What Restaurants Do Cashiers Make the Most Money at in Chicago, IL?

The average hourly wage for Restaurant Cashiers in Chicago is around $15 per hour. While the base salary might seem modest at first glance, many Cashiers boost their earnings through tips, which typically range from $2 to $8 per hour, depending on the venue. This means total hourly earnings for Cashiers can often reach between $17 and $23 per hour.

If you're curious about which restaurants pay Cashiers best in Chicago and how various factors influence these salaries and tips, this article has you covered. We’ll share top-paying spots and detail how restaurant type, location and other elements affect your paycheck in this role.

Top-Paying Restaurants for Cashiers in Chicago, IL

Chicago’s vibrant culinary scene offers a range of opportunities for Cashiers, from upscale eateries to beloved local chains. The following restaurants are recognized for offering competitive wages combined with a positive work atmosphere and tipping opportunities.

Consider these top earners for Cashiers in the city:

1. Girl & The Goat

This trendy restaurant in Chicago’s West Loop is famous for its innovative small plates and celebrity Chef Stephanie Izard. Its popularity and high ticket averages create an enhanced tipping environment for Cashiers handling front-of-house payments.

2. Portillo’s Hot Dogs

An iconic Chicago chain known for its classic Chicago-style Hot Dogs and hearty menu. Cashiers at Portillo’s benefit from steady business and occasional large parties, resulting in consistent tips and competitive hourly wages.

3. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria

Famous for authentic Chicago deep-dish pizza, Lou Malnati’s offers Cashiers a fast-paced environment with a loyal clientele. Their longstanding reputation supports steady foot traffic and tipping opportunities.

4. The Purple Pig

Situated on Michigan Avenue, The Purple Pig is well-known for Mediterranean-inspired dishes and a bustling Bar scene, creating a solid tipping flow and often higher-than-average hourly pay for Cashiers.

5. Garrett Popcorn Shops

A Chicago classic, famous for its signature “Chicago Mix” popcorn. Cashiers at Garrett see strong seasonal spikes in business with tourists buying gifts, occasionally leading to higher tip earnings.

6. Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken

This trendy spot is popular for delicious Donuts and Fried Chicken, driving consistent crowds on weekends. Cashiers benefit from the high volume and growing popularity by earning strong hourly backed with regular tipping.

The Impact of Restaurant Type on Cashier Earnings

The kind of restaurant where a Cashier works heavily influences their earning potential. Different establishments provide varied hourly wages and tipping environments that affect total compensation.

Many quick-service restaurants and fast-casual spots tend to offer a baseline hourly wage near minimum wage, with modest tipping. Conversely, upscale and high-volume restaurants often pay higher base wages and have tipping pools that can significantly raise total earnings.

Here's how the restaurant type impacts earnings:

• Casual and Fast-Casual Restaurants: Typically, tips range from $2 to $5 per hour alongside a base rate around $12 to $15 per hour.
• Upscale and Fine Dining: Cashiers may earn base wages up to $17 or more, with tips potentially between $5 to $8 per hour due to higher ticket sizes and generous customers.
• Location Influences: Cashier pay can also be higher in busy tourist districts or commercial hubs in Chicago, like Downtown or the Magnificent Mile, due to greater business volume.

How To Find a High Paying Cashier Job in Chicago

Explore Popular Neighborhoods

Focus your job search in bustling areas such as the Loop, River North or Lincoln Park where higher customer volume can translate into better tips and sometimes enhanced pay rates.

Create a Winning Resume

Highlight experience in customer service, cash handling accuracy and familiarity with point-of-sale systems. Stressing reliability and interpersonal skills will make you a key candidate for competitive jobs.

Network Within the Industry

Attend Chicago hospitality events or connect with Restaurant Managers on professional platforms. Personal recommendations can open doors to higher-paying Cashier roles.

Prepare for Interviews

Demonstrate your knowledge of the restaurant’s brand, menu and customer flow. Show your enthusiasm for providing excellent service and your ability to handle busy periods calmly.

Apply Through Multiple Channels

Use online job boards, local classifieds and direct applications. Don’t overlook in-person visits where some employers prefer to meet candidates face-to-face.

What’s the Outlook for Cashier Jobs in Chicago in 2025 and Beyond?

The Food Service sector in Chicago continues to recover and expand, translating into steady demand for reliable Cashiers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Cashier positions nationally have a stable growth outlook with a projected growth of around 3-5% over the next decade.

In Chicago, ongoing urban development and active tourism fuel this demand further. Fast casual dining and retail chains are expected to open new locations, creating more opportunities for Cashier jobs.

While automation in some areas is increasing, many establishments still value Cashiers for their customer service skills, which machines cannot replicate. Therefore, jobs requiring personable and attentive Cashiers in Chicago are likely to remain available through 2025 and beyond.

Is a Cashier’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Chicago?

Cashiers in Chicago typically earn around $15 per hour base pay, with tipping that can add between $2 and $8 per hour depending on the establishment. This can amount to a total hourly income of roughly $17 to $23.

Assuming full-time hours, this equates to an annual income between $35,000 and $48,000. Chicago's cost of living is moderate compared to other large U.S. cities:

• Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,500 to $1,800 per month
• Utilities: Approximately $150 per month
• Groceries: Around $300 to $400 per month for a single person
• Public Transport: Monthly CTA pass about $100

While it's possible for Cashiers earning on the higher end of that range to live comfortably in Chicago, budgeting is important. Many Cashiers enhance their lifestyle by working overtime or securing shifts in higher-paying venues.

Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Chicago Cashier Jobs

We carefully researched Chicago’s restaurant scene to provide you with reliable options offering strong pay and positive workplace environments.

• Competitive Pay: We prioritized restaurants paying above average base wages for Cashiers.
• Tipping Opportunities: Establishments with proven tipping practices to supplement hourly pay.
• Location: Venues situated in busier neighborhoods with steady customer flow.
• Reputation and Work Environment: Focus on respected, employee-friendly companies known to value their staff.

These factors together help Cashiers maximize both their income and job satisfaction in Chicago’s diverse restaurant market.