Waitress Salary in Hawthorne, CA
Waitresses in Hawthorne, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $18.00 per hour, which translates to about $720.00 per week, $3,120.00 per month, and $37,440.00 per year.
The demand for Waitresses in Hawthorne is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating positive job prospects and a rising need for service professionals in the food and hospitality sector.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Hawthorne, CA?
The salary of a Waitress in Hawthorne depends on experience and employer, but the following table shows typical pay rates across experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $15.00 | $600.00 | $2,600.00 | $31,200.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $18.00 | $720.00 | $3,120.00 | $37,440.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $19.71 | $788.40 | $3,395.60 | $40,996.80 |
Do Waitresses in Hawthorne Earn Tips?
Yes, Waitresses commonly earn tips in addition to their base salary. In Hawthorne, a Waitress can expect to earn an extra $10 per hour in tips on average, significantly boosting their overall income and rewarding excellent customer service.
Waitress Salary in Hawthorne vs. National Average
Nationally, Waitresses earn on average about $18.00 per hour, or around $37,440 annually.
The wages for Waitresses in Hawthorne align closely with the national average, earning approximately $18.00 per hour and $37,440 annually. This reflects the local cost of living and market demand, placing Hawthorne competitively among U.S. cities for this position.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Hawthorne for Waitresses
Nearby areas offer slightly varying wages for Waitresses:
- Del Aire: $2,895.00 per month average salary
Waitresses commuting to Del Aire may find marginally higher monthly pay compared to Hawthorne, potentially due to the local economic factors and employer profiles.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Hawthorne?
Several key factors influence the salary of a Waitress in Hawthorne:
- Experience and Tenure: More experienced Waitresses often command higher wages and better tips.
- Skills and Customer Service Quality: Excellent communication, multitasking, and customer engagement skills boost earning potential.
- Type of Establishment: Working in upscale dining places or busy restaurants usually results in higher base salaries and tips than casual or fast-food venues.
- Shift Timing: Evening or weekend shifts might offer higher pay differentials or increased tips.
- Local Economic Conditions: Cost of living and demand in Hawthorne affect wages offered to Waitresses.
How To Become a Waitress in Hawthorne
To pursue a career as a Waitress in Hawthorne, consider the following steps:
- Complete Relevant Culinary or Hospitality Training: Programs such as the Culinary Arts Program at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College provide fundamental skills in food preparation and service.
- Enroll in Hospitality Management Courses: The Hospitality Management Program at El Camino College focuses on restaurant operations and customer service excellence.
- Obtain Required Certifications: Acquire a California Food Handler Card, mandatory for all food service employees, and consider the nationally recognized ServSafe Certification to demonstrate food safety competence.
- Gain Experience: Start working in entry-level food service roles or internships to build practical skills and confidence.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Hawthorne
Some prominent employers actively hiring Waitresses in the Hawthorne area include:
- Gen Korean BBQ
- Din Tai Fung
- Kang Ho-dong Baekjeong
Establishments That Waitresses in Hawthorne Work At
Waitresses in Hawthorne are employed across a variety of establishments:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These offer steady work hours; wages are typically average with moderate tipping opportunities.
- Fast Casual and Quick-Service: Generally have lower base pay and tips compared to full-service restaurants.
- Fine Dining Venues: Provide higher base salaries and significant tips due to upscale clientele but often require more experience.
- Bars and Specialty Eateries: Tips can be substantial, but work may be fast-paced and demanding.
The nature of the establishment significantly affects a Waitress’s total earnings due to differences in wages, tip pools, and working conditions.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Hawthorne for Waitresses
If you're exploring related roles in hospitality, here are a few similar positions to Waitress:
These roles include Server, Fine Dining Server, and Backwaiter, where customer interaction and service skills are essential, with varying salary ranges and job expectations.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Hawthorne
Understanding labor laws and tax requirements is critical for Waitresses in Hawthorne to ensure fair employment practices and compliance. Key resources include:
- Visit the California Department of Industrial Relations for state labor laws and regulations.
- The California Employment Development Department provides employment services and tax information.
- For federal labor laws and guidance, consult the U.S. Department of Labor.