Bartenders Salary in Illinois
As of May 2025, the median annual wage for bartenders in Illinois was $31,200 -9.1% vs national
Illinois vs United States
| Illinois | United States | |
|---|---|---|
| Median annual | $31,200 | $34,340 |
| Median hourly | $15.00 | $16.51 |
| Employment | 43,010 | 756,390 |
| Location quotient | 1.45 | 1.00 |
Data source: BLS OES state file (Illinois) · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
A closer look
The mean wage of $35,550 sits 13.9% above the median — the typical worker earns close to the median, while a smaller group of higher earners pulls the average up.
For career planning: entry-level pay (10th percentile) is about $31,200, median pay is $31,200, and experienced pay (90th percentile) reaches $46,520.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average bartenders salary in Illinois?
The median annual wage in Illinois is $31,200 ($15.00 per hour), per BLS OES May 2025 data.
How does Illinois compare to the national average for bartenders?
The Illinois median of $31,200 is 9.1% lower than the U.S. median of $34,340.
How many bartenders work in Illinois?
Approximately 43,010 are employed in Illinois, per BLS OES.