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Lead Server Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Wyndemere

Lead Server

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Wyndemere is recruiting for a hospitality focused Lead Server to join our culinary team! This role provides full-scope, hands on serving functions within the community and provides assistance to the ...

Life Care Services

Lead Server

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Wyndemere is recruiting for a hospitality focused Lead Server to join our culinary team! This role provides full-scope, hands on serving functions within the community and provides assistance to the ...

Asbury Village

Lead Server

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Wyndemere is recruiting for a hospitality focused Lead Server to join our culinary team! This role provides full-scope, hands on serving functions within the community and provides assistance to the ...

Life Care Companies, LLC

Lead Server

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Wyndemere is recruiting for a hospitality focused Lead Server to join our culinary team! This role provides full-scope, hands on serving functions within the community and provides assistance to the ...

Wyndemere Senior Living

Lead Server

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Wyndemere is recruiting for a hospitality focused Lead Server to join our culinary team! This role provides full-scope, hands on serving functions within the community and provides assistance to the ...

Life Care Services

Lead Server

Wheaton, IL

$17 - $18/hr

Wyndemere is recruiting for a hospitality focused Lead Server to join our culinary team! This role provides full-scope, hands on serving functions within the community and provides assistance to the ...

The Arlington of Naples

Lead Server

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Wyndemere is recruiting for a hospitality focused Lead Server to join our culinary team! This role provides full-scope, hands on serving functions within the community and provides assistance to the ...

Heritage at Irene Woods

Lead Server

Wheaton, IL

$17 - $18/hr

Wyndemere is recruiting for a hospitality focused Lead Server to join our culinary team! This role provides full-scope, hands on serving functions within the community and provides assistance to the ...

Franciscan Ministries

Lead Server

Wheeling, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

The Lead Server helps to guarantee the highest quality program for the residents. Supporting our front-line team in providing exceptional service. Essential Functions, Key Duties, & Responsibilities

The Mather in Evanston

Lead Server

Evanston, IL · On-site

$21.50 - $23.50/hr

We are seeking a Lead Server to provide pleasurable dining experiences by ensuring professional, timely, food and beverage service to residents, family members, guests, and/or staff according to ...

Franciscan Ministries

Lead Server

Wheeling, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

The Lead Server helps to guarantee the highest quality program for the residents. Supporting our front-line team in providing exceptional service. Essential Functions, Key Duties, & Responsibilities

Franciscan Ministries

Lead Server

Wheeling, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

The Lead Server helps to guarantee the highest quality program for the residents. Supporting our front-line team in providing exceptional service. Essential Functions, Key Duties, & Responsibilities

Lake Forest Place LLC

Lead Server

Lake Forest, IL

$21.02 - $29.32/hr

Are you looking for a team where you can bring your passion, strengths, and best self as a Lead Server ? At Lake Forest Place, you'll join a mission‑driven community where employees work together ...

Franciscan Ministries

Lead Server

Wheeling, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

The Lead Server helps to guarantee the highest quality program for the residents. Supporting our front-line team in providing exceptional service. Essential Functions, Key Duties, & Responsibilities

Westminster Place

Lead Server

Evanston, IL

$21.02 - $29.32/hr

Are you looking for a team where you can bring your passion, strengths, and best self as a Lead Server ? At Westminster Place, you'll join a mission‑driven community where employees work together ...

Presbyterian Homes & Services

Lead Server

Evanston, IL · On-site

$21.02 - $29.32/hr

Are you looking for a team where you can bring your passion, strengths, and best self as a Lead Server ? At Westminster Place, you'll join a mission-driven community where employees work together to ...

Presbyterian Homes & Services

Lead Server

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

$21.02 - $29.32/hr

Are you looking for a team where you can bring your passion, strengths, and best self as a Lead Server ? At Lake Forest Place, you'll join a mission-driven community where employees work together to ...

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All JobsLead Server JobsLead Server Jobs in Chicago, IL

Lead Server information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$22

$52

How much do lead server jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead server in Chicago, IL is $22.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $25.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead server?

