Explore 433 Server Jobs in Los Angeles, CA
With 433 positions available, finding a Server job in Los Angeles, CA, is simple and convenient. These roles span a variety of establishments, including:
- Fine-dining restaurants that require exceptional service skills and the ability to handle high-end clientele
- Upscale hotels and resorts where Servers contribute to luxurious guest experiences
- Casual dining venues and cafes seeking friendly and efficient staff for fast-paced environments
- Catering companies and event services needing Servers for weddings, corporate events, and private parties
How to Land a Server Job in Los Angeles, CA
1. Craft a Strong Resume
Highlight relevant skills and experience in a concise format. Every server resume should include key sections like contact info, a brief summary, relevant experience, skills, and any hospitality certifications.
For example, list any previous customer service or food service jobs, emphasizing accomplishments (e.g. “Increased average check by 15% through effective upselling”).
Under skills, include things like POS systems (Toast, Square), upselling, speed, and guest relations. If you have formal education or training (like a hospitality certificate or ServSafe food handler certification), list that too.
Use bullet points for clarity and tailor the resume to the specific job (mentioning “fine dining server” skills if applying to an upscale place, etc.).
2. Obtain Required Certifications
In California, all restaurant servers must have a California Food Handler Card if you handle food (which virtually all servers do). By law, any food service worker in California must complete an approved food safety course and test within 30 days of starting a job.
This online card (valid for 3 years) demonstrates you know safe food handling. Many courses (ServSafe, StateFoodSafety, etc.) offer California Food Handlers certification for about $10–$15, which you can often complete in a few hours online.
If you serve alcohol, you should also consider a responsible beverage service certificate (like TIPS or ServSafe Alcohol) – many employers prefer or require it. Carry copies of any certifications to interviews.
3. Prepare for the Interview
Research the restaurant beforehand (know the cuisine, price point, and signature dishes/drinks). Practice answering common server interview questions: for example, explain how you handle difficult customers, multitask during busy shifts, or work as part of a team.
Emphasize your customer service skills and any relevant experience. Dress neatly (business casual) and arrive on time or early. Be prepared to possibly do a short trial shift or skills demonstration (e.g. walking with a tray) if requested. Managers want to see a positive attitude and the ability to learn.
Ask your own questions too – for instance, about expected sales per server or support staff tips structure – to show you’re engaged (these are often mentioned in server forums).
4. Use the Right Job Resources
Besides general sites like LinkedIn, there are specialized hospitality job platforms like OysterLink who list hundreds of Server jobs. Many upscale restaurants also list openings on their own websites or social media.
Networking is key in LA’s tight-knit industry – consider dropping off your resume in person during off-hours, or asking friends in the business to recommend you. Don’t overlook local job fairs (sometimes hosted by restaurant associations) or community college career centers.
5. Follow Up
After interviews, send a brief thank-you email or note. If you don’t hear back in a week, call the manager to check status. Persistence shows enthusiasm.
Once hired, arrive prepared (memorize the menu if possible, know basic wine lists, and demonstrate strong teamwork and a willingness to learn on the job).
Why Pursue a Career as a Server in Los Angeles, CA?
Working as a Server in Los Angeles offers a unique opportunity to be part of the city’s bustling hospitality industry. Here’s why Server positions in Los Angeles stand out:
Servers in Los Angeles often earn above-average hourly wages, complemented by tips, which can significantly increase overall income. The city’s vibrant dining culture and high-end establishments provide ample opportunities for generous tips.
Many Servers in Los Angeles use this role as a stepping stone to other positions in the hospitality industry, such as Bartender, Event Coordinator, or Front-of-House Manager.
The diverse dining scene in Los Angeles, ranging from food trucks to Michelin-starred restaurants, means Servers gain valuable experience in a variety of settings.
Types of Server Jobs in LA
Not all server positions are the same. Job expectations, dress code, clientele, and pay can vary widely between different settings:
Casual Dining (Chain & Local Eateries)
Think of family-style restaurants, diners, or mid-scale chains (Olive Garden, BJ’s, local diners). These spots move a lot of customers, often with a large menu, and emphasize fast, friendly service.
Training is typically on-the-job, and turn-over can be high. Tips are solid but not enormous (often around 15–20%).
Dress code may be a simple uniform (polo shirt or casual black attire). Pay at casual restaurants is usually closer to the minimum wage plus tips. Servers at casual venues often add roughly $5–$15 per hour in tips on top of their base wage.
Fine Dining
Upscale, white-tablecloth restaurants in Beverly Hills or Malibu, like Michelin-star spots (e.g. Spago, Providence). Expectations include formal etiquette, extensive wine/pairing knowledge, precise menu memorization, and polished service.
