Waitress in Garden-Grove, CA
Waitresses in Garden-Grove, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $18.93 per hour, which translates to about $757.20 per week, $3,281.20 per month, and $39,374.40 per year.
The demand for waitresses in Garden-Grove is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating promising job prospects and increasing opportunities for individuals seeking employment in this vital hospitality role.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Garden-Grove, CA?
The salary of a Waitress in Garden-Grove varies depending on experience and employer, but the following table gives a general idea across different 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) | $19.65 | $786.00 | $3,393.00 | $40,872.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $27.50 | $1,100.00 | $4,766.67 | $57,200.00 |
Do Waitresses in Garden-Grove Earn Tips?
Yes, Waitresses in Garden-Grove typically earn an extra $10 per hour in tips on average, which can significantly increase their total earnings. Tips often form an important part of a Waitress's income, rewarding excellent customer service.
Waitress Salary in Garden-Grove vs. National Average
Nationally, Waitresses earn an average of around $17.50 per hour, which totals about $36,400 per year.
Compared to the national average, Waitresses in Garden-Grove make slightly more, earning about $18.93 per hour and $39,374.40 annually, likely influenced by the local economy and cost of living.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Garden-Grove for Waitresses
Nearby, areas such as the Korean Business District offer competitive wages for Waitresses.
- Korean Business District: $19.65 per hour
This indicates that Waitresses working in some specialized or culturally unique districts may command slightly higher pay.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Garden-Grove?
Several factors influence how much a Waitress can earn in Garden-Grove:
- Experience Level: More experienced Waitresses typically earn higher wages and can handle busier shifts more efficiently.
- Skills and Customer Service Quality: Excellent communication, upselling, and multitasking skills can boost tip earnings and job opportunities.
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining restaurants usually offer higher wages and tips compared to fast food outlets or casual dining.
- Shift Timing: Evening and weekend shifts often yield better pay potential due to higher customer traffic and tipping habits.
- Local Economic Conditions: Garden-Grove’s cost of living and business climate directly affect wage rates.
How To Become a Waitress in Garden-Grove
Beginning a career as a Waitress in Garden-Grove requires several steps to build relevant skills and credentials:
- Education and Training: Programs like the Orange Coast College Culinary Arts Program provide foundational culinary and hospitality skills valuable for waitstaff.
- Hospitality Management Knowledge: The Santa Ana College Hospitality Management Program offers education on restaurant operations and customer service pertinent to Waitresses.
- Mandatory Certifications: Obtaining a California Food Handler Card is necessary for all food service workers to ensure safety compliance.
- Optional Certifications: Earning the TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) Certification can improve alcohol service skills and may increase employability in venues serving alcohol.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Garden-Grove
Some of the prominent establishments currently hiring Waitresses in Garden-Grove include:
- McDonald's
- Five Guys
- Fiji Island
Establishments That Waitresses in Garden-Grove Work At
Waitresses in Garden-Grove typically find employment across a diverse range of establishments such as:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Often popular for steady shifts and consistent hours, with moderate wages and tips.
- Fast Casual Chains: These spots usually pay lower hourly wages but may see higher volume of customers providing steady tips.
- Fine Dining Venues: Higher wages and tips can be earned here due to upscale clientele and more complex service expectations.
- Cafes and Diners: These venues may offer more flexible scheduling but typically lower wages compared to upscale restaurants.
The type of establishment heavily influences overall compensation, combining base pay and tips.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Garden-Grove for Waitresses
If you're considering careers related to being a Waitress, you might explore these similar roles that leverage hospitality and customer service skills.
These include Server, Fine Dining Server, and Backwaiter, which are positions closely related in duties and skills to a Waitress.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Garden-Grove
Understanding labor laws and tax requirements is essential for Waitresses working in Garden-Grove to ensure legal compliance and financial well-being.
- Visit the California Department of Industrial Relations for detailed information on state labor laws, including wage and hour regulations.
- For federal tax information and resources, consult the Internal Revenue Service.