Waiter and Waitress Salary in Illinois
Based on 73K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$31,200
$15.00/hr
vs National Average
$33,965
-8.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$31K – $49K
73K employed in Illinois
The median Waiter and Waitress salary in Illinois is $31,200 per year, which averages out to $15 per hour. This figure is 8.1% lower than the national average for this profession. With approximately 72,900 individuals employed in these roles, Illinois offers a significant job market for servers.
Several factors can influence the actual earnings for a Waiter or Waitress in Illinois. These include the specific establishment's size and type, the volume of customers, and the geographic location within the state. Tips, which are a substantial component of a server's income, can also cause significant variation in take-home pay.
Salary Distribution — Waiter and Waitress in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $31,200 |
| 25th percentile | $31,200 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $31,200 |
| 75th percentile | $32,720 |
| 90th percentile | $49,470 |
Top-Paying Industries for Waiter and Waitress (U.S.)
Which industries pay Waiter and Waitresss the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Waiter and Waitresss in Illinois tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $79,660 | — |
| Administrative and Support Services | $37,090 | 16K |
| Educational Services | $36,680 | 780 |
| Manufacturing | $36,380 | 18K |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $36,090 | 6K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Waiter and Waitress in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $31,200 |
| 2026 (projected) | $32,136 |
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 | $31,200 | $33,965 |
| 2026 (projected) | $32,136 | $34,984 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $31,200 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $31,200 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $32,720 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $49,470 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary in Other States
Related Waiter and Waitress Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Waiter and Waitress ($31,200 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Waiter and Waitress | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in IL | $37,580 | +20.4% | $18.07/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in IL | $33,910 | +8.7% | $16.30/hr |
| Cashier in IL | $34,490 | +10.5% | $16.58/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in IL | $35,370 | +13.4% | $17.00/hr |
| Receptionist in IL | $37,400 | +19.9% | $17.98/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in IL | $37,680 | +20.8% | $18.12/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in IL | $38,060 | +22.0% | $18.30/hr |
| Security Guard in IL | $39,490 | +26.6% | $18.99/hr |
| Tutor in IL | $44,230 | +41.8% | $21.26/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in IL | $45,960 | +47.3% | $22.10/hr |
| Medical Assistant in IL | $46,090 | +47.7% | $22.16/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in IL | $46,130 | +47.9% | $22.18/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average annual salary for a Waiter or Waitress in Illinois?
- The median annual salary for a Waiter or Waitress in Illinois is $31,200. This places the average hourly rate at $15, and it is notably 8.1% below the national average.
What is the typical salary range for this role in Illinois?
- The salary range for Waiters and Waitresses in Illinois generally falls between $31,200 and $49,470 annually. This means that while the median is $31,200, experienced or high-performing individuals can earn considerably more.
How does the Illinois Waiter and Waitress salary compare to the national average?
- The Waiter and Waitress salary in Illinois is 8.1% lower than the national average. This means that on average, servers in Illinois earn less than their counterparts across the United States.
How many people work as Waiters and Waitresses in Illinois?
- There are approximately 72,900 individuals employed as Waiters and Waitresses throughout Illinois. This indicates a substantial employment sector for this service industry role within the state.