Server Salary in Santa Monica, CA
Servers in Santa Monica, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $18.80 per hour, which translates to about $752.00 per week, $3,258.67 per month, and $39,104.00 per year.
The job market for Servers in Santa Monica is growing positively at a rate of 5% per year, indicating increasing demand and opportunities in the hospitality sector locally.
How Much Does a Server Make in Santa Monica, CA?
The salary of a Server in Santa Monica varies with experience and venue. Below is a breakdown of typical earnings by experience level.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $17.81 | $712.40 | $3,087.73 | $37,048.80 |
| Mid-level (average) | $18.80 | $752.00 | $3,258.67 | $39,104.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $31.94 | $1,277.60 | $5,516.13 | $66,355.20 |
Do Servers in Santa Monica Earn Tips?
Yes, Servers typically earn tips in addition to their base pay. It is common for Servers to make an extra $10 per hour in tips, significantly boosting their overall income.
Server Salary in Santa Monica vs. National Average
Nationally, Servers earn an average of about $17.50 per hour, which corresponds to around $36,400 per year.
Compared to the national average, Servers in Santa Monica earn slightly more, with an hourly wage of $18.80 and yearly earnings of approximately $39,104. This reflects the higher cost of living and local demand in Santa Monica.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Santa Monica for Servers
Clients and opportunities differ in surrounding areas, affecting earnings:
- Downtown Santa Monica: $20.50 per hour
- Ocean Avenue: $22.00 per hour
Servers working near Ocean Avenue can expect higher hourly earnings compared to other nearby areas, while Downtown Santa Monica also offers competitive pay.
What Influences a Server’s Salary in Santa Monica?
Several factors influence the salary of a Server in Santa Monica, including:
- Experience & Skill Level: More experienced Servers with strong customer service skills tend to earn higher wages and better tips.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants and fine dining typically pay more than casual or fast-food venues.
- Shift Timing: Evening and weekend shifts may include higher pay or more generous tips.
- Certification & Training: Specialized courses such as alcohol service training can improve employability and income.
- Local Demand: Santa Monica's vibrant tourism and dining scene boosts earning potential.
How To Become a Server in Santa Monica
Embarking on a career as a Server in Santa Monica involves practical steps to enhance your employability and earnings.
Education and Training: Local programs like Santa Monica College Culinary Arts Program offer foundational training in food service. The Los Angeles Hospitality Education Center provides courses focused on front-of-house operations relevant for servers.
Certifications: Obtaining the California Food Handler Card is mandatory for all food service employees in the state. Additionally, earning TIPS Certification helps Servers responsibly manage alcohol service, which is valued by employers.
Gaining Experience: Starting in entry-level positions and building strong customer service skills is key to becoming successful as a Server.
Top Employers Hiring Servers in Santa Monica
If you’re seeking employment as a Server in Santa Monica, these employers are prominent in the local market:
- Hillstone Restaurant Group
- Orto Santa Monica
- Mendocino Farms
- Panda Restaurant Group
- True Food Kitchen
Establishments That Servers in Santa Monica Work At
Servers in Santa Monica work in a variety of settings, each influencing salary levels:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Tend to offer higher base pay and richer tips due to upscale clientele.
- Casual Dining: Provides steady work and moderate wages, with tips depending on traffic and service.
- Fast Casual: Generally pays less hourly with lower tip potential but higher volume of customers.
- Bars and Nightclubs: Can offer high tip opportunities especially during busy hours or special events.
The venue and clientele largely affect how much a Server can earn overall.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Santa Monica for Servers
If you want to explore careers related to Server positions, consider the following roles that share similar skill sets and work environments.
These include Fine Dining Server, Backwaiter, and Bartender roles, all of which involve direct customer interaction and hospitality skills.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Servers in Santa Monica
Servers must comply with both federal and state labor laws, as well as local employment regulations.
- For comprehensive federal labor guidelines, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- California’s specific labor laws and workplace regulations are detailed at the California Department of Industrial Relations.
- Local ordinances and employment resources can be found on the official city of Santa Monica website.