Hostess Salary in Santa Monica, CA
Hostesses in Santa Monica, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $20.54 per hour, which translates to about $821.60 per week, $3,560.27 per month, and $42,723.20 per year.
The demand for Hostesses in Santa Monica is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a healthy increase in job opportunities and importance of this role in the vibrant hospitality sector of the city.
How Much Does a Hostess Make in Santa Monica, CA?
The salary of a Hostess in Santa Monica can vary based on experience, establishment, and other factors. Below is a breakdown by experience level:
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $15.40 | $616.00 | $2,661.33 | $31,984.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $20.54 | $821.60 | $3,560.27 | $42,723.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $27.39 | $1,095.60 | $4,731.87 | $56,911.20 |
Do Hostesses in Santa Monica Earn Tips?
Hostesses typically do not earn tips regularly as their role is primarily focused on greeting and seating guests, managing reservations, and coordinating the front of house. However, in some upscale or busy establishments, they might receive occasional tips as a part of good customer service practices, but these are not guaranteed or consistent.
Hostess Salary in Santa Monica vs. National Average
Nationally, Hostesses earn an average hourly wage of about $13.50 and an annual salary of roughly $28,080.
Compared to the national average, Hostesses in Santa Monica earn significantly more, with an average hourly wage of $20.54 and annual earnings of approximately $42,723.20.
This difference reflects the higher living costs and the competitive hospitality industry in Santa Monica, where quality customer service is highly valued.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Santa Monica for Hostesses
Nearby areas offer slightly varied pay rates for Hostesses:
- Downtown Santa Monica: $22.00 per hour
- Ocean Avenue: $21.50 per hour
Hostesses working closer to Downtown Santa Monica enjoy marginally higher wages, likely due to the concentration of upscale dining establishments and higher patron volume.
What Influences a Hostess’s Salary in Santa Monica?
Several factors influence the salary that a Hostess can earn in Santa Monica:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Hostesses with refined communication and guest management skills often command better pay.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale or busy restaurants, hotels, and high-end hospitality venues tend to pay more than casual dining spots.
- Shift and Work Hours: Evening, weekend, or holiday shifts may come with higher wages or shift differentials.
- Additional Responsibilities: Hostesses who take on tasks such as reservation management, event coordination, or customer service enhancements may earn higher wages.
- Local Market Demand: Santa Monica’s vibrant tourism and dining scene elevate demand and wages for quality Hostesses.
How To Become a Hostess in Santa Monica
Becoming a Hostess in Santa Monica involves several steps and potential qualifications:
- Gain Relevant Experience: Working in customer service, retail, or reception roles can build essential interpersonal skills.
- Enroll in Hospitality Programs: Santa Monica College Hospitality and Tourism Management Program offers coursework in hospitality management, customer service, and restaurant operations, preparing candidates for the role.
- Consider Specialized Certificates: Programs like UCLA Extension Restaurant Management Certificate provide focused training on front-of-house operations.
- Obtain Food Safety and Beverage Certifications: Certifications such as ServSafe Food Handler and California Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Certification are often required or highly regarded for restaurant roles.
- Develop Soft Skills: Communication, multitasking, and problem-solving skills are crucial for Hostesses to succeed and advance.
Top Employers Hiring Hostesses in Santa Monica
Santa Monica is home to many prestigious dining spots and resorts seeking talented Hostesses:
- The Lobster
- Tar & Roses
- FIG Restaurant
- Cassia
- Shutters on the Beach
Establishments That Hostesses in Santa Monica Work At
Hostesses typically find roles in a range of establishments such as casual dining, fast casual, fine dining restaurants, and hotels.
Each type of establishment can influence salary levels:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Generally offer higher pay due to upscale service standards and clientele expectations.
- Casual and Fast Casual: These establishments provide steady employment but usually with lower wages compared to upscale venues.
- Hotels and Resorts: Larger hospitality venues may offer better benefits and slightly higher salaries for Hostesses.
The prestige and customer traffic of an establishment play important roles in determining compensation for Hostesses.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Santa Monica for Hostesses
If you are interested in pursing careers related to Hostessing, here are some closely related roles:
These include Cashier, Backwaiter, and Waiter/Waitress positions, which involve hospitality and customer service duties similar to those of a Hostess.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Hostesses in Santa Monica
Hostesses should be familiar with relevant labor laws and tax regulations:
- California state labor laws can be reviewed on the California Department of Industrial Relations website.
- Federal labor regulations are detailed on the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- Local employment regulations and services can be found on the Official City of Santa Monica website.