How much do Barbacks make in Chicago, IL?

Barbacks in Chicago earn $12.84–$19.26 per hour, adjusted for Chicago's cost of living (index: 107). At 40 hours per week, that's roughly $2,780/month gross or $2,404 after estimated taxes. Actual take-home pay varies by filing status, deductions, and state/local taxes. Rates vary by employer, shift timing, and experience.

Can I afford a one-bedroom in Chicago on a Barback salary?

A one-bedroom apartment in Chicago averages $1,700/month, which is about 71% of a full-time Barback's take-home pay ($2,404/month). Housing costs are steep relative to this salary. Many workers share apartments or commute from nearby suburbs.

Are Barback jobs available in Chicago?

Yes — Barback positions are actively hiring in Chicago through a staffing app. Chicago is part of the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area with strong demand in Logistics and Finance. New shifts are posted daily and many are entry-level friendly.

What do I need to work as a Barback in Chicago?

Most Barback positions in Chicago require: Must be 18+ (21+ in some states); Ability to lift 30+ lbs; Comfortable standing for long periods. Key skills employers look for include Speed & efficiency, Physical stamina, Attention to detail. Most employers provide on-the-job training, so prior experience isn't always required.

Is Chicago a good city for Barback work?

Chicago's cost of living is 7% above the national average, and local barback pay generally reflects that adjustment. The Logistics and Finance sectors typically drive demand for barback roles. Higher wages offset the above-average costs. Download the app to browse current shifts.

How quickly can I start as a Barback in Chicago?

Most workers start within 1-3 days of applying through the app. Download the app, complete your profile, and browse available Barback shifts in Chicago. You can accept shifts directly and start earning immediately.

Hospitality

Chicago, IL

Barback Jobs in Chicago

Temp and flexible barback positions in Chicago pay $12.84-$19.26/hr — 7% above the national average, with a cost of living 7% above the U.S. baseline.

$13-$19

Per Hour

$642

Weekly (40hrs)

107

Cost Index

CST

Time Zone

Find Barback Shifts Calculate Earnings

Quick Facts

Top Industries in Chicago

Logistics

Finance

Hospitality

Manufacturing

Monthly Costs

1-Bed Rent$1700

Groceries$350

Transport$105

More about Chicago

About Barback Jobs in Chicago

Barbacks in Chicago earn $12.84-$19.26/hr, above the national average.

Barbacks are essential support staff in bars and restaurants, assisting bartenders by stocking supplies, cleaning glasses, and ensuring the bar runs smoothly during busy service periods.

Most barback positions in Chicago are available as temporary, part-time, or flexible shifts.

Barback Pay: Chicago vs Nearby Cities

City	Hourly Pay	Cost of Living	1-Bed Rent
Chicago, IL	$13–$19/hr	107	$1,700
Columbus, OH	$12–$16/hr	88	$1,200
Cincinnati, OH	$12–$15/hr	84	$1,150
Cleveland, OH	$12–$15/hr	82	$1,000
Detroit, MI	$12–$16/hr	89	$1,050

Worker Proprietary Metric

Worker Affordability Score

Calculated for Barback in Chicago

1.5x

Challenging

106

Hours to pay rent

66%

Rent / gross income

Monthly disposable

24% less affordable than US national average

Data based on BLS OEWS wage data and HUD 2024 fair market rents.

What You’ll Actually Earn in Chicago

Monthly Income (40 hrs/wk)

Gross monthly$2,780

Est. taxes (~22%)-$612

Take-home$2,168

After Essential Costs

1-Bed Rent$1,700

Groceries + transport$455

Remaining$13

Based on avg Barback rate of $16.05/hr at 40 hrs/wk.

