Waitress Salary in Sacramento, CA
Waitresses in Sacramento, CA, earn approximately $13.90 per hour, which translates to about $556.00 per week, $2,409.33 per month, and $28,912.00 per year.
The employment outlook for Waitresses in Sacramento is positive, with a 5% job growth expected per year, indicating a steady demand for waitstaff professionals in the hospitality industry.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Sacramento, CA?
The salary of a Waitress in Sacramento varies based on experience and employer type. Below is a breakdown of earnings across different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $10.50 | $420.00 | $1,820.00 | $21,840.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $14.10 | $564.00 | $2,438.00 | $29,328.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,947.33 | $35,360.00 |
Do Waitresses in Sacramento Earn Tips?
Waitresses typically earn tips on top of their base pay. In Sacramento, they can expect to make an extra $8 to $12 per hour in tips, depending on the restaurant and service quality, which significantly boosts their overall income.
Waitress Salary in Sacramento vs. National Average
Nationally, Waitresses earn an average of $14.50 per hour, translating to about $30,160 per year.
In comparison, Waitresses in Sacramento earn slightly less hourly at $13.90, with an annual salary of approximately $28,912.
This slight difference can be due to regional cost of living variations and differing restaurant market conditions.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Sacramento for Waitresses
Waitresses in specific areas near Sacramento may earn more depending on location. Here are two high-paying neighborhoods:
- Downtown Sacramento: $15.50 per hour
- Midtown Sacramento: $17.60 per hour
Waitresses working in Midtown Sacramento often earn the highest wages, reflecting a concentration of upscale dining establishments.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Sacramento?
Several factors affect how much a Waitress can earn in Sacramento:
- Experience: More years in service usually lead to better compensation and tips.
- Skill Level: Excellent customer service and communication skills can boost earnings.
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining and upscale restaurants often pay better and provide higher tipping opportunities than casual dining or fast food.
- Shift Timing: Evening and weekend shifts may offer premium pay or increased tips.
- Certifications: Food safety and beverage service certifications can make a Waitress more employable and potentially better paid.
How To Become a Waitress in Sacramento
To start a career as a Waitress in Sacramento, consider the following steps:
- Complete Basic Training: Pursue programs like the American River College Culinary Arts Program for foundational food service training or the Sacramento City College Hospitality Management Program focusing on hospitality industry skills.
- Obtain Required Certifications: Acquire a California Food Handler Card, which is mandatory for all food service workers in the state.
- Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Certification: If serving alcohol, this certification is typically required to learn responsible alcohol handling.
- Gain Work Experience: Entry-level opportunities in casual restaurants or cafes are an excellent way to build practical skills.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Sacramento
Several well-known restaurants in Sacramento regularly hire talented Waitresses, including:
- The Firehouse Restaurant
- Ella Dining Room and Bar
- Mulvaney's B&L
- The Kitchen Restaurant
- Mikuni Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar
Establishments That Waitresses in Sacramento Work At
Waitresses in Sacramento find employment across a range of establishments:
- Casual Dining: These restaurants offer steady work but moderate wages and tipping potential.
- Fine Dining: High-end restaurants provide higher base pay and significantly better tips, rewarding superior service.
- Fast Casual: These are generally quick-service venues with lower hourly rates but some offer tips.
- Cafes and Coffee Shops: Often part-time or entry-level opportunities with variable tip earnings.
The type of establishment strongly impacts salary and overall earnings, with upscale dining offering the most lucrative opportunities for Waitresses.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Sacramento for Waitresses
If you are interested in roles similar to Waitressing, here are some career paths you might consider:
These include Server, Fine Dining Server, and Backwaiter, which involve customer service and hospitality duties similar to those of a Waitress.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Sacramento
Waitresses in Sacramento should be familiar with local and state labor laws and tax obligations to ensure proper employment conditions.
- You can find comprehensive state labor laws and worker rights at the California Department of Industrial Relations.
- For employment services and tax information, visit the California Employment Development Department.
- Local government resources and services for Sacramento workers are available through the Sacramento County Official Website.