Food Servers Salary in Illinois
Food Servers in Illinois earn a median of $35,080 a year, −1% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $35,080
- vs. U.S. median
- −1% ($35,360)
- Rank among states
- 22 of 51
- Jobs in the state
- 17,560
Pay range in Illinois
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $31,200; the top 10% earn over $41,960. Nationally the range is $28,030 to $46,120.
States ranked near Illinois
Similar jobs in Illinois
- Fast Food and Counter Workers$33,910 median in Illinois
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$37,440 median in Illinois
- Waiters and Waitresses$31,200 median in Illinois
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers$31,200 median in Illinois
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$36,380 median in Illinois
- Cooks, Fast Food$34,960 median in Illinois
Food Servers pay in Illinois
How much do food servers make in Illinois?
The median is $35,080 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $31,200 and the top 10% earn over $41,960. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is Illinois a good state for food servers?
On pay alone it ranks 22 of 51 (−1% vs. the national median of $35,360). Living costs are not included.