Valet Salary in Costa Mesa, CA
Valets in Costa Mesa, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $16.06 per hour, which translates to about $642.40 per week, $2,783.73 per month, and $33,404.80 per year.
The demand for Valets in Costa Mesa is growing at a healthy rate of about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook for job opportunities in this role within the region.
How Much Does a Valet Make in Costa Mesa, CA?
The salary of a Valet in Costa Mesa can vary depending on experience and employer type, but here is a breakdown of earnings based on experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $14.53 | $581.20 | $2,512.53 | $30,142.40 |
| Mid-level (average) | $16.06 | $642.40 | $2,783.73 | $33,404.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $18.86 | $754.40 | $3,268.27 | $39,185.60 |
Do Valets in Costa Mesa Earn Tips?
Valets typically earn tips in addition to their base salary. It is not uncommon for Valets to make an extra $10 per hour in tips, which can significantly boost their overall earnings depending on location and client generosity.
Valet Salary in Costa Mesa vs. National Average
Nationally, Valets earn an average of around $13.96 per hour, which translates to about $29,036.80 annually.
Valets in Costa Mesa earn a higher hourly wage of $16.06 and annual salary of $33,404.80, which is above the national average. This difference is likely due to Costa Mesa’s higher cost of living and demand for parking services.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Costa Mesa for Valets
Nearby cities offer competitive wages for Valets, sometimes even surpassing Costa Mesa:
- Mission Viejo: $36.18 per hour
- Newport Beach: $35.58 per hour
These areas may provide better pay but could also have higher living costs or more competitive employment markets.
What Influences a Valet’s Salary in Costa Mesa?
Several factors impact the salary of a Valet in Costa Mesa, including:
- Experience: More experienced Valets typically command higher wages.
- Customer service skills: Exceptional interpersonal skills can lead to better tips and job opportunities.
- Type of establishment: Valets working at luxury hotels or high-end restaurants tend to earn more.
- Shift timings: Night shifts or weekends might offer premium pay or more tipping opportunities.
- Certifications and licenses: Holding certifications like Defensive Driving can enhance employability.
How To Become a Valet in Costa Mesa
To pursue a career as a Valet in Costa Mesa, consider the following steps:
- Obtain a California Driver's License, a mandatory requirement for legally operating vehicles.
- Complete a Defensive Driving Certification to improve safety credentials and employability.
- Enroll in customer service programs like the Customer Service Excellence Workshop at Costa Mesa Community Center to enhance vital soft skills.
- Consider formal hospitality training such as the Hospitality Management Program at Orange Coast College to learn operational and managerial aspects relevant to valet services.
- Gain practical experience by starting in entry-level parking or guest service roles.
Top Employers Hiring Valets in Costa Mesa
Some of the prominent employers currently hiring Valets in Costa Mesa include:
- Evolution Parking & Guest Services
- SCP Hospitality Manager LLC
- Norm Reeves Honda
Establishments That Valets in Costa Mesa Work At
Valets typically work in a variety of establishments such as:
- Luxury Hotels: Often pay higher wages and come with better tipping opportunities.
- Upscale Restaurants: Valets here may benefit from generous tips and more formal workplace structures.
- Car Dealerships: Positions here are often salaried with potential bonuses.
- Event Venues: Temporary or event-based valet work, which may vary in pay and hours.
The type of establishment heavily influences overall Valet earnings, especially through the availability of tips and wage premiums.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Costa Mesa for Valets
If you are interested in roles similar to Valet, consider these related hospitality positions with comparable skill sets and salary ranges.
These include Bellhop, Cashier, and Food Delivery Driver roles.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Valets in Costa Mesa
Valets should familiarize themselves with applicable labor laws and tax regulations to ensure their rights and responsibilities are well understood.
- Consult the Federal website for labor laws and regulations for baseline legal standards.
- Visit the California state website for labor laws and workplace regulations to understand state-specific rules.
- For local ordinances and additional regulations, the City of Costa Mesa's official website is a useful resource.