As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Restaurant Server in Illinois is $25,565 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $12.
However, a Restaurant Server's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Restaurant Server Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $28,768 | $2,397 | $553 | $14 |
| Average | $25,565 | $2,130 | $492 | $12 |
| 25th Percentile | $22,670 | $1,889 | $436 | $11 |
Arbor Lodging - Des Plaines, IL
Hersha Hospitality Management - Lake Forest, IL
Hersha Hospitality Management - Hoffman Estates, IL
Benedictine - Lisle, IL
A Restaurant 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 Restaurant 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 |
|---|---|
| Restauran... Level Restaurant Server | $24,924 |
| Assistant... Level Restaurant Server | $43,267 |
| Restauran... Level Restaurant Server | $58,408 |
| Regional ... Level Restaurant Server | $87,935 |
| Restauran... Level Restaurant Server | $122,412 |
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 Restaurant 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:
Understanding how a Restaurant 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 | $28,768 | $2,397 | $553 | $14 |
| Average | $25,565 | $2,130 | $492 | $12 |
| 25th Percentile | $22,670 | $1,889 | $436 | $11 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Restaurant Server job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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