Waitress Salary in Santa Monica, CA
Waitresses in Santa Monica, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $18.80 per hour, which translates to about $752.00 per week, $3,258.67 per month, and $39,104.00 per year.
The demand for Waitresses in Santa Monica is increasing at a rate of about 5% per year, indicating promising job growth and opportunities in the hospitality sector.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Santa Monica, CA?
The salary of a Waitress in Santa Monica varies based on experience and other factors. Here is a breakdown of earnings by experience level to give a clearer picture.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $17.81 | $712.40 | $3,078.13 | $37,000.80 |
| Mid-level (average) | $18.80 | $752.00 | $3,258.67 | $39,104.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $31.94 | $1,277.60 | $5,528.27 | $66,403.20 |
Do Waitresses in Santa Monica Earn Tips?
Yes, Waitresses in Santa Monica generally earn tips. They can make approximately $10 or more per hour in tips depending on the restaurant and customer generosity, which provides a significant boost to their overall income.
Waitress Salary in Santa Monica vs. National Average
On a national level, Waitresses earn about $17.50 per hour, translating to roughly $36,400 per year.
Compared to the national average, Waitresses in Santa Monica earn slightly higher wages with $18.80 per hour and $39,104 per year, reflecting the city's higher living costs and active hospitality industry.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Santa Monica for Waitresses
Nearby areas offer these higher average hourly wages for Waitresses:
- Downtown Santa Monica: $20.50 per hour
- Ocean Avenue: $21.00 per hour
Waitresses working closer to the bustling areas of Downtown Santa Monica and Ocean Avenue can expect better pay, likely due to the upscale establishments and high customer volume.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Santa Monica?
Several factors affect how much a Waitress can earn in Santa Monica:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Waitresses often earn higher wages and receive better tips.
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining restaurants pay more compared to casual eateries and fast food joints.
- Shift and Hours Worked: Evening and weekend shifts may offer higher pay and increased tips.
- Customer Volume and Location: Busy, popular locations usually result in higher tipping opportunities.
- Certifications: Food handling and alcohol service certifications can make a Waitress more employable and sometimes warrant higher pay.
How To Become a Waitress in Santa Monica
Starting a career as a Waitress in Santa Monica involves a few practical steps:
- Gain Basic Experience and Skills: Customer service skills and the ability to handle busy environments are crucial.
- Complete Food Handler Certification: Obtaining the California Food Handler Card is required for all food service workers.
- Get TIPS Certification: If serving alcohol, the TIPS Certification ensures responsible service knowledge.
- Consider Culinary or Restaurant Management Courses: Programs such as the Santa Monica College Culinary Arts Program or the UCLA Extension Restaurant Management Course provide valuable industry knowledge and improve career prospects.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Santa Monica
Santa Monica boasts a competitive hospitality sector with top employers seeking skilled Waitresses, including:
- The Lobster
- FIG Restaurant
- Cassia
- The Misfit Restaurant + Bar
- Tar & Roses
Establishments That Waitresses in Santa Monica Work At
Waitresses in Santa Monica find work in a variety of establishments such as:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Typically offer stable hours but moderate pay.
- Fast Casual Eateries: These tend to offer lower wages and smaller tips due to quicker turnover and counter service models.
- Fine Dining Restaurants: These establishments provide higher hourly rates and often larger tips, rewarding experienced wait staff.
- Bars and Cafés: Often fast-paced environments where tips are significant, especially for evening shifts.
The type of establishment plays a major role in a Waitress’s overall earnings.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Santa Monica for Waitresses
If you're considering careers related to being a Waitress, here are a few roles worth exploring:
These include Server, Fine Dining Server, and Backwaiter positions, which share many skills with the Waitress role and can offer various career paths in hospitality.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Santa Monica
Understanding labor laws and taxation is important for Waitresses in Santa Monica. Helpful resources include:
- California Department of Industrial Relations for state labor laws and regulations.
- California Employment Development Department for employment services and benefits.
- City of Santa Monica official website for local ordinances and resources.