Waitress Salary in Long Beach, CA
Waitresses in Long Beach, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $19.65 per hour, which translates to about $786.00 per week, $3,406.00 per month, and $40,872.00 per year.
The job market for Waitresses in Long Beach is growing positively at a rate of 5% per year, indicating an increasing demand for skilled waitstaff in the vibrant food service and hospitality industry in the area.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Long Beach, CA?
The salary of a Waitress in Long Beach varies based on experience, employer, and tips, but here is a breakdown of average earnings at different levels of expertise.
| 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 | $3,406.00 | $40,872.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $26.83 | $1,073.20 | $4,638.53 | $55,746.56 |
Do Waitresses in Long Beach Earn Tips?
Yes, Waitresses in Long Beach typically earn tips in addition to their hourly wages. On average, a Waitress can make an extra $10 to $15 per hour in tips, which significantly boosts their overall earnings.
Waitress Salary in Long Beach vs. National Average
Nationally, Waitresses earn an average of around $17.55 per hour, which translates to about $36,504 per year.
Compared to the national average, Waitresses in Long Beach earn higher wages at approximately $19.65 per hour and $40,872 annually. This premium reflects the local cost of living and the thriving hospitality sector in Long Beach.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Long Beach for Waitresses
Nearby areas offer varying salaries for Waitresses:
- Downtown: $20.50 per hour
- Naples: $21.75 per hour
Waitresses working in Naples see the highest pay among these areas, followed closely by those in Downtown Long Beach.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Long Beach?
Several key factors affect a Waitress's earnings in Long Beach:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Waitresses with excellent customer service skills tend to receive higher base pay and better tips.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants and fine dining establishments typically pay higher wages and generate bigger tips compared to casual or fast-food dining.
- Shift Timing: Evening and weekend shifts might come with higher pay due to increased customer volume.
- Certifications: Possessing certifications like the Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Certification can open higher-paying opportunities in establishments serving alcohol.
- Local Demand and Economy: Long Beach's bustling tourist activity and event venues increase demand for skilled Waitresses, positively impacting salaries.
How To Become a Waitress in Long Beach
Starting a career as a Waitress in Long Beach involves a few important steps to enhance your qualifications and employability.
- Complete Relevant Training: Long Beach City College Culinary Arts Program offers comprehensive training that can benefit those entering the food service industry.
- Hospitality Knowledge: Programs like the Los Angeles Harbor College Hospitality Management Program provide valuable insights useful for waitstaff roles.
- Obtain Required Certifications: The California Food Handler Card is mandatory for food service workers, ensuring food safety knowledge.
- Responsible Alcohol Service: The Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Certification is essential for Waitresses working in venues serving alcohol.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Long Beach
Some of the leading employers offering opportunities for Waitresses in Long Beach include:
- The Federal Bar
- Boathouse on the Bay
- L’Opera Ristorante
- Michael’s on Naples
- Parker’s Lighthouse
Establishments That Waitresses in Long Beach Work At
Waitresses in Long Beach are employed in a variety of food service settings, including:
- Casual and Fast Casual Restaurants: Often provide steady employment with moderate wages and tips.
- Fine Dining Establishments: Generally offer higher base pay and significantly more in tips due to upscale clientele.
- Bars and Nightclubs: Mix of hourly wage and tips, with potential for higher earnings especially during busy hours.
- Event Venues and Hotels: Can provide experience in larger-scale operations and potentially higher pay depending on the venue.
The type of establishment significantly impacts overall income, with fine dining and busy bars typically offering the most lucrative positions for Waitresses.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Long Beach for Waitresses
If you are considering careers related to Waitressing, here are a few similar roles in the hospitality industry that might interest you:
These include Server, Fine Dining Server, and Backwaiter positions, which share many responsibilities and skills with Waitressing.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Long Beach
Waitresses should be aware of the following key resources regarding labor laws and tax regulations relevant to their work in Long Beach:
- California Department of Industrial Relations - State labor laws and regulations can be accessed at https://www.dir.ca.gov.
- California Employment Development Department - Information on employment services and tax guidance is available at https://www.edd.ca.gov.
- City of Long Beach Official Website - Local government resources and employment information can be found at https://www.longbeach.gov.