Wage Benchmark Overview
Median Annual Salary
$32,300$15.53 per hour · $2,692 monthlyRun the numbers on your own pay
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Take-Home Pay Explorer
Waiters and Waitresses Wage Percentiles in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Official survey estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Full-time calculations assume standard 2,080 annual working hours.
| Earning Tier | Hourly Wage | Monthly Gross | Annual Gross | Est. Annual Net (IL) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $15.53/hr | $2,692 | $32,300 | $26,679 |
| 25th Percentile | $15.53/hr | $2,692 | $32,300 | $26,679 |
| Median (50th Percentile)Metro Benchmark | $15.53/hr | $2,692 | $32,300 | $26,679 |
| 75th Percentile | $16.30/hr | $2,825 | $33,900 | $27,885 |
| 90th Percentile | $24.66/hr | $4,275 | $51,300 | $41,005 |
Cost of Living & Purchasing Power in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
A dollar does not buy the same basket of goods everywhere. Compare how $$32,300 measures up against local economic conditions:
Explore Related Salary & Regional Profiles
Compare waiters or waitresses salaries statewide and examine overall earnings in Illinois:
Frequently Asked Questions About Waiters and Waitresses Pay in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
What is the median salary for waiters or waitresses in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The official BLS median annual wage for waiters or waitresses in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $32,300, which equates to approximately $2,692 per month or $15.53 per hour for a 2,080-hour work year.
What is the hourly pay for waiters or waitresses in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median hourly wage for waiters or waitresses in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $15.53 per hour based on the BLS survey. One in ten earned less than $15.53/hour and one in ten earned more than $24.66/hour.
What is the pay range for waiters or waitresses in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
BLS wage estimates for waiters or waitresses in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN span from $32,300 at the 10th percentile to $32,300 at the 25th, $33,900 at the 75th, and $51,300 at the 90th. These are wage distribution points, not experience levels.
How much do waiters or waitresses take home after taxes in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
On a median gross salary of $32,300, an estimated $26,679 lands in net take-home pay per year ($1,026 biweekly) for a single filer claiming the standard deduction in Illinois in 2026. Total tax withholding equals $5,621 (an effective rate of 17.4%).
How much do waiters or waitresses make per month in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
On the median annual salary of $32,300, gross monthly income is $2,692. After federal, FICA, and Illinois state income taxes, estimated net take-home pay is $2,223 per month (or $1,026 every two weeks).
Is $32,300 a good salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
At $32,300, the median salary for waiters or waitresses is 35.5% of the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN median household income ($90,887). According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the metropolitan price parity index is 103.6, making regional consumer goods and services 3.6% more expensive than the U.S. average.