How much do Servers make in Chicago, IL?

Servers in Chicago earn $12.84–$21.40 per hour, adjusted for Chicago's cost of living (index: 107). At 40 hours per week, that's roughly $2,965/month gross or $2,553 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 Server salary?

A one-bedroom apartment in Chicago averages $1,700/month, which is about 67% of a full-time Server's take-home pay ($2,553/month). Housing costs are steep relative to this salary. Many workers share apartments or commute from nearby suburbs.

Are Server jobs available in Chicago?

Yes — Server 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 Server in Chicago?

Most Server positions in Chicago require: Excellent communication skills; Ability to stand and walk for extended periods; Weekend and evening availability. Key skills employers look for include Customer service, Memory & attention, Communication. Most employers provide on-the-job training, so prior experience isn't always required.

Is Chicago a good city for Server work?

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

How quickly can I start as a Server in Chicago?

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

Hospitality

Chicago, IL

Server Jobs in Chicago

Temp and flexible server positions in Chicago pay $12.84-$21.40/hr — 7% above the national average, with a cost of living 7% above the U.S. baseline.

$13-$21

Per Hour

$685

Weekly (40hrs)

107

Cost Index

CST

Time Zone

Find Server 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 Server Jobs in Chicago

Servers in Chicago earn $12.84-$21.40/hr, above the national average.

Servers (waiters/waitresses) take orders, serve food and beverages, and ensure guests have an excellent dining experience in restaurants, hotels, and catering events.

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

Server Pay: Chicago vs Nearby Cities

City	Hourly Pay	Cost of Living	1-Bed Rent
Chicago, IL	$13–$21/hr	107	$1,700
Columbus, OH	$12–$18/hr	88	$1,200
Cincinnati, OH	$12–$17/hr	84	$1,150
Cleveland, OH	$12–$16/hr	82	$1,000
Detroit, MI	$12–$18/hr	89	$1,050

Worker Proprietary Metric

Worker Affordability Score

Calculated for Server in Chicago

1.6x

Challenging

Hours to pay rent

62%

Rent / gross income

Monthly disposable

19% 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$2,965

Est. taxes (~22%)-$652

Take-home$2,313

After Essential Costs

1-Bed Rent$1,700

Groceries + transport$455

Remaining$158

Based on avg Server rate of $17.12/hr at 40 hrs/wk.

Key Responsibilities

Greet guests and present menus
Take accurate food and beverage orders
Serve food and drinks promptly
Handle payments and process transactions
Address customer concerns professionally

Skills & Requirements

Key Skills

Customer service

Memory & attention

Communication

Time management

Teamwork

Requirements

Excellent communication skills
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods

Earnings Calculator for Chicago

Calculate Your Server Earningsin Chicago

Hourly Rate$17/hr

$12.84/hr$21.4/hr

Hours per Week25 hr

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

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

Weekly

$575

Monthly

$2,490

Yearly

$29,900

Includes ~$150/week in estimated tips

Open Full Pay Calculator

Career Path from Server

Server

0-2 years

Head Server

2-4 years

Restaurant Supervisor

4-6 years

Restaurant Manager

6+ years

FAQs: Server Jobs in Chicago

Where Servers Work in Chicago

Chicago has active hiring opportunities for servers 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

Soldier Field

Events & Venues

events

$14-$24/hr(Indeed)

~220 seasonal hires, 60+ ongoing

Day, Evening, Weekend shifts

Peak hiring: August, September & March

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

United Center

Events & Venues

events

$14-$24/hr(Indeed)

~220 seasonal hires, 60+ ongoing

Day, Evening, Weekend shifts

Peak hiring: August, September & March

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

Wintrust Arena

Events & Venues

events

$14-$24/hr(Indeed)

~220 seasonal hires, 60+ ongoing

Day, Evening, Weekend shifts

Peak hiring: August, September & March

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

Chicago Job Market Snapshot

Top Industries for Servers

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.

Server Jobs in Chicago

About Server Jobs in Chicago

Server 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 Server

FAQs: Server Jobs in Chicago

Explore More Opportunities

More Jobs in Chicago

Server in Other Cities

Related Resources

Ready to Find Your Next Shift?

Where Servers Work in Chicago

Chicago Job Market Snapshot

Data Sources & Methodology

Data Freshness

Explore Jobs in Chicago

Popular Searches