Barback Salary in Compton, CA
Barbacks in Compton, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $16.50 per hour, which equates to about $660.00 per week, $2,860.00 per month, and $34,320.00 per year.
The job outlook for Barbacks in Compton is positive, with an expected growth rate of about 9% per year, indicating a rising demand for these essential hospitality workers.
How Much Does a Barback Make in Compton, CA?
The salary of a Barback in Compton varies by experience, with entry-level to top earners showing distinct pay ranges.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $14.00 | $560.00 | $2,426.67 | $29,120.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $16.50 | $660.00 | $2,860.00 | $34,320.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $18.00 | $720.00 | $3,120.00 | $37,440.00 |
Do Barbacks in Compton Earn Tips?
Yes, Barbacks often earn additional income from tips. They can expect to make approximately $5 to $10 per hour in tips, depending on the venue and their level of customer interaction.
Barback Salary in Compton vs. National Average
Nationally, Barbacks earn an average hourly wage of around $16.12 and an annual salary close to $33,530.
Comparatively, Barbacks in Compton earn slightly above the national hourly average at $16.50 per hour and have a higher annual salary of about $34,320.
This difference may be due to the cost of living and local demand for hospitality workers.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Compton for Barbacks
Nearby areas to Compton pay the following hourly wages to Barbacks:
- Downtown Compton: $17.00 per hour
- North Compton: $16.80 per hour
These wages reflect slight variations within the region, with downtown areas tending to pay the highest.
What Influences a Barback’s Salary in Compton?
Several factors impact how much a Barback can earn in Compton, CA.
- Experience: More experienced Barbacks generally command higher wages and better tip opportunities.
- Skills: Efficiency, knowledge of bar operations, and physical stamina can boost earning potential.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale bars, clubs, and busy restaurants often pay higher wages and better tips than casual taverns.
- Shift Timing: Evening and weekend shifts may include shift differentials or higher tips due to customer volume.
- Local Demand: Compton’s growing hospitality scene drives competitive pay for Barbacks.
How To Become a Barback in Compton
Becoming a Barback in Compton involves a few important steps and certifications.
- Complete barbacking and bartending training: Programs such as the Bartending School of Los Angeles and ABC Bartending School offer comprehensive courses covering bar operations, drink preparation, and customer service.
- Obtain required certifications: In California, the California Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Certification is mandatory for alcohol servers, ensuring responsible alcohol service. Additionally, the ServSafe Alcohol Certification is nationally recognized and focuses on safety and compliance.
- Gain practical experience: Starting in a bar or restaurant environment, learning directly from experienced staff, is valuable.
- Develop strong physical and communication skills: Barbacks typically perform physically demanding tasks and interact with bar staff to maintain seamless operations.
Top Employers Hiring Barbacks in Compton
If you’re looking for work as a Barback in Compton, here are some leading employers:
- Acapulco
- Howard CDM
- Pouring With Heart
Establishments That Barbacks in Compton Work At
Barbacks typically find roles in a variety of hospitality setups, including:
- Casual bars and pubs: Often offer steady hours but moderate tips and wages.
- Fast casual restaurants with bar service: Less focused on alcohol sales, typically with lower pay.
- Nightclubs and upscale cocktail bars: Tend to offer higher wages and better tip opportunities due to busy service and clientele.
- Hotels and resorts: Large venues may pay more and provide benefits but expect high standards of professionalism and service.
The nature of the establishment strongly influences both base pay and tip potential, with busier, upmarket locations paying more.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Compton for Barbacks
Barbacks interested in expanding their career options may consider these related roles in hospitality:
These include Bartender, Barback (a related but potentially more specialized role), and Barista, all of which share foundational hospitality skills.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Barbacks in Compton
Barbacks should stay aware of applicable labor laws and tax requirements to ensure fair workplace conditions and compliance.
- Visit the California Department of Industrial Relations for comprehensive state labor laws and regulations.
- For specific regulations and requirements about alcohol licensing and serving, refer to the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
- Federal labor laws and resources are available on the U.S. Department of Labor website.