Waitress Salary in San Francisco, CA
Waitresses in San Francisco, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $15.50 per hour, which translates to about $620.00 per week, $2,686.67 per month, and $32,240.00 per year.
The demand for Waitresses in San Francisco is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting promising job growth and opportunities in the hospitality market of the city.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in San Francisco, CA?
The salary of a Waitress in San Francisco can vary depending on experience and employer type, but here’s a general overview of earnings based on experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $13.00 | $520.00 | $2,253.33 | $27,040.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $15.50 | $620.00 | $2,686.67 | $32,240.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $18.00 | $720.00 | $3,120.00 | $37,440.00 |
Do Waitresses in San Francisco Earn Tips?
Yes, Waitresses in San Francisco typically earn tips in addition to their base pay. They can make an extra $10 per hour in tips, which can significantly boost their overall earnings depending on the establishment and customer volume.
Waitress Salary in San Francisco vs. National Average
Nationally, Waitresses earn an average of around $14.50 per hour, translating to about $30,160 per year.
Compared to the national average, Waitresses in San Francisco earn slightly higher at about $15.50 per hour and $32,240 annually, which is likely due to the city's higher living costs and robust food service industry.
Highest-Paying Areas Near San Francisco for Waitresses
Waitresses in nearby neighborhoods of San Francisco see pay variations such as:
- Financial District: $17.00 per hour
- Union Square: $16.50 per hour
This shows that working in busier or upscale areas can provide better hourly wages for Waitresses.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in San Francisco?
A variety of factors influence how much a Waitress can earn in San Francisco:
- Experience and Seniority: More experienced Waitresses often command higher base wages and better tips.
- Skills and Customer Service: Strong communication and multitasking skills can increase earning potential through better service and repeat clientele.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants or busy tourist areas generally offer more generous pay and tips than casual dining or fast food.
- Shift Timing: Evening and weekend shifts may come with higher wages due to demand and customer volume.
- Local Economy and Cost of Living: San Francisco’s high cost of living tends to push wages higher than in many other cities.
How To Become a Waitress in San Francisco
To pursue a successful career as a Waitress in San Francisco, consider these approaches:
- Gain Relevant Training: Enroll in hospitality or culinary programs such as the City College of San Francisco Culinary Arts and Hospitality Studies Program or San Francisco Cooking School Professional Culinary Program. These provide valuable skills in food service and management.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: A California Food Handler Card is mandatory for food service workers in California. Additionally, the ServSafe Certification offers recognized training in food safety and sanitation.
- Develop Strong Customer Service Skills: Excellent interpersonal skills enhance your capability to earn more tips and excel in this role.
- Get Practical Experience: Entry-level positions or internships in local restaurants can help build experience and open doors to better opportunities.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in San Francisco
Some of the most popular employers hiring Waitresses in San Francisco include:
- The Slanted Door
- Zuni Café
- Tartine Bakery
- Nopa
- State Bird Provisions
Establishments That Waitresses in San Francisco Work At
Waitresses find work across a range of eating establishments in San Francisco:
- Casual Dining: Often provide moderate base pay with varying tips.
- Fast Casual: Usually a faster-paced environment with lower tips but higher hourly wages in some cases.
- Fine Dining and Upscale Restaurants: Generally offer higher base pay and larger tip pools, resulting in better overall compensation.
- Cafes and Bakeries: Smaller tip potential but consistent working hours.
Each establishment type affects salary and tip potential differently depending on clientele and pricing.
Related Hospitality Jobs in San Francisco for Waitresses
If you’re interested in positions related to Waitress roles, here are some closely related career options:
These include Bartender, Backwaiter, and Fine Dining Server positions, which involve similar customer service and hospitality skills.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in San Francisco
Waitresses should be aware of state and local labor laws and tax regulations to ensure compliance and proper understanding of their employment rights.
- Refer to the California Department of Industrial Relations - State labor laws and regulations for details on wage and hour laws.
- Visit the California Employment Development Department - State employment services and benefits to understand taxes and unemployment benefits.
- Check the City and County of San Francisco Official Website - Local government resources and information for city-specific employment guidelines and resources.