Waitress Salary in Huntington Beach, CA
Waitresses in Huntington Beach, 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 Huntington Beach is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a healthy job market and an increasing need for food service professionals in the area.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Huntington Beach, CA?
The salary of a Waitress in Huntington Beach can vary depending on experience and employer. Here is a breakdown of earnings 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) | $20.00 | $800.00 | $3,466.67 | $41,600.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $25.13 | $1,005.20 | $4,355.87 | $52,270.40 |
Do Waitresses in Huntington Beach Earn Tips?
Waitresses typically earn tips in addition to their base salary. In Huntington Beach, Waitresses can earn an extra $10 per hour in tips, significantly boosting their overall earnings.
Waitress Salary in Huntington Beach vs. National Average
Nationally, Waitresses earn an average of around $18.00 per hour, equating to about $37,440.00 per year.
Waitresses in Huntington Beach earn at levels comparable to the national average, with opportunities to increase earnings through tips and experience.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Huntington Beach for Waitresses
Nearby areas offer slightly different pay rates for Waitresses:
- Downtown Huntington Beach: $20.00 per hour
- Huntington Harbour: $22.00 per hour
Areas like Huntington Harbour pay better, possibly due to higher-end dining establishments and clientele.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Huntington Beach?
The salaries of Waitresses in Huntington Beach can be influenced by several factors:
- Experience and Skill Level: Waitresses with more experience and strong customer service skills tend to earn higher wages and more tips.
- Type of Establishment: Working at upscale restaurants or resorts generally yields higher salaries and better tipping opportunities compared to casual diners or fast food places.
- Tips and Service Quality: Quality of service and customer interaction can significantly increase tip earnings.
- Shift Timing and Hours: Evening and weekend shifts may offer higher tips or premiums in wages.
- Local Economy and Tourism: Areas with high tourist traffic, like Huntington Beach, often have greater demand, increasing earnings potential.
How To Become a Waitress in Huntington Beach
Starting a career as a Waitress in Huntington Beach can be made easier by following these steps:
- Get Certified in Food Safety: Obtain a California Food Handler Card, mandatory for all food service workers to ensure understanding of food safety and handling.
- Training in Alcohol Service: Complete a TIPS Certification to learn responsible alcohol service, which is often required in establishments serving alcohol.
- Enroll in Hospitality Programs: Consider courses at programs such as Orange Coast College Culinary Arts Program or Golden West College Hospitality Management Program to gain hospitality and service knowledge.
- Gain Experience: Entry-level positions, such as host or busser, can provide relevant experience and exposure to this career path.
- Develop Customer Service Skills: Polishing communication and interpersonal skills is key for success.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Huntington Beach
Several well-known organizations regularly hire Waitresses in Huntington Beach, including:
- Shake Shack
- Albertsons
- MBK Senior Living
Establishments That Waitresses in Huntington Beach Work At
Waitresses often find employment across various types of establishments:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Common and accessible, typically offer stable hourly wages but lower tipping potential.
- Fast Casual Eateries: Faster-paced environments with moderate pay, sometimes with tipping opportunities.
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Offer higher wages and excellent tipping potential due to upscale clientele.
- Hotels and Resorts: Often pay competitive wages and tip out formal service environments.
- Senior Living Communities: Like MBK Senior Living, which offer employment that may come with benefits and stable schedules.
The type of establishment significantly affects overall earnings and work environment for Waitresses.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Huntington Beach for Waitresses
If you are interested in careers similar to Waitressing, you might consider exploring the following roles:
These include Server, Fine Dining Server, and Backwaiter positions, which involve related skills in food service and customer interaction.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Huntington Beach
Waitresses should be familiar with California labor laws and taxation related to their employment.
- Visit the California Department of Industrial Relations for information on workplace regulations and labor laws.
- The California Employment Development Department offers resources on employment services and tax information.