Server Salary in Evanston, IL
Servers in Evanston, IL, in 2025, earn approximately $20.86 per hour, which translates to about $834.40 per week, $3,615.73 per month, and $43,388.80 per year.
The demand for Servers in Evanston is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a healthy outlook for careers in the hospitality and food service industry in the area.
How Much Does a Server Make in Evanston, IL?
The salary of a Server in Evanston can vary depending on experience and employer, but below is a general overview of earnings at different levels of expertise.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $15.00 | $600.00 | $2,600.00 | $31,200.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $20.86 | $834.40 | $3,615.73 | $43,388.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $34.79 | $1,391.60 | $6,020.53 | $72,403.20 |
Do Servers in Evanston Earn Tips?
Yes, Servers in Evanston typically earn substantial tips which can significantly increase their earnings. They often make an extra $10 or more per hour in tips, depending on the establishment and shift.
Server Salary in Evanston vs. National Average
Nationally, Servers earn an average of about $17.50 per hour, which equates to roughly $36,400 annually.
Compared to the national average, Servers in Evanston earn more on average, at about $20.86 per hour and $43,388.80 yearly. This premium may be due to local cost of living, demand, and tipping practices in the area.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Evanston for Servers
Nearby areas offer the following hourly wages for Servers:
- Downtown Evanston: $20.65 per hour
- Northwestern University Area: $19.50 per hour
Servers working in Downtown Evanston tend to earn slightly more compared to those near the Northwestern University Area, reflecting differences in clientele and establishment types.
What Influences a Server’s Salary in Evanston?
The salary of a Server in Evanston is influenced by several key factors:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Servers with excellent customer service skills tend to earn higher wages and better tips.
- Type of Establishment: Working at upscale restaurants or hotels usually results in higher earnings compared to fast food or casual dining.
- Shift Timing: Evening and weekend shifts may provide more lucrative opportunities due to higher customer volume and larger tips.
- Certifications and Training: Having food safety or hospitality certifications can enhance employability and wage potential.
- Geographic Location: Servers in busy, high-traffic neighborhoods or tourist areas often earn more due to increased customer spending.
How To Become a Server in Evanston
Becoming a Server in Evanston involves several steps to build the necessary skills and credentials:
- Gain Customer Service Experience: Previous experience in retail, hospitality, or food service is highly beneficial.
- Complete Food Safety Training: Obtaining the Illinois Food Handler Certification and possibly the ServSafe Certification is often mandatory.
- Consider Culinary Arts Programs: Programs such as those offered by Oakton Community College Culinary Arts Program and Kendall College at National Louis University provide valuable training for food service roles.
- Develop Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication helps Servers provide better customer experiences and earn higher tips.
Top Employers Hiring Servers in Evanston
- Graduate Evanston
- Chili's Grill & Bar
- FLIK Hospitality Group
- Chartwells Higher Education
- Mather
Establishments That Servers in Evanston Work At
Servers in Evanston typically work at a range of food service establishments:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These offer moderate wages plus tips and often provide flexible schedules.
- Fast Casual Eateries: While wages may be slightly lower, fast casual establishments can offer consistent hours.
- Fine Dining Restaurants: These establishments often pay higher base wages and provide significant tipping opportunities.
- Hotels and Event Venues: Servers here may earn competitive wages with opportunities for bonuses during events.
The type of establishment significantly impacts total Server compensation, with upscale and busy venues usually providing the best earning potential.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Evanston for Servers
If you're exploring careers similar to Server, consider these related roles that share skills and environments:
These include Bartender, Backwaiter, and Fine Dining Server roles, each offering different challenges and salary ranges within hospitality.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Servers in Evanston
Servers should be familiar with the labor laws and tax obligations that apply at federal, state, and local levels.
- For federal employment and labor laws visit the U.S. Department of Labor.
- The Illinois Department of Employment Security offers resources on state labor laws and benefits.
- Local ordinances and employment regulations can be found at the City of Evanston official website.