Wait Staff Jobs in Chicago, IL

Wait Staff, also known as servers, are integral to the Hospitality Service industry as they are primarily responsible for serving food and beverages to customers, taking orders, and providing excellent customer service in restaurants, cafes, and other food-service establishments. Their tasks include handling cash transactions, cleaning tables, answering customer inquiries about the menu, and ensuring that the food service area is clean and well-stocked. They are the face of the establishment, as they directly interact with customers, making them crucial in maintaining the restaurant's reputation and overall guest experience.

Essential skills for Wait Staff include strong communication, ability to work under pressure, customer service skills, physical stamina, and multitasking. They must also have a good memory to remember orders and the layout of the tables. No specific certifications are generally needed, but having a Food Handler's Card or ServSafe certification can be beneficial, while some upscale restaurants might require formal training or a degree in hospitality or a related field. Before becoming a Wait Staffer, a person may have roles such as Host or Hostess, Busser, or Food Runner. These positions allow individuals to gain experience in the food service environment and customer service, preparing them for a server position.

1-15 of 734 Jobs

barista - Store# 50754, 115 W RAND RD

  • Arlington Heights, IL (21 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 16 days ago
  • Arlington Heights, IL (21 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 16 days ago

Join us and inspire with every cup! At Starbucks, its all about connection. People are at the heart of who we are, especially the people that are a part of our store team. We connect with each...

barista - Store# 14054, OAK LAWN-95TH & OAK PARK

  • Oak Lawn, IL (14 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 18 days ago
  • Oak Lawn, IL (14 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 18 days ago

Join us and inspire with every cup! At Starbucks, its all about connection. People are at the heart of who we are, especially the people that are a part of our store team. We connect with each...

Barista / Cashier - Hiring Immediately

  • Wheaton, IL (24 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 19 days ago
  • Wheaton, IL (24 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 19 days ago

Join us and inspire with every cup! At Starbucks, its all about connection. People are at the heart of who we are, especially the people that are a part of our store team. We connect with each...

barista - Store# 17730, DUNDEE & ARLINGTON HEIGHTS

  • Buffalo Grove, IL (23 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 28 days ago
  • Buffalo Grove, IL (23 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 28 days ago

Join us and inspire with every cup! At Starbucks, its all about connection. People are at the heart of who we are, especially the people that are a part of our store team. We connect with each...

Barista / Cashier Flexible Hours

  • Bloomingdale, IL (22 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 18 days ago
  • Bloomingdale, IL (22 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 18 days ago

Join us and inspire with every cup! At Starbucks, its all about connection. People are at the heart of who we are, especially the people that are a part of our store team. We connect with each...

barista - Store# 21358, ARLINGTON HEIGHTS & GOLF ROAD

  • Arlington Heights, IL (21 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 20 days ago
  • Arlington Heights, IL (21 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 20 days ago

Join us and inspire with every cup! At Starbucks, its all about connection. People are at the heart of who we are, especially the people that are a part of our store team. We connect with each...

barista - Store# 11498, WHEATON-GENEVA & MAIN

  • Wheaton, IL (24 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 30+ days ago
  • Wheaton, IL (24 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 30+ days ago

Join us and inspire with every cup! At Starbucks, its all about connection. People are at the heart of who we are, especially the people that are a part of our store team. We connect with each...

Barista

  • Wheaton, IL (24 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 30+ days ago
  • Wheaton, IL (24 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 30+ days ago

Join us and inspire with every cup! At Starbucks, its all about connection. People are at the heart of who we are, especially the people that are a part of our store team. We connect with each...

Banquet Houseperson/Set-Up - 17197-7563

  • Chicago, IL
  • 3 hours ago
  • Chicago, IL
  • 3 hours ago

at Davidson Hotels & Resorts in Chicago, Illinois, United States Job Description Property Description 21c Museum Hotel Chicago is a unique and innovative hotel that combines contemporary art,...

Part-Time Torali Food Runner - The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago

  • Chicago, IL
  • 7 hours ago
  • Chicago, IL
  • 7 hours ago

Why us? Iconic architecture, a thriving culinary scene, beautifully landscaped public spaces, and an array of museums are just part of what draws visitors to the Windy City. At The Ritz-Carlton,...

Crew Team Member

  • Chicago, IL
  • 7 hours ago
  • Chicago, IL
  • 7 hours ago

This job posting is for a position in a restaurant owned and operated by an independent franchisee and not McDonald's USA. This franchisee owns a license to use McDonald's logos and food products,...

Food Runner

  • Schaumburg, IL (23 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 7 hours ago
  • Schaumburg, IL (23 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 7 hours ago

Description IMMEDIATELY HIRING - Food Runners Full Time & Part-Time Opportunities! Text APPLY to ... Our Teammates Enjoy: Great Pay Overtime eligibility for schedules over 40 hours/week Paid Sick...

Busser

  • Schaumburg, IL (23 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 7 hours ago
  • Schaumburg, IL (23 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 7 hours ago

Description IMMEDIATELY HIRING. Service Assistants Part-Time & Full-Time Opportunities! Text APPLY to ... Our Teammates Enjoy: Great Pay and Great Tips Overtime eligibility for schedules over 40...

Server

  • Schaumburg, IL (23 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 7 hours ago
  • Schaumburg, IL (23 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 7 hours ago

Description IMMEDIATELY HIRING - Servers Full Time & Part Time Opportunities Text APPLY to ... Our Teammates Enjoy: Great Pay and Great Tips Overtime eligibility for schedules over 40 hours/week...

Wicker Park - Barista

  • Chicago, IL
  • 7 hours ago
  • Chicago, IL
  • 7 hours ago

At Philz, we're doing something bigger than coffee - we're building culture and community. We believe that warmth, authenticity, kindness, positivity and passion can Better People's Days - one cup...

Demographic Data for Chicago, IL

Moving to Chicago, IL? Find some basic demographic data about Chicago, IL below.


Local
National
2,729,418
63,356
Large

Wait Staff Online Courses and Training Opportunities

iHireHospitalityServices curates thousands of courses in order to recommend the best ones to help further your career. If you register for a course using the links on our site, we may receive a small commission.
Leading Well for Staff Health and Wellbeing in the NHS
The health and wellbeing of NHS staff is essential to the quality of care provided to patients, service users and communities. The Covid-19 pandemic placed unprecedented pressures on the health...
Prison Health: Vaccinations for People Working and Living in Prisons (Vaccine Trained Staff)
This two-week course will help you gain an understanding of why vaccines can help protect the health of those living or working in prisons and those around them. Whats more, youll develop the...
On Staff: Combat Staff Masterclass
From a multipurpose tool and a traveling companion to a weapon used to conquer lands and hunting to feed our people, sticks are the foundation to humanity and all that is us.It is a shame to live...

Salary for Wait Staff Jobs in Chicago, IL

Estimated salary range based on data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and iHireHospitalityServices research efforts.

Licensing / Certification

Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Wait Staff positions.



Highest Education Level

Wait Staffs in Chicago, IL offer the following education background
High School or GED
41.6%
Bachelor's Degree
20.9%
Associate's Degree
13.0%
Vocational Degree or Certification
12.7%
Master's Degree
3.9%
Some College
3.8%
Some High School
3.1%
Doctorate Degree
0.9%

Average Work Experience
Here's a breakdown of the number of years' experience offered by Wait Staffs in Chicago, IL
Less than 1 year
34.0%
None
24.3%
1-2 years
24.0%
2-4 years
17.8%


Other Career Titles

Here are some other career titles that require similar skills



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