Illinois ranks 26th of 51 states and D.C. for bartenders pay, trailing top-paying Hawaii ($68,820) by $39,700 — a 136% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $29,120 to $51,270 — a $22,150 spread, 57% tighter than the national $51,990 range.
Bartenders are more concentrated in Illinois than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.38 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.38× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $29,120 | $14.00 |
| 25th percentile | $29,120 | $14.00 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $29,120 | $14.00 |
| 75th percentile | $34,120 | $16.41 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $51,270 | $24.65 |
| Mean (average) | $35,340 | $16.99 |
How Illinois Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois (current) | $29,120 | n/a |
| Hawaii | $68,820 | +136% |
| New York | $60,750 | +109% |
| District of Columbia | $54,930 | +89% |
| Vermont | $54,310 | +87% |
| Washington | $48,320 | +66% |
| Maine | $47,630 | +64% |
| Virginia | $46,860 | +61% |
| New Jersey | $45,660 | +57% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Illinois
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Telemarketers | $29,120 | 2,050 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | $29,120 | 84,550 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | $29,490 | 20,510 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $29,910 | 4,120 |
| Gambling Dealers | $30,230 | 2,200 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $30,980 | 11,910 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Bartenders salary in Illinois?
The mean bartenders salary in Illinois is $35,340 per year. The median (middle) salary is $29,120 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Bartenders in Illinois?
Entry-level bartenderss (10th percentile) in Illinois typically earn around $29,120 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $29,120 per year.
What is the highest Bartenders salary in Illinois?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Illinois make approximately $51,270 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $34,120 per year.
How does the Illinois Bartenders salary compare to the national average?
The median bartenders salary in Illinois is $29,120, which is -13% below national average of $33,530.