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Food Service · Illinois

How to Become a Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers in Illinois

Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers in Illinois earn a median salary of $29,490/year, which is 10% below the national average. Illinois has a state income tax of ~5.0%. After taxes and rent, a dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers takes home approximately $611/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$29K
Median salary in Illinois
-10%
vs. national average
5.0%
State income tax
20,510
Employed in Illinois

What a dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers can afford in Illinois

Gross annual salary$29,490
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 5.0% state tax)$2,023/mo
Median 2BR rent (Illinois)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home69.8% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$29,490/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$611/mo

Becoming a dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers in Illinois

1

Meet education requirements

Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers positions in Illinois typically require No formal educational credential. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Illinois. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers positions in Illinois require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Illinois licensure or certification

Illinois may require specific licensing or professional certification for dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helperss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Illinois Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Illinois

Illinois employs 20,510 dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers. The highest concentrations are in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin and Champaign-Urbana.

Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers salary by metro area in Illinois

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin$30K$14.27/hr17,270
Champaign-Urbana$29K$14/hr440
Decatur$29K$14/hr100
Kankakee$29K$14/hr120
Rockford$29K$14/hr330
Springfield$29K$14/hr310
Bloomington$29K$14/hr310
Peoria$29K$14/hr430

Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers salary range in Illinois

10th percentile (entry)
$29K
25th percentile
$29K
Median (50th)
$29K
75th percentile
$35K
90th percentile (senior)
$43K
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Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers make in Illinois?

The median dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers salary in Illinois is $29,490 per year ($14.18/hr). This is 10% below the national median of $32,670. Salaries range from $29,120 to $43,050.

What are the requirements to become a dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers in Illinois?

Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers positions in Illinois typically require No formal educational credential. Illinois may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Illinois licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers afford to live in Illinois?

At the median salary of $29,490, a dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers in Illinois would take home approximately $2,023/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 69.8% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers in Illinois?

The highest paying metro areas for dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers in Illinois are Chicago-Naperville-Elgin ($29,670), Champaign-Urbana ($29,120), Decatur ($29,120). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Illinois have state income tax for dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers?

Yes, Illinois has a state income tax rate of approximately 5.0%. On a $29,490 salary, this means roughly $1,460/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.