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Average Bartenders Salary in Illinois

Bartenders in Illinois earn an average annual salary of $35,340, which is below the national average of $39,890. This disparity is influenced by various economic factors specific to the state, including the overall demand for hospitality services and the prevailing wage scales within the region. Local market dynamics and the cost of living play a significant role in shaping compensation for these essential service professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $35,340 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 48.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $51,270.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 40,520 bartenders and a Location Quotient of 1.38, Illinois demonstrates a robust and concentrated job market for this profession. The high concentration suggests that the demand for bartenders in Illinois is significantly greater than the national average, indicating a healthy and potentially growing employment landscape for those in this field.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$35,340

The average Bartenders in Illinois earns-11.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17

Weekly

$680

Monthly

$2,945

Bartenders Salary Distribution in Illinois

Salary progression for bartenders in Illinois typically correlates with experience and skill level. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience, specialized mixology skills, or supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career trajectory and earning potential as one advances in the bartending profession.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$29,120$14
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$26,505$12.7
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$29,120$14
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$44,175$21.2
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$51,270$24.6

Detailed Bartenders Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$35,340

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$38,497

Adjusted for COL (91.8)

The average annual salary of $35,340 in Illinois needs to be considered within the context of its Cost of Living Index of 91.8. Since this index is below the national average of 100, the nominal salary offers a relatively better purchasing power locally compared to higher cost-of-living areas. This suggests that while the absolute salary is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Illinois may partially offset this difference for residents.

Job Market Context

40,520

Total Jobs

6.681

Per 1K Jobs

1.38

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.38, Illinois has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Bartenders roles compared to the national norm.

An Illinois Location Quotient of 1.38 indicates that the concentration of bartender jobs in the state is 38% higher than the national average. This suggests a more competitive or at least a more abundant job market for bartenders in Illinois compared to other states, implying greater opportunities but potentially also more competition for desirable positions.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Bartenders

CitySalaryDist.
Bloomington, IL Bartenders Salary$33,620↓ 5%9 mi
Decatur, IL Bartenders Salary$32,370↓ 8%34 mi
Champaign-Urbana, IL Bartenders Salary$34,460↓ 2%41 mi
Peoria, IL Bartenders Salary$33,970↓ 4%43 mi
Springfield, IL Bartenders Salary$34,170↓ 3%53 mi

Comparing salaries near Illinois

Hiring Bartenderss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Bartenders make in Illinois?

The median annual salary for a Bartenders in Illinois is $35,340. This typically ranges from $29,120 for entry-level positions to $51,270 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Illinois is 11.4% lower than the national median of $39,890.

Is Illinois a lucrative place for Bartenderss?

No, Illinois is not a particularly lucrative place for Bartenders compared to the national average.The average annual salary for bartenders in Illinois is $35,340, which falls below the national average of $39,890. However, the lower cost of living in Illinois may offer some financial advantages.

Is Illinois a good place to live for Bartenders?

With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Illinois?

Some top paying nearby cities include Bloomington, IL ($33,620) and Decatur, IL.

What is the average salary for a bartender in Illinois?

The average annual salary for a bartender in Illinois is approximately $35,340.

How does Illinois compare to the national average salary for bartenders?

Bartenders in Illinois earn less than the national average, with an average salary of $35,340 compared to the national average of $39,890.

Is the job market for bartenders strong in Illinois?

Yes, the job market for bartenders in Illinois appears strong, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.38, suggesting a higher concentration of jobs than the national average.

How does the cost of living in Illinois affect a bartender's salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100), the $35,340 salary in Illinois offers relatively better purchasing power than it might in a higher cost-of-living state.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 40,520 employees in the Illinois area with a job density of 6.681 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Bartenders • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Illinois