Waitress Salary in Elgin, IL
Waitresses in Elgin, IL, in 2025, earn approximately $23.36 per hour, which translates to about $934.40 per week, $4,049.07 per month, and $48,588.80 per year.
The demand for Waitresses in Elgin is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting an increasing need for skilled hospitality staff in the area.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Elgin, IL?
The salary of a Waitress in Elgin can vary depending on experience and the specific employer, but here is a general look at earnings across experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $14.08 | $563.20 | $2,436.53 | $29,305.60 |
| Mid-level (average) | $23.36 | $934.40 | $4,049.07 | $48,588.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $38.74 | $1,549.60 | $6,690.93 | $80,579.20 |
Do Waitresses in Elgin Earn Tips?
Yes, Waitresses in Elgin typically earn additional income from tips. On average, they can make an extra $10 per hour in tips, which significantly boosts their overall earnings and incentivizes excellent customer service.
Waitress Salary in Elgin vs. National Average
Nationally, Waitresses earn an average of around $23.36 per hour, translating to about $48,588.80 per year.
Compared to the national average, Waitresses in Elgin earn quite similar wages, reflecting a competitive pay scale in this region.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Elgin for Waitresses
When looking at nearby areas, waitress salaries can vary slightly:
- Downtown Elgin: $25.50 per hour
- West Elgin: $24.00 per hour
Downtown Elgin offers the highest wages, likely due to higher customer volume and upscale dining establishments.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Elgin?
Several key factors influence the salary of a Waitress in Elgin:
- Experience and Tenure: More experienced Waitresses generally earn higher base pay and receive better tips.
- Skills and Customer Service Quality: Strong communication and upselling skills can increase tipping potential and lead to better pay.
- Type of Establishment: Working in upscale restaurants or busy locations like Downtown Elgin usually offers higher pay than smaller cafes or fast casual venues.
- Shift Timing: Evening and weekend shifts often come with shift differentials or increased tipping opportunities.
- Certification and Training: Certification such as the BASSET Certification, required in Illinois for serving alcohol, can improve employability and wage potential.
How To Become a Waitress in Elgin
Starting a career as a Waitress in Elgin involves building foundational skills and obtaining necessary certifications:
- Enroll in Hospitality or Culinary Programs: Programs like the Elgin Community College Culinary Arts Program offer comprehensive training that can improve your service skills.
- Complete Hospitality Management Education: Harper College’s Hospitality Management Program provides courses relevant to serving, customer relations, and restaurant operations.
- Obtain Food Handler and BASSET Certifications: The Illinois Food Handler Certification ensures knowledge of safe food handling, while BASSET Certification is mandatory for legally serving alcohol.
- Gain Practical Experience: Entry-level positions or internships at local restaurants can help develop hands-on skills.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Elgin
Elgin features a vibrant foodservice industry with various employers actively hiring Waitresses:
- Sushi Station Elgin
- IHOP
- Chick-fil-A Restaurants
- Jewel Osco
- Noodles & Company
Establishments That Waitresses in Elgin Work At
Waitresses in Elgin typically work across multiple types of dining establishments, including:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Offer steady schedules with moderate pay and tipping opportunities.
- Fast Casual Restaurants: Usually provide faster-paced environments; pay may be lower but volume of customers can increase tips.
- Fine Dining Establishments: Typically offer higher wages and greater tip potential due to upscale clientele.
- Cafés and Diners: Pay may vary widely based on location and customer traffic.
The type of establishment often affects the wage level and tip frequency, with fine dining spots generally providing the most lucrative earnings.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Elgin for Waitresses
If you're interested in careers related to Waitressing, consider roles with overlapping skills or responsibilities.
These include Server, Backwaiter, and Fine Dining Server positions, all sharing customer service skills with varying responsibilities and pay.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Elgin
Waitresses in Elgin should be familiar with the legal frameworks governing their employment and compensation.
- Visit the Official website of the State of Illinois for comprehensive information on state labor laws, including minimum wage and working conditions.
- For municipal resources and local regulations, see the Official website of the City of Elgin.
- Federal labor standards and workers' rights are detailed on the U.S. Department of Labor's official website.