Barback Salary in West Covina, CA
Barbacks in West Covina, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $16.50 per hour, which translates to about $660.00 per week, $2,860.00 per month, and $34,320.00 per year.
The demand for Barbacks in West Covina is growing moderately at about 2% per year, indicating a steady need for skilled support staff in bars and hospitality venues throughout the city.
How Much Does a Barback Make in West Covina, CA?
The salary of a Barback in West Covina varies based on experience, the type of establishment, and additional skills. Below is a breakdown of typical earnings by experience level.
| 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) | $19.00 | $760.00 | $3,293.33 | $39,520.00 |
Do Barbacks in West Covina Earn Tips?
Yes, Barbacks in West Covina often earn tips in addition to their hourly wages. On average, Barbacks can make an extra $5 to $10 per hour in tips, depending on the venue and shifts worked. This can significantly increase their total earnings.
Barback Salary in West Covina vs. National Average
Nationally, Barbacks earn an average hourly wage of around $14.80, which amounts to approximately $30,784 per year.
Compared to the national average, Barbacks in West Covina earn more, with a mid-level hourly wage of $16.50 and annual pay of $34,320. This suggests a favorable pay scale relative to the broader U.S. market.
Highest-Paying Areas Near West Covina for Barbacks
Nearby areas offer slightly higher pay rates for Barbacks:
- Downtown West Covina: $17.00 per hour
- South Hills: $16.80 per hour
Barbacks working in Downtown West Covina can expect slightly better compensation compared to those in South Hills, reflecting differences in local demand and establishment types.
What Influences a Barback’s Salary in West Covina?
Several factors affect how much a Barback can earn in West Covina:
- Experience and Skill Level: Barbacks with more experience and knowledge of bar operations usually earn higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Working in upscale bars, nightclubs, or high-volume venues can increase earning potential.
- Tips and Incentives: Earnings can be boosted significantly by tips, especially in busy and popular locations.
- Shift Timing and Hours: Evening, weekend, or holiday shifts often pay more or have higher tip opportunities.
- Certifications and Training: Barbacks with additional bartending skills or alcohol service certifications may command better pay.
How To Become a Barback in West Covina
To start and succeed as a Barback in West Covina, consider the following steps:
- Attend Bartending and Barback Training: Schools like the Bartending School of Los Angeles and ABC Bartending School offer comprehensive training in barbacking skills, mixology basics, and customer service.
- Obtain Required Certifications: In California, the California Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Certification is mandatory for alcohol servers, and the ServSafe Alcohol Certification is highly regarded nationwide.
- Gain Practical Experience: Entry-level positions or internships in bars help develop skills and build work experience.
- Develop Strong Communication Skills: Being efficient in teamwork and client interaction enhances job performance.
Top Employers Hiring Barbacks in West Covina
Some of the key employers frequently looking for Barbacks in West Covina include:
- Yard House
- Ojos Locos Sports Cantina
- Oak View Group
Establishments That Barbacks in West Covina Work At
Barbacks in West Covina work in a range of hospitality settings, including:
- Casual Bars and Nightclubs: These venues offer steady work and decent tips but may have pay scales varying widely.
- Sports Bars and Cantinas: Usually busy during events, providing more tip opportunities and sometimes higher base pay.
- Restaurants with Bar Service: Often have structured wages but fewer tip opportunities compared to clubs.
- Event Venues and Concert Halls: May offer temporary or event-based positions with varying earnings aligned to event size.
The type and reputation of the establishment significantly affect Barbacks’ overall salary and tip income.
Related Hospitality Jobs in West Covina for Barbacks
If you're considering similar roles in hospitality near Barback positions, here are some related jobs worth exploring.
These include Bartender, Barback, and Barista, positions with overlapping skills and varying responsibilities.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Barbacks in West Covina
Barbacks should be aware of both federal and state labor laws to understand their rights and obligations:
- Learn about federal labor standards on the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- The California Department of Industrial Relations website offers resources for state-specific labor laws and workplace regulations.
- The Official website of the City of West Covina provides local ordinances and employment resources.