Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Chicago, IL (2026)
Source: BLS OEWS · Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN · 64,010 employed
The average Waiters and Waitresses salary in Chicago, IL is $34,870 per year. The middle 50% of Waiters and Waitressess earn between $29,120 and $37,100. Top earners in the 90th percentile make $47,830 or more. Entry-level positions typically start around $29,120. The median of $29,120 is above the mean, reflecting the wage distribution in this field.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Breakdown in Chicago, IL
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry-level) | $29,120 |
| 25th Percentile | $29,120 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $29,120 |
| Mean (Average) | $34,870 |
| 75th Percentile | $37,100 |
| 90th Percentile (Top earners) | $47,830 |
Related Jobs in Chicago, IL
| Occupation | Mean Annual |
|---|---|
| Chefs and Head Cooks | $65,290 |
| Cooks, All Other | $46,610 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers | $44,630 |
| Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | $39,780 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other | $39,570 |
| Cooks, Short Order | $39,010 |
Waiters and Waitresses Salaries in Other Cities
| City | Mean Annual |
|---|---|
| Kahului, HI | $78,510 |
| Burlington, VT | $67,480 |
| Seattle, WA | $58,180 |
| Albany, NY | $54,870 |
| Urban Honolulu, HI | $53,990 |
| Bremerton, WA | $53,840 |
| Olympia, WA | $53,810 |
| Portland, ME | $53,680 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Waiters and Waitresses salary in Chicago, IL?
The average Waiters and Waitresses salary in Chicago, IL is $34,870 per year, according to BLS OEWS.
What is the median Waiters and Waitresses salary in Chicago, IL?
The median Waiters and Waitresses salary in Chicago, IL is $29,120 per year. Half of Waiters and Waitressess earn more than this and half earn less.
How much do entry-level Waiters and Waitressess make in Chicago, IL?
Entry-level Waiters and Waitressess in Chicago, IL typically earn around $29,120 per year (10th percentile). Workers in the 25th percentile earn about $29,120.
What do the highest-paid Waiters and Waitressess earn in Chicago, IL?
The highest-paid Waiters and Waitressess in Chicago, IL earn $47,830 or more per year (90th percentile). The 75th percentile wage is $37,100.
How many Waiters and Waitressess work in Chicago, IL?
There are approximately 64,010 Waiters and Waitressess employed in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area, per BLS OEWS.