Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
In Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN, waiters and waitresses earn $29,120 at the median — $14 an hour. The range runs from $29K at the entry level to $48K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 103.59), that's roughly $28,111 in purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,781/month — about 86.5% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $29K get you in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
About waiters and waitresses
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Entry-level waiters and waitresses (10th percentile) start around $29K. Mid-career wages sit at $29K.Top earners bring in $48K or more - a $19K spread from bottom to top.
Waiters and Waitresses pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont | $61K | +80% | 3,730 |
| Hawaii | $49K | +44% | 13,830 |
| Washington | $47K | +41% | 43,720 |
| New York | $46K | +38% | 140,890 |
| District of Columbia | $46K | +36% | 10,540 |
| Maine | $45K | +32% | 8,540 |
| Rhode Island | $43K | +26% | 11,010 |
| New Hampshire | $39K | +16% | 10,840 |
| New Jersey | $39K | +15% | 56,560 |
| Virginia | $37K | +10% | 61,260 |
| Arizona | $37K | +9% | 55,010 |
| Connecticut | $36K | +8% | 21,720 |
| Massachusetts | $36K | +8% | 50,160 |
| Ohio | $36K | +7% | 76,260 |
| Michigan | $36K | +6% | 64,920 |
Track waiters and waitresses salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Chicago-Naperville-Elgin numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do waiters and waitresses make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median is $29,120 a year - that works out to about $14 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $29,120, and experienced waiters and waitresses can clear $47,830. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $29K enough to live in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,000/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,781/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 89.1% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a waiters and waitresses salary go in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin has a Regional Price Parity of 103.59 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median waiters and waitresses salary is worth about $28,111 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do waiters and waitresses get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.