Bartender Salary in Chicago, IL

Median: $15.00/hour ($31,200/year) — $3,140 (9%) below the national median. Range: $31,200–$33,500.

Last updated: 2026-07-04 · Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 · National Bartender salary guide

The median Bartender salary in Chicago, IL is $15.00/hour ($31,200/year) ($3,140 (9%) below the national median), with a typical range of $31,200–$33,500. Data from BLS + Jobeezy ghost-filter (2026).

Salary stats
MetricValueSource
Median$15.00/hour ($31,200/year)BLS
Range$31,200–$33,500BLS
### Key facts for Bartender in Chicago Median pay and comparison. - Median is the middle value. - Data from BLS.

Bartender Salary in Chicago vs. National Average

25th Pct (Chicago) $31,200
Median (Chicago) $31,200
75th Pct (Chicago) $33,500

National median: $34,340/yr. Chicago is $3,140 (9%) below the national median.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 — Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area (SOC 35-3011, Bartender).

Bartender pay in Chicago, IL — common questions

How much does a Bartender make in Chicago, IL?
The median Bartender salary in Chicago, IL is $15.00/hour ($31,200/year) ($3,140 (9%) below the national median), with a typical range of $31,200–$33,500 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is Chicago a strong pay market for Bartenders?
At a $31,200 median, Chicago is $3,140 (9%) below the national median. The U.S. median is $34,340. Jobeezy shows you which local employers actually pay at the top of that band before you apply.
How can I earn more as a Bartender in Chicago?
Target employers paying toward the $33,500 (75th-percentile) mark and anchor your negotiation to the BLS band. Jobeezy fit-scores Bartender openings in Chicago and auto-applies, so you reach more high-paying employers fast.
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