Waitress Salary in Anaheim, CA
Waitresses in Anaheim, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $19.68 per hour, which translates to about $787.20 per week, $3,411.20 per month, and $40,934.40 per year.
The job market for Waitresses in Anaheim is growing at a steady rate of 5% per year, indicating a positive demand and expanding opportunities for this role in the area.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Anaheim, CA?
The salary of a Waitress in Anaheim can vary depending on experience, skills, and type of establishment, but here is a general overview of earnings across experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $18.00 | $720.00 | $3,120.00 | $37,440.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $19.68 | $787.20 | $3,411.20 | $40,934.40 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $26.06 | $1,042.40 | $4,515.73 | $54,124.80 |
Do Waitresses in Anaheim Earn Tips?
Yes, Waitresses typically earn tips that can substantially increase their overall income. In Anaheim, a Waitress may earn an extra $10 per hour in tips on average, which can significantly boost their earnings beyond base salary.
Waitress Salary in Anaheim vs. National Average
Nationally, Waitresses earn an average of around $17.44 per hour, translating to about $36,275.20 per year.
Compared to the national average, Waitresses in Anaheim earn slightly more, at about $19.68 per hour and $40,934.40 per year, reflecting higher living costs and demand in the area.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Anaheim for Waitresses
When considering nearby areas, Waitress salaries can vary as follows:
- Downtown Anaheim: $21.00 per hour
- Anaheim Resort District: $22.50 per hour
Waitresses working in Anaheim Resort District tend to earn the highest wages, benefiting from the area's tourist-driven hospitality industry.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Anaheim?
Several factors influence the salary of a Waitress in Anaheim:
- Experience Level: More experienced Waitresses tend to earn higher wages through better skills and customer service.
- Type of Establishment: Working in upscale restaurants or busy tourist areas typically offers higher pay and better tips.
- Shift Hours: Evening, weekend, or holiday shifts may come with premium pay.
- Location: Working in high-traffic or resort areas can increase earnings due to higher customer volume and spending.
- Additional Skills: Multilingual abilities, cocktail knowledge, or fine dining service experience can lead to higher pay.
How To Become a Waitress in Anaheim
To pursue a career as a Waitress in Anaheim, consider the following steps:
- Obtain Food Handler Certification: A California Food Handler Card is mandatory for all food service employees, ensuring knowledge of food safety practices.
- Complete Hospitality Training: Programs such as the Culinary Arts Program at Orange Coast College or the Hospitality Management Program at Cypress College provide excellent preparation for hospitality roles.
- Obtain Alcohol Service Certification: The TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) Certification is valuable for serving alcohol responsibly in many establishments.
- Gain Practical Experience: Starting in entry-level food service roles or internships can build necessary customer service skills.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Anaheim
Some well-known employers in Anaheim actively hiring Waitresses include:
- Benihana
- The Cheesecake Factory
- P.F. Chang's
- Morton's The Steakhouse
- Disneyland Resort
Establishments That Waitresses in Anaheim Work At
Waitresses in Anaheim are employed across a variety of establishment types:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These offer a balanced blend of base pay and tips due to moderate menus and steady customer traffic.
- Fast Casual Establishments: Pay may be lower, but volume can increase tipping opportunities in some cases.
- Fine Dining Venues: Typically offer higher base pay and more substantial tips due to upscale clientele and higher-priced menus.
- Entertainment and Resort Locations: Such as those in the Anaheim Resort District, where Waitresses can earn more due to higher customer traffic and tipping.
The type of establishment directly influences overall earnings, with fine dining and resort locations generally offering greater compensation.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Anaheim for Waitresses
If you're interested in careers similar to that of a Waitress, here are a few related roles you might consider:
This includes roles such as Waiter/Waitress, Fine Dining Server, and Backwaiter, all of which involve interacting with customers and serving food and beverages.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Anaheim
Waitresses in Anaheim should be well-informed about labor laws and tax obligations to ensure compliance and fair employment practices.
- California labor laws and regulations are administered by the California Department of Industrial Relations, offering guidance on wages, working hours, and worker rights.
- The California Employment Development Department provides employment services and information on payroll taxes and benefits.
- For federal tax information and services, the Internal Revenue Service is the authoritative source.