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Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area

Waiters and Waitresses in the Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $33,780. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,360, suggesting that regional economic factors and a potentially lower cost of doing business contribute to this compensation difference. The specific dynamics of the local hospitality market play a crucial role in shaping these earnings.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $33,780 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 66.2% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,700.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,890 individuals in this role, Northwest Illinois presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market for Waiters and Waitresses. The Location Quotient of 0.99 indicates that employment in this sector is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting consistent demand without significant oversupply or undersupply. The presence of 14.757 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores a steady, reliable presence of these opportunities within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$33,780

The average Waiters and Waitresses in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area earns-11.9%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16.2

Weekly

$650

Monthly

$2,815

Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area

Career progression for Waiters and Waitresses in Northwest Illinois typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, which can include supervisory duties or specialized service. While specific salary percentiles are not detailed here, the typical progression sees higher earners commanding salaries significantly above the average, reflecting increased experience, skill, and responsibility. The gap between entry-level and senior-level compensation serves as a clear indicator of career advancement potential within the field.

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)$25,335$12.2
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$29,120$14
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$42,225$20.3
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$46,700$22.5

Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$33,780

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$33,780

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $33,780 in Northwest Illinois aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Waiter or Waitress's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average. While the nominal income is lower than the national average, the cost of essential goods and services remains comparable, indicating that the take-home pay offers a similar standard of living as in other parts of the country.

Job Market Context

1,890

Total Jobs

14.757

Per 1K Jobs

0.99

Location Quotient

Below Average

Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area has 0.99x 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 0.99 for Waiters and Waitresses in Northwest Illinois signifies a job market that closely mirrors the national distribution of this profession. This suggests a balanced supply and demand dynamic, where the region employs a proportion of these workers that is almost identical to the national average. Consequently, the market is neither exceptionally competitive nor lacking in opportunities, offering a stable environment for those seeking employment in this role.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses

Comparing salaries near Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area is $33,780. This typically ranges from $29,120 for entry-level positions to $46,700 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 11.9% lower than the national median of $38,360.

Is Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $33,780 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is similar.

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

The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Bloomington, IL ($32,730) and Decatur, IL.

How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?

A local workforce of 1,890 indicates a substantial number of existing positions, suggesting a stable job market with consistent demand for Waiters and Waitresses in the region.

What does a Location Quotient of 0.99 mean for Waiters and Waitresses?

A Location Quotient of 0.99 means the concentration of Waiters and Waitresses in Northwest Illinois is very close to the national average, implying a balanced job market without extreme competition or scarcity.

How does the Cost of Living Index impact the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $33,780 salary in Northwest Illinois offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making the lower nominal salary more palatable.

Are there many job openings for Waiters and Waitresses in this area?

With 14.757 jobs per 1,000 workers, there is a healthy number of opportunities available, indicating a steady demand for service professionals in the Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,890 employees in the Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 14.757 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.