Training can be rigorous (sometimes at culinary institutes or through apprenticeships). Dress is strict (suit or tuxedo for waitstaff). Base pay might be a bit higher, but the big draw is much larger tips – $50–$100+ per hour in tips is possible on busy nights.
Fine-dining servers often start as host or bus staff and work their way up. Working in fine dining and having certifications (e.g. alcohol permits, sommelier courses) can significantly boost your earnings and job prospects.
Hotels & Banquets
Large hotels have their own restaurants and event services. Servers in hotels might work at the lobby bar, all-day restaurant, or at catered events (weddings, conferences).
These jobs may offer steadier hours (and sometimes better benefits) than restaurants because major hotels often have established training programs and structured schedules.
Banquet servers often work on-call for events and may receive a per-event bonus.
Tip pools are common. Pay can be on par with casual restaurants, but working for a large chain or unionized employer might give access to health insurance, sick days, and 401(k) if you reach full-time status.
Catering & Events
Catering companies, event halls, and cruise-ship or convention-center dining gigs involve serving at parties, weddings, or corporate events. These jobs are often part-time or per-event, with evening/weekend hours.
You must be very flexible and able to serve large groups quickly. Uniforms vary but are often formal (event server often wear white and black attire).
Tips can be decent if you maintain a good team (sometimes clients tip a service charge). Catering roles may also pay a travel stipend if events are outside downtown.
Nightclubs & Bars
Some bars and clubs hire “food servers” to deliver bar food or cover live events. These positions often include serving drinks (so you may need a bartender license or TIPS). Hours are mostly nights and weekends.
Base wages might be lower, but drink tips and cover fees can be lucrative. Expect a loud, high-energy environment.
Dress code varies by venue. Pay structures here often include a regular wage plus a share of a tip pool that includes bar tips.
Perks and Benefits for Servers in Los Angeles
Working as a server in LA comes with some notable advantages and benefits beyond base pay:
- Tipping – Obviously the biggest perk. California servers keep all their tips on top of wages. In practice, servers in LA often make well above minimum wage when tips are included. For example, Servers at busy LA restaurants typically see an extra $5–$15 per hour from tips in casual settings, and $50–$100+ per hour at upscale venues. Thus, a good night can earn $200–$400 in tips for an experienced fine-dining server. High-volume fine restaurants can even yield $75k–$90k+ annually take-home (base + tips), according to local anecdotes. Tips effectively provide a variable “bonus pay” that can reward strong performance and busy shifts.
- Flexible Scheduling – Many server positions (especially casual diners, cafes, or part-time roles) offer flexible hours. You can often choose days or shifts that fit your life – early breakfast shifts, late evenings, weekdays, or weekends. This makes waiting tables a popular job for students, parents, or people seeking second income. For instance, BLS notes that part-time work is common in this occupation, and schedules often include evenings and weekends. Shift swapping is also prevalent, as is the ability to pick up extra shifts when available.
- Meals and Discounts – Servers usually enjoy free or heavily discounted meals during shifts. In most restaurants, staff get at least one free meal (for example, a lunch meal on a lunch shift). Many places allow take-home unsold food or have staff meal menus. Discounted drinks or retail merch (like branded T-shirts) are often offered.
- Bonuses and Incentives – Some employers offer extra pay incentives. Examples include holiday or weekend bonus pay, tip-outs (sharing some tips with bussers/bartenders), referral bonuses if you recruit a friend, or completion bonuses for hitting performance goals. Some franchises/brands have reward programs (e.g. free menu items after a certain number of shifts).
- Health Coverage and Benefits – These are less common for part-time servers, but full-time or career servers at larger companies may get benefits. Chains like Darden Restaurants (which owns Olive Garden, etc.) or hotel groups often provide health insurance, vision/dental, 401(k), and paid time off to employees who work a minimum number of hours per year. Union halls (for banquet servers at hotels) may have health plans. LA also has a Hospitality Living Wage Ordinance requiring hotel and food employees to receive supplemental benefits from hotel employers. Be sure to check eligibility. Even without formal benefits, servers often qualify for the ACA marketplace or Medi-Cal if eligible.
- Skill and Career Growth – As a server you build strong interpersonal and sales skills. Many advance to supervisory roles (like trainer, bartender, or manager) or transition into related fields (wine steward, event planning). Upscale restaurants sometimes sponsor sommelier certifications or culinary classes for promising staff.
In summary, while healthcare or retirement plans may be limited for entry-level servers, the immediate perks (high tips, flexible hours, free meals) make waiting tables an attractive job.
The combination of a solid hourly wage plus lucrative tips in LA’s high-end restaurants provides one of the best earning potentials for servers.