Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Illinois
Waiters and Waitresses in Illinois earn a median of $31,200 a year, −11% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $31,200
- vs. U.S. median
- −11% ($35,230)
- Rank among states
- 28 of 51
- Jobs in the state
- 72,900
Pay range in Illinois
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $31,200; the top 10% earn over $49,470. Nationally the range is $18,100 to $64,720.
States ranked near Illinois
Similar jobs in Illinois
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop$31,200 median in Illinois
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers$34,560 median in Illinois
- Bartenders$31,200 median in Illinois
- Fast Food and Counter Workers$33,910 median in Illinois
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant$35,080 median in Illinois
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers$31,200 median in Illinois
Waiters and Waitresses pay in Illinois
How much do waiters and waitresses make in Illinois?
The median is $31,200 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $31,200 and the top 10% earn over $49,470. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is Illinois a good state for waiters and waitresses?
On pay alone it ranks 28 of 51 (−11% vs. the national median of $35,230). Living costs are not included.