Barback Salary in El Cajon, CA
Barbacks in El Cajon, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $12.50 per hour, which translates to about $500.00 per week, $2,166.67 per month, and $26,000.00 per year.
The job demand for Barbacks in El Cajon is growing moderately at about 5% per year, indicating positive prospects for individuals seeking careers in this role within the hospitality industry.
How Much Does a Barback Make in El Cajon, CA?
The salary of a Barback in El Cajon can vary depending on experience and specific establishments, but here is a general overview across different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $10.00 | $400.00 | $1,733.33 | $20,800.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $12.50 | $500.00 | $2,166.67 | $26,000.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $15.00 | $600.00 | $2,600.00 | $31,200.00 |
Do Barbacks in El Cajon Earn Tips?
Yes, Barbacks often earn tips in addition to their base salary. While tips can vary, a Barback might earn approximately $5 to $10 per hour in tips depending on the establishment and shift. This can significantly boost overall earnings for diligent workers.
Barback Salary in El Cajon vs. National Average
Nationally, Barbacks earn an average of around $14.00 per hour, which amounts to about $29,120 per year.
Compared to the national average, Barbacks in El Cajon earn slightly less at about $12.50 per hour and $26,000 annually.
This difference can be influenced by regional cost of living, employer size, and the local hospitality market demand.
Highest-Paying Areas Near El Cajon for Barbacks
Nearby areas offer the following hourly wages for Barbacks:
- Downtown El Cajon: $13.00 per hour
- Rancho San Diego: $12.80 per hour
Working closer to Downtown El Cajon may provide better pay opportunities relative to other nearby locations.
What Influences a Barback’s Salary in El Cajon?
Several factors influence how much a Barback can earn in El Cajon:
- Experience: More experienced Barbacks typically command higher wages due to proficiency and efficiency.
- Skills and Certifications: Additional skills like knowledge of cleaning standards, inventory management, or holding a Food Handler's Card can increase pay.
- Type of Establishment: Working at upscale bars, lounges, or nightclubs can offer higher earnings compared to casual or fast casual venues.
- Tip Volume: Locations with higher customer traffic and generous tipping culture can significantly boost income.
- Shift Timings: Late-night or weekend shifts may include higher pay or more tips.
How To Become a Barback in El Cajon
Getting into the Barback position involves several straightforward steps:
- Complete Training: Consider attending specialized programs like San Diego Bartending School or ABC Bartending School, which offers practical barback and bartender training.
- Obtain Certifications: Acquire the California Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Certification mandatory for alcohol servers and managers in California.
- Get a Food Handler's Card: This important certification demonstrates knowledge of safe food handling, essential for Barbacks.
- Gain Work Experience: Entry-level positions in restaurants or bars provide essential hands-on experience and industry insight.
Top Employers Hiring Barbacks in El Cajon
Some prominent employers hiring Barbacks in El Cajon include:
- Miguel’s Cocina
- Delaware North
- Raised by Wolves
- House of Blues
- barleymash
Establishments That Barbacks in El Cajon Work At
Barbacks typically work in a range of hospitality settings such as:
- Casual Restaurants: Often provide steady shifts but may offer moderate salaries with less tipping potential.
- Fast Casual Venues: Usually pay hourly wages but with limited tips.
- Bars and Nightclubs: These locations often offer higher tips and better hourly pay, particularly during busy shifts.
- Hotels and Event Venues: Offer opportunities for structured schedules and sometimes higher pay scales.
The establishment type significantly impacts both the base salary and tip opportunities for Barbacks.
Related Hospitality Jobs in El Cajon for Barbacks
If you're exploring roles similar to Barback, consider these related positions that share overlapping skills and responsibilities:
These include Bartender, Barback itself for lateral movement, and Barista roles, each with their distinct salary ranges and responsibilities.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Barbacks in El Cajon
Barbacks should be aware of applicable labor laws and tax obligations to ensure compliance and protect their rights.
- Refer to the U.S. Department of Labor official website for comprehensive federal labor laws and regulations.
- The California Department of Industrial Relations website provides resources on state labor legislation, workplace safety, and minimum wage standards.
- Local business regulations and employment resources can be accessed via the City of San Diego official website.