Los Angeles Cashier Salary Guide and Cost-of-Living Comparison

Los Angeles Cashier Salary Guide and Cost-of-Living Comparison: Key Takeaways

Cashiers in Los Angeles earn an average hourly wage of $19.67, about 32% higher than the national average.
Annual earnings typically range from $31,307 to $39,726, with top employers paying over $44,000 per year.
Los Angeles has a significantly higher cost of living, especially in housing and transportation expenses.

The Los Angeles cashier salary guide offers a detailed look at wages, typical benefits, and how these earnings match up against local living costs.

Understanding this balance is crucial for anyone considering cashier positions in this high-cost city.

1. Los Angeles Cashier Salary Overview

Cashiers in Los Angeles enjoy wages that surpass the national average by a notable margin. As of August 2025, the average hourly wage stands at approximately $19.67. This elevated pay reflects both the urban market demand and higher local living expenses.

On an annual basis, this hourly wages translate to roughly $34,758, but can vary widely. Typical earnings range between $31,307 and $39,726 depending on the employer and experience.

Top-Paying Employers for Los Angeles Cashiers

Some employers in Los Angeles offer especially competitive pay for cashiers. For example:

Keck Medicine of USC offers average salaries around $45,270 annually.
UCLA Health pays approximately $44,744 per year on average.

These healthcare-related institutions may offer premium wages due to specialized environments and higher operational budgets.

Employers looking for tips on recruiting in hospitality can check our guide on how to hire a cashier for effective strategies.

Tipping and Benefits for Los Angeles Cashiers

Although tipping is uncommon for cashiers in traditional retail settings, working in upscale venues or bustling food halls can sometimes lead to supplemental tips. These tips generally range from $1 to $5 per hour.

Additionally, many cashier positions in Los Angeles come with valuable benefits packages. Employees often receive medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plans, paid time off, and career advancement opportunities.

2. Cost of Living in Los Angeles for Cashiers

The high salaries for cashiers in Los Angeles help offset a significantly elevated cost of living. However, these higher wages may still pose challenges because living expenses rise steeply in this metropolitan area.

For a detailed perspective on the overall cost of living in Los Angeles, employers and employees alike can gain insights to budget accordingly.

Housing Expenses in Los Angeles

Housing is the biggest cost driver. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is approximately $2,400. This rate is among the highest in the nation and requires a large portion of most cashiers’ incomes.

Utilities and Groceries

Utilities like electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage average around $229.38 per month—more than many other cities.

Groceries in Los Angeles are about 9% more expensive than the national average, further adding to daily living costs for food and household essentials.

Transportation Costs

Transportation is also costly, with average gasoline prices around $5.35 per gallon. Combined with parking fees and public transit expenses, getting around Los Angeles adds a significant burden to monthly budgets.

Employers can explore guidance on utility costs to better understand overhead expenses for staffing and operations.

3. Budgeting Tips for Los Angeles Cashiers

Given the elevated costs across several categories, cashiers in Los Angeles often need to budget carefully to maintain financial stability.

Some strategies include:

Considering shared housing or roommates to split rental costs.
Utilizing public transportation options to reduce fuel and parking expenses.
Shopping at discount grocery stores and planning meals to minimize food costs.
Taking advantage of employer-provided benefits like healthcare and retirement plans to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

For employers interested in improving hiring and retention, our restaurant staff hiring resource offers valuable tips.

4. Conclusion: Los Angeles Cashier Salary and Living Costs

Cashiers in Los Angeles earn wages notably higher than the national average, with top employers offering salaries above $44,000 annually. These earnings come with benefits such as insurance and paid time off, which add to overall compensation.

However, the city’s substantial cost of living, particularly for housing and transportation, requires cashiers to budget wisely. Understanding both income potential and expenses is essential for financial planning in this market.

5. Helpful Resources for Los Angeles Cashiers

For further information on labor laws, wages, and local regulations:

Cashiers and employers alike may benefit from reviewing best practices in creating job descriptions by visiting creating a restaurant job description.

Those interested in career advancement or interview preparation can refer to cashier interview questions to get a competitive edge.

01. What is the average hourly wage for cashiers in Los Angeles?

Cashiers in Los Angeles earn an average hourly wage of about $19.67, which is significantly higher than the national average.

02. Which employers pay the highest salaries to cashiers in Los Angeles?

Top-paying employers include Keck Medicine of USC and UCLA Health, offering salaries in the mid $40,000s annually.

03. How does the cost of living in Los Angeles impact cashiers?

The high cost of living, particularly housing and transportation expenses, means cashiers need to budget carefully despite relatively high wages.

04. Are cashiers in Los Angeles likely to receive tips?

Tipping is uncommon in typical retail cashier roles, but some positions in upscale venues or food halls may provide supplemental tips ranging from $1 to $5 per hour.

05. What budgeting tips can help Los Angeles cashiers manage expenses?

Cashiers can benefit from sharing housing, using public transportation, shopping smart, and leveraging employer benefits to control living costs.