Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Los Angeles, CA

In Los Angeles, CA, the typical waiter or waitress earns a median annual salary of $35,060, which translates to approximately $16.86 per hour. This figure is slightly above the national median for waiters and waitresses, which stands at $33,760. When compared to the local area's median household income of $93,525, it becomes evident that earning potential in this occupation does not reach the regional average, underscoring a disparity between individual earnings in this role and typical household financial standards. This situation is reflective of broader economic patterns within the service industry, where wages often trail behind those in other sectors.

Entry-level waiters and waitresses in Los Angeles generally earn near or slightly below the 10th percentile mark at $33,700 annually, while experienced workers can reach earnings as high as the 90th percentile, which is about $61,060 per year. The substantial difference between these figures highlights how experience, skill level, location within higher-end establishments, and possibly tips contribute to earning potential in this field. Additionally, factors such as shift hours, customer service skills, and restaurant type (e.g., fine dining versus casual eateries) can significantly drive the variation in salaries from entry-level positions to those held by more seasoned staff members.