Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Northwest Illinois

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $29,120 -13.7% vs national
Median hourly $14.00
10th percentile $29,120
90th percentile $46,700
Employed locally 1,890
National median $33,760

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Waiters and Waitresses
in
Northwest Illinois
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $29,120
    25th
    $29,120
    50th (median)
    $29,120
    75th
    $29,300
    90th
    $46,700

    Top-paying metros for Waiters and Waitresses

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Kahului-Wailuku, HI $71,920
    Burlington-South Burlington, VT $66,350
    Vermont $60,910
    Northern Vermont nonmetropolitan area $60,840
    Southern Vermont nonmetropolitan area $53,460
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $48,760

    Related occupations in Northwest Illinois

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers$29,720
    Bartenders$29,120
    Cooks, Restaurant$32,850
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$36,620
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$31,950
    Food Preparation Workers$30,110

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Waiters and Waitresses make per hour in Northwest Illinois?

    The median hourly wage for Waiters and Waitresses in Northwest Illinois is $14.00, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $21.30 or more per hour.

    Is Northwest Illinois above or below average for Waiters and Waitresses salaries?

    The median Waiters and Waitresses salary in Northwest Illinois is 13.7% below the national median of $33,760. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Waiters and Waitresses in Northwest Illinois?

    Entry-level Waiters and Waitresses (10th percentile) earn around $29,120 per year in Northwest Illinois. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $29,120.