Lead Servers are experienced restaurant staff responsible for supervising and coordinating the work of other servers. They ensure high-quality service, manage table assignments, handle customer concerns, and often assist with training new staff. Lead Servers act as a bridge between servers and management, helping to maintain smooth operations during shifts. Their role is essential for delivering excellent customer experiences and supporting the overall efficiency of the dining service.

What are some typical challenges lead servers face when managing a team during peak service hours?

Lead Servers often encounter challenges such as coordinating efficient communication between front-of-house staff and the kitchen, handling sudden surges in customer volume, and resolving unexpected issues like staff shortages or customer concerns. Staying organized and maintaining a positive, calm demeanor helps in delegating tasks effectively and ensuring seamless service. Additionally, balancing supervisory responsibilities with direct guest interaction requires strong multitasking and problem-solving skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead server, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Server, you need extensive experience in food service, strong organizational skills, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, reservation software, and health and safety regulations is typically required. Exceptional communication, leadership, and conflict resolution abilities help you effectively manage staff and provide top-tier customer service. These skills ensure smooth restaurant operations, satisfied guests, and a motivated team environment.

What is the difference between Lead Server vs Server?

AspectLead ServerServer
CredentialsExperience in hospitality, often leadership skillsBasic food service knowledge, sometimes certification
Work EnvironmentSupervises staff, manages sections, handles customer issuesServes customers, takes orders, delivers food
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants, hotels, catering servicesRestaurants, cafes, bars
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for leadership roles in food serviceEntry to mid-level food service position

The main difference between a Lead Server and a Server is that the Lead Server has additional responsibilities such as supervising staff, managing sections, and handling customer concerns, while a Server primarily focuses on taking orders and serving food. Lead Servers typically have more experience and may require leadership skills, whereas Servers focus on delivering excellent customer service. Both roles are essential in the hospitality industry, but the Lead Server holds a more supervisory position.

What does a lead server do?

A lead server supervises the dining room staff, ensures excellent customer service, and manages the flow of service during shifts. They often handle training, resolve customer issues, and coordinate with kitchen staff to ensure timely delivery of orders. Strong communication skills and knowledge of restaurant operations are essential for this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lead Server jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Lead Server jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Lead Server jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Lead Server jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lead Server jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Lead Server jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Lead Server jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Server job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,570 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Lead Server

Wyndemere

Wheaton, IL • On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description


$100 Sign-on Bonus
When you work at Wyndemere Senior Living, you have a front-row seat to the amazing life stories of the wisest people on earth. What's more, you are part of an extraordinary company - one that's investing in the future of senior living by investing in you. Don't just do a job. Be part of an extraordinary life!
Shift: Full-time, Open Availability for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (6:30am-2:00pm or 11:00am-7:30pm)
Compensation: $17-18 per hour based on experience, full benefits package includes Medical, Vision, Dental, and pet insurance. Full time employees accrue up to 23 days per year PTO.
Wyndemere is recruiting for a hospitality focused Lead Server to join our culinary team! This role provides full-scope, hands on serving functions within the community and provides assistance to the Food and Beverage management team in training, mentoring, and managing service flow during meals.
Here are a few of the daily responsibilities of a Dining Room Lead Server:
  • Perform Serving duties, hosting duties, food running duties, or other front of house roles as needed
  • Provide training, mentorship, and direction to front of house staff, under general direction of Dining Room Manager/Supervisor/F&B Director
  • Always exemplify Community standards of cleanliness, sanitation, and organization.
  • Provide subject matter expertise in serving and hospitality best practices
  • Assist Dining Room Manager in supervising front of house staff in various dining venues
  • Responsible for adhering to food quality, appearance, and presentation standards always
  • Exhibit dining room appearance and presentation standards always
  • Set tables and maintain workstations in proper order. Take orders, provide service and requested items both graciously and courteously. Answer pertinent questions about menu items.
  • Serve customers using proper serving etiquette and promote an inviting dining atmosphere.

Here are a few of the qualifications we need you to have:
  • Minimum completion of sophomore year in high school required
  • Experience with hosting and seating tables
  • Experience in food service work required
  • Experience in working with seniors preferred

If you're an enthusiastic, compassionate, senior care professional who is passionate about hospitality and senior engagement- please apply, we'd love to get to know you!
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