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Food Service · Illinois

How to Become a Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in Illinois

Food Servers, Nonrestaurants in Illinois earn a median salary of $35,080/year, which is 1% below the national average. Illinois has a state income tax of ~4.9%. After taxes and rent, a food servers, nonrestaurant takes home approximately $444/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$35K
Median salary in Illinois
-1%
vs. national average
4.9%
State income tax
17,560
Employed in Illinois

What a food servers, nonrestaurant can afford in Illinois

Gross annual salary$35,080
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 4.9% state tax)$2,374/mo
Median 2BR rent (Illinois)-$1,930/mo
Rent as % of take-home81.3% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$35,080/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$444/mo

Becoming a food servers, nonrestaurant in Illinois

1

Meet education requirements

Food Servers, Nonrestaurant 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 food servers, nonrestaurant 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 food servers, nonrestaurants. 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 17,560 food servers, nonrestaurants. The highest concentrations are in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin and Springfield.

Food Servers, Nonrestaurant salary by metro area in Illinois

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin$36K$17.15/hr12,200
Springfield$35K$16.73/hr240
Champaign-Urbana$35K$16.63/hr330
Decatur$34K$16.21/hr100
Peoria$34K$16.2/hr490
Bloomington$34K$16.12/hr230
Kankakee$32K$15.59/hr240
Rockford$32K$15.23/hr470

Food Servers, Nonrestaurant salary range in Illinois

10th percentile (entry)
$31K
25th percentile
$31K
Median (50th)
$35K
75th percentile
$37K
90th percentile (senior)
$42K
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Full food servers, nonrestaurant salary breakdown in Illinois
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a food servers, nonrestaurant make in Illinois?

The median food servers, nonrestaurant salary in Illinois is $35,080 per year ($16.87/hr). This is 1% below the national median of $35,360. Salaries range from $31,200 to $41,960.

What are the requirements to become a food servers, nonrestaurant in Illinois?

Food Servers, Nonrestaurant 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 food servers, nonrestaurant afford to live in Illinois?

At the median salary of $35,080, a food servers, nonrestaurant in Illinois would take home approximately $2,374/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,930/month, that's 81.3% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for food servers, nonrestaurants in Illinois?

The highest paying metro areas for food servers, nonrestaurants in Illinois are Chicago-Naperville-Elgin ($35,670), Springfield ($34,800), Champaign-Urbana ($34,580). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros, a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Illinois have state income tax for food servers, nonrestaurants?

Yes, Illinois has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.9%. On a $35,080 salary, this means roughly $1,736/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.