SalaryNode

Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Illinois

Waiters and waitresses in Illinois earn an average annual salary of $34,700, which is slightly below the national average of $38,360. This difference can be attributed to various economic factors specific to the state, including regional demand, operational costs for establishments, and the overall economic climate influencing wage structures.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $34,700 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 49.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,830.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 84,550 individuals and a Location Quotient of 0.93, the job market for waiters and waitresses in Illinois indicates a stable, albeit slightly below-national-average concentration of employment. This suggests a robust demand that closely mirrors national trends, ensuring consistent opportunities within the state's hospitality sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$34,700

The average Waiters and Waitresses in Illinois earns-9.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16.7

Weekly

$667

Monthly

$2,892

Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Illinois

Career progression for waiters and waitresses in Illinois typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.

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)$26,025$12.5
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$29,120$14
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$43,375$20.9
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$47,830$23

Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$34,700

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$37,800

Adjusted for COL (91.8)

The average annual salary of $34,700 in Illinois presents a reasonable purchasing power, given the state's Cost of Living Index of 91.8, which is below the national average of 100. This means that the nominal salary can potentially stretch further in Illinois compared to states with a higher cost of living, offering a comparable or even improved standard of living.

Job Market Context

84,550

Total Jobs

13.941

Per 1K Jobs

0.93

Location Quotient

Below Average

Illinois has 0.93x the national average concentration of Waiters and Waitresses jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.93 for waiters and waitresses in Illinois suggests that the employment concentration in this role is very close to the national average. This indicates a competitive yet stable job market where opportunities are readily available, but the density of workers is not disproportionately high compared to other states.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses

CitySalaryDist.
Bloomington, IL Waiters and Waitresses Salary$32,730↓ 6%9 mi
Decatur, IL Waiters and Waitresses Salary$32,100↓ 7%34 mi
Champaign-Urbana, IL Waiters and Waitresses Salary$33,280↓ 4%41 mi
Peoria, IL Waiters and Waitresses Salary$33,290↓ 4%43 mi
Springfield, IL Waiters and Waitresses Salary$33,790↓ 3%53 mi

Comparing salaries near Illinois

Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Illinois?

The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Illinois is $34,700. This typically ranges from $29,120 for entry-level positions to $47,830 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Illinois is 9.5% lower than the national median of $38,360.

Is Illinois a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?

No, Illinois is not a particularly lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses compared to the national average.The average salary of $34,700 is below the national average of $38,360, although the cost of living is also lower, which somewhat mitigates the difference.

Is Illinois a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?

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 ($32,730) and Decatur, IL.

What is the average salary for a waiter or waitress in Illinois?

The average annual salary for waiters and waitresses in Illinois is approximately $34,700.

How does Illinois' cost of living compare to the national average?

Illinois has a Cost of Living Index of 91.8, which is lower than the national average of 100, indicating a more affordable cost of living.

How many waiters and waitresses are employed in Illinois?

There are approximately 84,550 waiters and waitresses employed in Illinois.

Is the job market for waiters and waitresses concentrated in Illinois?

The job market for waiters and waitresses in Illinois is not highly concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 0.93, which is very close to the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 84,550 employees in the Illinois area with a job density of 13.941 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Waiters and Waitresses • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Illinois