, 2026, following IDOL’s annual statewide survey conducted in June pursuant to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act.
The Act requires workers on publicly funded construction and infrastructure projects to be paid wages that reflect local standards.
By ensuring workers receive locally prevailing wages, the law helps protect good-paying jobs, promotes fair competition among contractors, and keeps taxpayer investments supporting Illinois workers and communities.
Each year, IDOL determines prevailing wage rates by reviewing total compensation—including hourly base wages and annualized fringe benefits—commonly paid to workers performing similar work on public works 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,” said Illinois Department of Labor Director Jane Flanagan.
“Publishing these rates provides the transparency contractors, workers, and public agencies need as they plan and complete construction projects across our state.”
Individuals who wish to object to the posted 2026 prevailing wage rates must submit a written objection to the Department by August 14, 2026. If an objection is received, it will be heard by an Administrative Law Judge.
To view the 2026 prevailing wage rates by county and construction trade, visit the Illinois Department of Labor’s Prevailing Wage Act Rates webpage.
The information for McHenry County is here.
A couple of the hourly wages are copied bellow:
- Carpenter $58.51
- Cement Mason $52.15
- Electrician $62.22
- Laborer $53.00
- Operating Engineer Bldg $68.80
- Operating Engineer Hwy $67.00
- Painter $56.30
- Traffic Safety Worker 1 $44.65
- Truck driver $44.65
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Passage of the Prevailing Wage resolution was in contention during Governor Reiner’s reign.
At that time state law required at least municipalities and counties to pass a Prevailing Wage resolution each year.
Two McHenry County Board members who voted “No.” had their places of work picketed by Local 10 of the Operating Engineers.
They were Jeff Thorsen at the bank he ran in Union and Jim Heisler at his Crystal Lake Bootery.
At some point, Springfield Democrats decided it would be simpler just to pass a law updating the numbers by state government.
