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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Food Service Worker in Illinois is $33,072 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.
However, a Food Service Worker's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Food Service Worker Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $35,443 | $2,954 | $682 | $17 |
| Average | $33,072 | $2,756 | $636 | $16 |
| 25th Percentile | $30,464 | $2,539 | $586 | $15 |
QUEST FOOD MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC - Chicago, IL
Knox College - Galesburg, IL
FUELMART - Tuscola, IL
QUEST FOOD MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC - Chicago, IL
A Food Service Worker's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Food Service Workers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Food Service Worker roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 32% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 18% above the average. In contrast, Food Service Worker positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Food Service Worker as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $39,025 | $19.0 | 18% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $38,033 | $18.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $37,041 | $18.0 | 12% |
| Energy & Utilities | $36,379 | $17.0 | 10% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $35,718 | $17.0 | 8% |
Understanding how a Food Service Worker's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $35,443 | $2,954 | $682 | $17 |
| Average | $33,072 | $2,756 | $636 | $16 |
| 25th Percentile | $30,464 | $2,539 | $586 | $15 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Food Service Worker job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
QUEST FOOD MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC
Plainfield, IL
QUEST FOOD MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC | Plainfield, IL
Job Description. Job Description. About Company. For over 40 years, Quest Food Management Services has been a leading food service provider serving K-12 sc... more
5 Days Ago
QUEST FOOD MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC
Elmwood Park, IL
QUEST FOOD MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC | Elmwood Park, IL
Job Description. Job Description. About Company. For over 40 years, Quest Food Management Services has been a leading food service provider serving K-12 sc... more
5 Days Ago
QUEST FOOD MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC
Eureka, IL
QUEST FOOD MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC | Eureka, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Position Summary. Provides excellent customer service by preparing and serving menu items. Create the "WOW" experience fo... more
6 Days Ago
Fresh Ideas
Rockford, IL
Fresh Ideas | Rockford, IL
Job Description. Job Description. . . We are hiring immediately for seasonal. FOOD SERVICE WORKER. positions. Location. Rockford University - 5050 East Sta... more
6 Days Ago
QUEST FOOD MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC
Barrington, IL
QUEST FOOD MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC | Barrington, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Position Summary. Provides excellent customer service by preparing and serving menu items. Create the "WOW" experience fo... more
6 Days Ago
Gateway Regional Medical Center
Granite City, IL
Gateway Regional Medical Center | Granite City, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Food Service Worker Ambassador | Dietary (PRN). Gateway Regional Medical Center - Granite City, IL. PRN | $15.00–$22.50/h... more
6 Days Ago
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