Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Kankakee, IL
Waiters and Waitresses in Kankakee, IL earn an average annual salary of $33,400. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,360, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this service industry role in the Kankakee area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,400 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 45.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,880.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 590 individuals in this role, Kankakee presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, market for Waiters and Waitresses. The Location Quotient of 0.92 indicates that employment in this occupation is very close to the national average, suggesting a steady demand that aligns with broader industry trends rather than a hyper-specialized local need.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Kankakee, IL earns-12.9%below the national average.
$16.1
$642
$2,783
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Kankakee's Waiter and Waitress salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is generally assumed that compensation in this sector has seen modest growth, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and evolving service industry demands likely contribute to a gradual upward trajectory in earnings for these professionals.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Kankakee, IL
Career progression for Waiters and Waitresses typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, often with increased responsibilities and client interaction. While specific salary increases per experience level are not detailed, the progression from lower to higher percentiles in salary data generally signifies accumulating experience, skill development, and potentially supervisory duties, leading to higher earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly 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) | $25,050 | $12 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,120 | $14 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,750 | $20.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,880 | $21.1 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,400
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,400
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,400 in Kankakee, IL, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a waiter's salary in Kankakee is equivalent to the national average, indicating that while the nominal salary may be lower than the national average, the cost of goods and services locally does not present a disadvantage in terms of real income.
Job Market Context
590
Total Jobs
13.783
Per 1K Jobs
0.92
Location Quotient
Kankakee, IL has 0.92x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.92 for Waiters and Waitresses in Kankakee, IL, suggests a job market that is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This indicates that the occupation is neither significantly over-represented nor under-represented in Kankakee compared to the rest of the United States, implying a balanced competitive landscape for job seekers and employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $34,870↑ 4% | 55 mi |
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $30,040↓ 10% | 66 mi |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $33,280↓ 0% | 72 mi |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $30,150↓ 10% | 72 mi |
| Bloomington, IL Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $32,730↓ 2% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kankakee, IL
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Kankakee, IL?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Kankakee, IL is $33,400. This typically ranges from $29,120 for entry-level positions to $43,880 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kankakee, IL is 12.9% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Kankakee, IL a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
No, Kankakee, IL is not a particularly lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses.The average salary of $33,400 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, the lower nominal wage limits earning potential compared to other regions.
Is Kankakee, IL a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Kankakee, IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kankakee, IL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN ($34,870) and Michigan City-La Porte, IN.
How does Kankakee's waiter salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Waiters and Waitresses in Kankakee, IL is $33,400, which is lower than the national average of $38,360.
What is the cost of living in Kankakee, IL?
Kankakee, IL has a cost of living index of 100, which is exactly the national average.
How many Waiters and Waitresses are there in Kankakee, IL?
There are approximately 590 Waiters and Waitresses employed in Kankakee, IL.
Is the job market for Waiters and Waitresses concentrated in Kankakee?
The job market is not significantly concentrated; the Location Quotient of 0.92 is very close to the national average of 1.0.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 590 employees in the Kankakee, IL area with a job density of 13.783 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Waiters and Waitresses • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Kankakee, IL