Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks Salary in Chicago, IL-IN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Median annual salary $35,710 +4.2% vs national
Median hourly $17.17
10th percentile $29,840
90th percentile $47,490
Employed locally 4,420
National median $34,270

Compare Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks salary & buying power

Type a city below to see how Chicago, IL-IN stacks up on salary and cost of living.

Full tool →
Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks
in
Chicago, IL-IN
vs

    In Chicago, IL-IN, the typical Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerk earns a median annual salary of $35,710, which is slightly above the national median of $34,270 for this occupation. This local median income represents approximately 40% of the area's median household income of $88,850, illustrating that while desk clerks earn more than many entry-level positions, their earnings are significantly less than those of the average household in the region. The hourly wage for these workers stands at a median of $17.17, indicating that full-time employment is necessary to approach or meet household needs given the local cost of living.

    Entry-level Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks in this area earn around $29,840 annually, which is near the 10th percentile, while those with more experience may earn up to $47,490 at the 90th percentile. This significant disparity in earnings can largely be attributed to factors such as years of service, skill level, and ability to manage additional responsibilities or higher-traffic locations within hotels. Additionally, experienced workers often benefit from increased customer interaction skills and efficiency, which can lead to performance-based bonuses or promotions, further widening the income gap between entry-level and seasoned employees in this field.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $29,840
    25th
    $32,710
    50th (median)
    $35,710
    75th
    $39,640
    90th
    $47,490

    Chicago economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $88,850 2023 • Census ACS
    Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks salary vs area income 40% Median Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks salary is 60% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks make per hour in Chicago?

    The median hourly wage for Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks in Chicago, IL-IN is $17.17, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $22.13 or more per hour.

    Is Chicago above or below average for Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks salaries?

    The median Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks salary in Chicago, IL-IN is 4.2% above the national median of $34,270. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks in Chicago?

    Entry-level Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks (10th percentile) earn around $29,840 per year in Chicago, IL-IN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $32,710.