How to Hire Server in Los Angeles: Requirements, Wages and Interview Tips

How to Hire Server in Los Angeles: Key Takeaways

• Candidates must be at least 18 years old and having TIPS certification is highly recommended for responsible alcohol service.
• The minimum wage for servers in Los Angeles is $17.87 per hour as of July 2025, with no tip credits allowed under California law.
• Effective interview tips include highlighting relevant experience, showcasing customer service skills, and demonstrating knowledge of the establishment.

Hiring a server in Los Angeles involves knowing the legal requirements, wage standards, and strategies to identify the best candidates.

This guide walks you through the key factors to consider when recruiting servers in LA’s competitive hospitality market.

For employers looking to understand more about staff hiring, see our restaurant staff hiring spotlight.

1. Server Requirements in Los Angeles

When hiring a server in Los Angeles, employers must ensure candidates meet basic legal and skill requirements.

First and foremost, candidates must be at least 18 years old, which is a legal mandate in California for serving alcohol.

You can learn more about legal age to serve alcohol in our detailed spotlight article to ensure compliance.

While some restaurants may hire entry-level servers, many prefer those with prior experience, especially in fast-paced or fine dining environments that demand exceptional multitasking and customer interaction skills.

Obtaining TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) certification is strongly advised. This certification trains servers on responsible alcohol service, preventing intoxication and underage drinking, which is crucial for compliance and customer safety.

For detailed instruction on how to become a server, employers can also guide candidates accordingly.

Key skills to look for include strong communication abilities, efficient multitasking, and a customer-focused attitude, all essential for delivering excellent service and managing busy dining areas.

For employers developing training materials, check out our server training manual template for step-by-step guidance.

2. Understanding Server Wages in Los Angeles

California law prohibits tip credits, meaning servers must receive the full minimum wage by law, without counting tips toward minimum pay.

As of July 1, 2025, the minimum wage for servers in Los Angeles is $17.87 per hour.

According to recent data, the average base pay for servers is around $19.44 per hour, reflecting competitive wages that attract quality staff in the city.

Tips significantly enhance a server’s earnings, often forming a substantial portion of their income.

See our spotlight on minimum wage for restaurant servers for more wage insights and legal context.

On average, servers earn about $100 daily in tips, with wide variations depending on the type of establishment:

• Fine Dining: $180–$400 per shift
• Casual Dining: $100–$280 per shift
• Bars and Lounges: $100–$250 per shift

Combined base wages and tips mean many servers in Los Angeles earn between $40,000 and $60,000 annually.

Experienced servers working in upscale venues have the potential to surpass $100,000 per year, making the profession financially rewarding with the right skills and workplace.

Employers interested in maximizing server efficiency can explore server shift length strategies to manage scheduling.

3. Interview Tips for Hiring Servers in Los Angeles

A well-structured interview process can help you identify the best servers for your establishment.

Encourage candidates to thoroughly prepare by researching your restaurant’s menu, style, and customer base to show genuine interest and cultural fit.

Ask them to emphasize their previous serving experience, especially in environments similar to yours, to assess their ability to handle your specific dining setting.

Customer service is paramount. Request examples of how they have handled difficult situations or resolved customer complaints to gauge professionalism and problem-solving skills.

Clarity about availability is critical due to the shift-based nature of the hospitality industry. Find out if candidates are available during your peak hours, weekends, and holidays.

Finally, ask about certifications such as TIPS, as this indicates their knowledge and commitment to responsible and safe alcohol service.

For detailed interview questions, consider using the server interview questions guide to craft your interview.

Also, learn how to handle common interview challenges with our spotlight on effective interview answers.

4. Legal and Official Resources for Server Hiring in Los Angeles

To ensure your hiring process complies with state laws and industry best practices, utilize these official resources:

• California Department of Industrial Relations – Provides information on minimum wage laws, labor regulations, and worker protections.
• California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control – Offers guidelines on responsible alcohol service and legal requirements for servers.
• TIPS Certification Program – Details on obtaining TIPS certification, a widely recognized responsible alcohol service training.

For a deeper understanding of local legal hiring requirements, see our background checks in California spotlight.

Conclusion: Hiring Servers in Los Angeles

Hiring a server in Los Angeles involves meeting age and certification requirements, offering competitive wages without tip credits, and conducting targeted interviews to select qualified, customer-focused candidates.

By following these guidelines, you can build a reliable and skilled serving team that enhances your establishment’s reputation and guest experience.

To help retain your serving staff, explore our strategies to reduce employee turnover.