Server Salary in Des Plaines, IL
Servers in Des Plaines, IL, in 2025, earn approximately $13.90 per hour, which translates to about $556.00 per week, $2,409.33 per month, and $28,912.00 per year.
The demand for Servers in Des Plaines is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a healthy and expanding job market in the food service industry within the area.
How Much Does a Server Make in Des Plaines, IL?
The salary of a Server in Des Plaines can vary based on experience and employer, but here is an overview across different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $10.50 | $420.00 | $1,820.00 | $21,840.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $14.10 | $564.00 | $2,436.00 | $29,328.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,946.67 | $35,360.00 |
Do Servers in Des Plaines Earn Tips?
Servers typically earn tips as a significant part of their income. In Des Plaines, a Server can expect to make an extra $10 to $15 per hour in tips on average, which considerably boosts their overall earnings.
Server Salary in Des Plaines vs. National Average
Nationally, Servers earn an average of around $14.50 per hour, translating to about $30,160 per year.
Compared to the national average, Servers in Des Plaines earn slightly less at about $13.90 per hour and $28,912 annually, which might be influenced by local economic conditions and cost of living differences.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Des Plaines for Servers
Nearby areas offer some variation in pay for Servers:
- Downtown Des Plaines: $15.50 per hour
- Oakton Street Corridor: $17.60 per hour
Servers working closer to Oakton Street Corridor tend to earn more, likely due to the area's higher-end dining establishments and increased customer traffic.
What Influences a Server’s Salary in Des Plaines?
Several factors impact how much a Server can earn in Des Plaines:
- Experience and Skills: More experienced Servers with strong customer service and multitasking skills often command higher wages and better tips.
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining restaurants typically offer higher base pay and larger tips compared to casual or fast-food places.
- Shift Timing: Working during busy shifts or weekends can result in higher earnings through tips and possible shift differentials.
- Location: Servers in high-traffic or upscale neighborhoods generally earn more.
- Certifications and Training: Additional certifications in food safety and hospitality can make a Server more competitive in the job market.
How To Become a Server in Des Plaines
Starting a career as a Server in Des Plaines involves several important steps:
- Gain Basic Food Service Knowledge and Skills: Familiarity with food handling and customer service is essential.
- Obtain Required Certifications: Illinois Food Handler Certification is mandatory for food service employees. The ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification is valuable for those seeking supervisory roles.
- Consider Hospitality or Culinary Education: Programs like the Oakton Community College Culinary Arts Program and Triton College Hospitality Industry Administration can help build relevant skills for advancement.
- Develop Soft Skills: Strong communication, multitasking, and interpersonal skills are critical for servers.
- Gain Experience: Start in entry-level positions to build experience and learn the ropes of customer interaction and order management.
Top Employers Hiring Servers in Des Plaines
Major employers in Des Plaines looking for Servers include:
- McDonald's
- Five Guys
- Fiji Island
Establishments That Servers in Des Plaines Work At
Servers in Des Plaines often work in a variety of food service establishments such as:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These usually provide steady hours and moderate wages with decent tip potential.
- Fast Casual Chains: Offering slightly lower wages but higher volume of customers, sometimes with minimal tipping.
- Fine Dining Establishments: Typically pay higher base wages and provide excellent tipping opportunities due to upscale clientele.
- Bars and Nightclubs: Servers here might earn through tips and drink sales, which can increase their earnings.
The type of establishment greatly affects salary and tip income; fine dining and popular nightlife venues usually offer the highest earnings.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Des Plaines for Servers
If you're interested in hospitality roles related to Servers, consider these similar careers that offer various responsibilities and earnings potential:
These include Waiter/Waitress, Fine Dining Server, and Backwaiter, all roles that share similar skills and work environments with Servers.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Servers in Des Plaines
Servers should be aware of relevant labor laws and tax requirements that affect their employment in Des Plaines:
- Check federal labor standards at the U.S. Department of Labor website, which covers wages, hours, and workplace regulations.
- Illinois-specific employment resources and regulations can be found at the Illinois Department of Employment Security.
- Local ordinances and services affecting workers in Des Plaines are available on the City of Des Plaines website.