Fast Food and Counter Worker Salary in Illinois
Based on 128K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$33,910
$16.30/hr
vs National Average
$30,570
+10.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$31K – $37K
128K employed in Illinois
The median Fast Food and Counter Worker salary in Illinois is $33,910 per year, which translates to approximately $16 per hour. This figure is notably higher than the national average, with Illinois workers earning about 10.9% more. The state employs a significant number of these professionals, with around 127,590 individuals in this role.
Several factors can influence the specific Fast Food and Counter Worker salary in Illinois. These include the exact location within the state, the size and type of establishment, and the worker's level of experience. Entry-level positions might fall towards the lower end of the $31,200 to $37,330 range, while those with more responsibility or a longer tenure could earn closer to the upper limit.
Salary Distribution — Fast Food and Counter Worker in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $31,200 |
| 25th percentile | $31,200 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $33,910 |
| 75th percentile | $35,990 |
| 90th percentile | $37,330 |
Top-Paying Industries for Fast Food and Counter Worker (U.S.)
Which industries pay Fast Food and Counter Workers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Fast Food and Counter Workers in Illinois tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Warehousing | $38,740 | 390 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $37,820 | 18K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $36,850 | 17K |
| Educational Services | $35,370 | 117K |
| Wholesale Trade | $34,990 | 4K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Fast Food and Counter Worker in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $33,910 |
| 2026 (projected) | $34,927 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $33,910 | $30,570 |
| 2026 (projected) | $34,927 | $31,487 |
Fast Food and Counter Worker Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $31,200 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $33,910 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $35,990 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $37,330 |
Fast Food and Counter Worker Salary in Other States
Related Fast Food and Counter Worker Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Fast Food and Counter Worker ($33,910 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Fast Food and Counter Worker | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in IL | $37,580 | +10.8% | $18.07/hr |
| Waiter and Waitress in IL | $31,200 | -8.0% | $15.00/hr |
| Cashier in IL | $34,490 | +1.7% | $16.58/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in IL | $35,370 | +4.3% | $17.00/hr |
| Receptionist in IL | $37,400 | +10.3% | $17.98/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in IL | $37,680 | +11.1% | $18.12/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in IL | $38,060 | +12.2% | $18.30/hr |
| Security Guard in IL | $39,490 | +16.5% | $18.99/hr |
| Tutor in IL | $44,230 | +30.4% | $21.26/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in IL | $45,960 | +35.5% | $22.10/hr |
| Medical Assistant in IL | $46,090 | +35.9% | $22.16/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in IL | $46,130 | +36.0% | $22.18/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Worker in Illinois?
- The median Fast Food and Counter Worker salary in Illinois is $33,910 per year. This means half of workers in this role earn less, and half earn more.
How much do Fast Food and Counter Workers earn per hour in Illinois?
- On average, Fast Food and Counter Workers in Illinois earn around $16 per hour. This hourly rate is derived from the annual median salary.
What is the salary range for a Fast Food and Counter Worker in Illinois?
- The salary range for a Fast Food and Counter Worker in Illinois typically falls between $31,200 and $37,330 annually. This indicates the expected earnings for most individuals in this profession.
Is the salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Illinois higher than the national average?
- Yes, the Fast Food and Counter Worker salary in Illinois is about 10.9% higher than the national average. This suggests that workers in this field in Illinois tend to earn more compared to their counterparts across the country.