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Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Illinois
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Waiters and Waitresses make in Illinois?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$31,200
Median Annual Salary
▲
+7.1% vs 2024
$35,610
Mean Salary
$31,200
Median Salary
$15.00
Hourly Rate
72,900 people work as Waiters and Waitresses in Illinois
Waiters and Waitresses salary by percentile in Illinois
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Waiters and Waitresses in Illinois earn a median salary of $31,200 per year ($2,600/month).
This is 8.1% below the national average of $33,965.
Illinois ranks #28 out of 51 states for Waiters and Waitresses pay.
Approximately 72,900 people work in this occupation across Illinois.
Salaries increased by 7.1% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Waiters and Waitresses
Take orders and serve food and beverages to patrons at tables in dining establishment.
Top Skills
Active Listening
3.75
Speaking
3.62
Service Orientation
3.62
Social Perceptiveness
3.5
Coordination
3.12
Key Knowledge Areas
Customer and Personal Service
4.37
English Language
3.75
Sales and Marketing
3.47
Food Production
3.25
Administration and Management
2.91
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
(57.0% of workers)
Salaries for Waiters and Waitresses in Illinois range from $31,200 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $49,470 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $31,200 and $32,720.
Median $31,200
P10: $31,200P25: $31,200P75: $32,720P90: $49,470
10th
$31,200
25th
$31,200
Median
$31,200
75th
$32,720
90th
$49,470
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$31,200
$15.00
$2,600
25th Percentile
$31,200
$15.00
$2,600
Median (50th)
$31,200
$15.00
$2,600
75th Percentile
$32,720
$15.73
$2,726
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$49,470
$23.78
$4,122
Note: The mean (average) salary of $35,610 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Waiters and Waitresses make in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Waiters and Waitresses in Illinois is $31,200 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $35,610.
What is the salary range for a Waiters and Waitresses in Illinois?
Salaries for Waiters and Waitresses in Illinois range from $31,200 at the 10th percentile to $49,470 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $31,200 and $32,720.
What is the starting salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Illinois?
Entry-level Waiters and Waitresses positions in Illinois typically start around $31,200 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $31,200 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Waiters and Waitresses in Illinois?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 72,900 people are employed as Waiters and Waitresses in Illinois.
What is the hourly rate for a Waiters and Waitresses in Illinois?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Waiters and Waitresses in Illinois is approximately $15.00 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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