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 | $35,790 | $17.21 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $47,830 | $23.00 |
| Mean (average) | $34,700 | $16.68 |
How Illinois Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois (current) | $29,120 | — |
| Vermont | $60,910 | +109% |
| Hawaii | $48,570 | +67% |
| Washington | $47,490 | +63% |
| New York | $46,460 | +60% |
| District of Columbia | $45,770 | +57% |
| Maine | $44,550 | +53% |
| Rhode Island | $42,600 | +46% |
| New Hampshire | $39,270 | +35% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Illinois
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Bartenders | $29,120 | 40,520 |
| Telemarketers | $29,120 | 2,050 |
| 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 Waiters and Waitresses salary in Illinois?
The mean waiters and waitresses salary in Illinois is $34,700 per year. The median (middle) salary is $29,120 per year. Source: BLS OEWS 2024.
What is the starting salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Illinois?
Entry-level waiters and waitressess (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 Waiters and Waitresses salary in Illinois?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Illinois make approximately $47,830 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $35,790 per year.
How does the Illinois Waiters and Waitresses salary compare to the national average?
The median waiters and waitresses salary in Illinois is $29,120, which is -14% below national average of $33,760.
Data Source: This data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, May 2024 release.
All wages are estimates. Actual salaries may vary based on experience, education,
employer, and other factors. bls.gov/oes