Key Responsibilities

Restock bar supplies including glassware, ice, and garnishes
Clean and sanitize bar equipment and glassware
Assist bartenders during rush periods
Maintain cleanliness of bar area
Receive and store deliveries

Skills & Requirements

Key Skills

Speed & efficiency

Physical stamina

Attention to detail

Team communication

Organization

Requirements

Must be 18+ (21+ in some states)
Ability to lift 30+ lbs

Earnings Calculator for Chicago

Calculate Your Barback Earningsin Chicago

Hourly Rate$16/hr

$12.84/hr$19.26/hr

Hours per Week25 hr

5 hr (Part-time)50 hr (Full-time+)

Include tips ($2-$10/hr average)

Weekly

$550

Monthly

$2,382

Yearly

$28,600

Includes ~$150/week in estimated tips

Open Full Pay Calculator

Career Path from Barback

Barback

0-1 years

Bartender

1-3 years

Head Bartender

3-5 years

Bar Manager

5+ years

FAQs: Barback Jobs in Chicago

Where Barbacks Work in Chicago

Chicago has active hiring opportunities for barbacks at these major employers. Compiled from public sources including the Bureau of Labor Statistics and company reports.

Marriott Chicago Properties

Hospitality & Dining

hospitality

$14-$26/hr(Indeed)

~280 seasonal hires, 140+ ongoing

Day, Evening, Night, Weekend shifts

Peak hiring: May, June & December

Source: BLS QCEW metro patterns, company careers | Verified: 2026-04-13

Hilton Chicago

Hospitality & Dining

hospitality

$14-$26/hr(Indeed)

~280 seasonal hires, 140+ ongoing

Day, Evening, Night, Weekend shifts

Peak hiring: May, June & December

Source: BLS QCEW metro patterns, company careers | Verified: 2026-04-13

McCormick Place Catering Partners

Hospitality & Dining

hospitality

$14-$26/hr(Indeed)

~280 seasonal hires, 140+ ongoing

Day, Evening, Night, Weekend shifts

Peak hiring: May, June & December

Source: BLS QCEW metro patterns, company careers | Verified: 2026-04-13

Chicago Job Market Snapshot

Top Industries for Barbacks

industrial$17-$23/hr

hospitality$14-$26/hr

events$14-$24/hr

Best Times to Apply

June - Summer peak hiring

November - Holiday season

March - Spring events & tourism

Major Employment Areas

Metro core & corridorsVaries by submarket

Airport logistics zoneWarehouse & cargo

Healthcare & education clusterHospitals & campuses

Last updated: 2026-04-13

Data Sources & Methodology

The information on this page is compiled from the following sources:

[1]
BLS QCEW — Employment and wage data at state and county level by industry.Visit
[2]
BLS CES — Monthly survey of ~670,000 worksites providing industry-level employment and earnings data.Visit
[3]
Census ACS — Demographic, economic, and housing data for communities.Visit
[4]
Indeed Hiring Lab — Monthly posted-wage data by job title from Indeed job listings.Visit
[5]
MWPVL — Comprehensive database of distribution center and warehouse locations.Visit
[6]
DOL/State Labor Depts — Minimum wage rates, tip credits, licensing requirements, and regulations by state.Visit

Data Freshness

CategoryCost of Living

Last Updated2026-01-15

Next Update2027-01-15

We strive to keep all data accurate and up-to-date. Pay rates may vary based on location, experience, and employer.

About this data

Figures on this page are compiled from the public sources cited above and may be out of date. They are provided for general informational purposes only and do not constitute professional career, legal, tax, or financial advice. For the most current pay rates, verify with the original source, a qualified professional, or check the Indeed Flex app directly for real-time shift availability and compensation.

Jobs

Barback Jobs in Chicago

About Barback Jobs in Chicago

Barback Pay: Chicago vs Nearby Cities

Worker Affordability Score

What You’ll Actually Earn in Chicago

Key Responsibilities

Skills & Requirements

Earnings Calculator for Chicago

Career Path from Barback

FAQs: Barback Jobs in Chicago

Explore More Opportunities

More Jobs in Chicago

Barback in Other Cities

Related Resources

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Where Barbacks Work in Chicago

Chicago Job Market Snapshot

Data Sources & Methodology

Data Freshness

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