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Dining Room Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Responsible for Nutrition Operators, Workstation and Wait Staff Associates. * Oversees systems and processes to ensure that the strategic and operational objectives of the Dining on Call service are ...

Dining Services Manager

Lake Forest, IL ยท On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

... dining room as well as special functions. Additionally, you will assist with maintaining ... Associate's degree is preferred. Apply to Unidine today! Unidine is a member of Compass Group USA ...

Dining Services Manager

Lake Forest, IL ยท On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

... dining room as well as special functions. Additionally, you will assist with maintaining ... Associate's degree is preferred. Apply to Unidine today! Unidine is a member of Compass Group USA ...

Dining Services Manager

Lake Forest, IL ยท On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

... dining room as well as special functions. Additionally, you will assist with maintaining ... Associate's degree is preferred. Apply to Unidine today! Unidine is a member of Compass Group USA ...

Dining Services Manager

Lake Forest, IL ยท On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

... dining room as well as special functions. Additionally, you will assist with maintaining ... Associate's degree is preferred. Apply to Unidine today! Unidine is a member of Compass Group USA ...

Associate Hospitality Leader

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Associate Hospitality Leader With over 20 Hospitality experiences worldwide, RH Hospitality ... RH's dining room service standards and support their professional growth * Partner with the ...

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Dining Room Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

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How much do dining room associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for dining room associate in Chicago, IL is $14.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.88 and $16.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dining room associate?

Dining Room Associates are staff members responsible for maintaining the cleanliness, organization, and overall atmosphere of a restaurant's dining area. Their duties typically include setting and clearing tables, assisting servers, refilling water and other beverages, and ensuring that guests have a pleasant dining experience. They may also help with seating guests and responding to customer requests. Dining Room Associates play a key role in supporting the front-of-house team and ensuring smooth restaurant operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dining room associate?

To thrive as a Dining Room Associate, you need strong customer service skills, attention to detail, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, reservation software, and basic food safety practices is often required. Exceptional communication, teamwork, and a positive attitude help create a welcoming dining experience. These skills ensure efficient operations, satisfied guests, and a smooth flow of service in a hospitality environment.

What are some common challenges dining room associates face during peak hours, and how can they effectively manage them?

Dining Room Associates often encounter high-pressure situations during peak dining hours, such as managing multiple tables, responding promptly to guest requests, and maintaining cleanliness. Effective time management, clear communication with kitchen and service staff, and staying organized are crucial for success. Many teams use coordinated systems or digital tools to track orders and service flow, making teamwork and adaptability essential skills for overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Dining Room Associate vs Waitstaff?

AspectDining Room AssociateWaitstaff
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; customer service skillsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food service experience
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, cafes, dining hallsRestaurants, catering events
Job DutiesAssisting guests, setting tables, maintaining cleanlinessTaking orders, serving food and drinks, handling payments

Both roles involve customer service in dining settings, but Dining Room Associates typically focus on maintaining the dining area and guest comfort, while Waitstaff actively serve food and beverages. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right position in the food service industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Dining Room jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Dining Room jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Dining Room Associate jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Dining Room Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Dining Room Associate job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $30,709 per year, or $14.8 per hour.

In-Room Dining Server (Part Time) - Pendry Chicago

Montage Hotels & Resorts

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$12.92/hr

Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Live Your Passion. Add Your Magic.

At Montage International, we are doing something different, something exciting and it takes passionate people to bring our vision to life. We have built a culture that leads with the important notion we live by every day; do what you love. If this resonates with you, we look forward to receiving your application.

We welcome applicants with disabilities and provide reasonable accommodations as needed to our applicants. Please discuss with our hiring managers during our selection processes.

If you are an internal applicant, please log into Workday and apply for your application to be considered.

Please Click Here to apply internally.

At Pendry Chicgao, It's All Because of YOU!

Server

Imagine turning your passion and talent into a fulfilling career. Imagine a beautiful workplace where you can learn, grow, and have fun. At Pendry Chicago, we know our success is all because of you. Here, you're not just an associate but a passionate creator of authentic, personalized experiences. You'll feel empowered to think creatively, discover career growth opportunities, and have fun while crafting lasting, cherished moments for our guests. Working at Pendry Chicago is more than a job; it's a way of life. Don't just imagine the possibility-join us.

Your Journey

  • Ensure food and beverages are being served in a professional and timely manner

  • Assist guests with menu selections, providing recommendations and answering questions about ingredients, preparation methods, and dietary restrictions.

  • Take food and beverage orders accurately and efficiently, ensuring special requests or modifications are recorded and communicated to the kitchen staff.

  • Anticipate guest needs throughout the meal service, such as refilling drinks, clearing empty plates, and offering dessert or coffee options.

  • Check in with guests periodically to ensure satisfaction with their meals and address any concerns or issues promptly.

  • Promote menu items, specials, and promotions to guests, using suggestive selling techniques to increase sales and enhance the dining experience.

  • Adhere to all cleaning and safety standards

  • Attend daily pre-shift meeting

  • Consistently follow the food & beverage sequence of servicewith the utmost attention to detail

  • Deliver on guests' expectations and have the desire to create WOW moments

  • Perform additional duties as assigned that may be outside of the normal scope of duties, based on business needs

About You

  • You are passionate about spirits, wine, and food

  • You are personable and love engaging with guests

  • You are open to learning, developing, and growing both yourself, personally, and helping others do the same

  • You are trustworthy and have integrity

Must Haves

  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays

  • Ability to collaborate in a team environment

  • Basic communication skills

  • One year minimum of experience in food and beverage operations, a plus

  • Prior micros or other systems experience, a plus

  • Luxury hotel experience, a plus

You Will Enjoy

  • Free meals

  • Free uniforms and cleaning

  • Ongoing community outreach events

  • Hotel discounts

  • Associates' events throughout the year

  • Healthcare benefits

  • 401k retirement plan with company matching

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to stand and exercise mobility for extended periods of time during your scheduled shift

  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly and for extended periods during the shift

  • Ability to push and pull food serving equipment and carts weighing up to 200 pounds on a semi - regular basis

At Pendry Chicago, we want every guest and every associate to feel that they belong. To be seen, to be recognized, and to feel our gratitude. In the United States, we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - veterans/disability. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. Job applicants with disabilities who need assistance or an accommodation in order to apply for a position (or their representative) should contact the People department directly at your preferred location.

The pay range for In-Room Dining Server is $12.92 hourly. The pay scale is the base hourly range, exclusive of incentive pay such as commissions, piece rates, gratuities, and the like, that Pendry reasonably expects to pay for the position.

We offer an excellent benefits package for this role, which includes: 401[k] retirement plan with company matching, Paid Time Off (Sick Time), and hotel discounts.

In the United States we are proud to be an EEO employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.