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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Server in Illinois is $25,663 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $12.
However, a Lead Server's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Lead Server Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $27,502 | $2,292 | $529 | $13 |
| Average | $25,663 | $2,139 | $494 | $12 |
| 25th Percentile | $23,639 | $1,970 | $455 | $11 |
LCS Senior Living - Wheaton, IL
Casa de las Campanas - Winfield, IL
The Mather in Evanston - Evanston, IL
Unidine - Geneva, IL
A Lead Server'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Lead Server's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Lead Serv... Level Lead Server | $25,528 |
| Assistant... Level Lead Server | $44,369 |
| Restauran... Level Lead Server | $59,882 |
| Regional ... Level Lead Server | $90,222 |
| Restauran... Level Lead Server | $125,651 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Lead Servers. 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 Lead Server roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Lead Server positions in Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Lead Server as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $30,795 | $15.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Lead Server'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 | $27,502 | $2,292 | $529 | $13 |
| Average | $25,663 | $2,139 | $494 | $12 |
| 25th Percentile | $23,639 | $1,970 | $455 | $11 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lead Server job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Compass Group
Geneva, IL
Compass Group | Geneva, IL
Compass Group - 0N801 Friendship Way - Responsibilities: Takes and delivers food/drink orders while creating an overall enjoyable dining experience and pro... more
6 Days Ago
Presbyterian Homes & Services
Lake Forest, IL
Presbyterian Homes & Services | Lake Forest, IL
Lead Server. $21.02 - $29.32 Hourly Rate (Based on years of experience). With bonus opportunities. Lake Forest Place | Full Time | Dining Department | 11:3... more
6 Days Ago
Lake Forest Place LLC
Lake Forest, IL
Lake Forest Place LLC | Lake Forest, IL
Job Description. Job Description. $21.02 - $29.32 Hourly Rate (Based on years of experience). With bonus opportunities. Lake Forest Place | Full Time | Din... more
8 Days Ago
Westminster Place
Evanston, IL
Westminster Place | Evanston, IL
Job Description. Job Description. $21.02 - $29.32 Hourly Rate (Based on years of experience). With bonus opportunities. Westminster Place | Part Time | Din... more
8 Days Ago
Franciscan Ministries
Wheeling, IL
Franciscan Ministries | Wheeling, IL
Lead Server. In this role, you will be responsible for the day-to-day service operations within specified areas of Dining Services. The Lead Server helps t... more
8 Days Ago
MATTESON RESTAURANT LLC
Matteson, IL
MATTESON RESTAURANT LLC | Matteson, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Benefits. Employee discounts. Health insurance. Paid time off. Location. Applebee’s Matteson, IL. Department. Food & Beve... more
4 Days Ago
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