Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Waiters and Waitresses in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area earn an average annual salary of $42,950. This figure is notably higher than the national average of $38,360, suggesting that the vibrant and high-demand service industry in Southern California commands a premium for these roles. The significant local workforce size also contributes to the competitive compensation landscape.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,950 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,060.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 91,020 individuals in this profession, the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area demonstrates a robust market for Waiters and Waitresses. The Location Quotient of 0.98 indicates that employment in this sector is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for these service professionals within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA earns+12.0%above the national average.
$20.7
$826
$3,579
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Waiters and Waitresses in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in the service industry. Factors such as inflation, increased minimum wage, and evolving consumer spending habits likely contribute to this upward trajectory in compensation.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Experience plays a crucial role in the earning potential for Waiters and Waitresses. Entry-level positions typically offer salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher wages. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear career progression opportunities, rewarding dedication and expertise in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $33,700 | $16.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $32,213 | $15.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,060 | $16.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $53,688 | $25.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $61,060 | $29.4 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,950
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$42,950
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $42,950 in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is comparable to the national average, indicating that the increased earnings are offset by the local cost of living.
Job Market Context
91,020
Total Jobs
14.681
Per 1K Jobs
0.98
Location Quotient
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA has 0.98x the national average concentration of Waiters and Waitresses jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient of 0.98 for Waiters and Waitresses in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA suggests a job market that is highly representative of the national average in terms of concentration. This implies a competitive yet stable environment where the number of jobs aligns closely with the national proportion of the workforce, offering consistent opportunities without extreme saturation.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $45,440↑ 6% | 49 mi |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $42,100↓ 2% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is $42,950. This typically ranges from $33,700 for entry-level positions to $61,060 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is 12.0% higher than the national median of $38,360.
Is Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
Yes, with a caveat regarding cost of living.The average salary of $42,950 is higher than the national average, but the Cost of Living Index of 100 means that purchasing power is similar to the national average.
Is Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($45,440) and Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 14.681 jobs per 1,000 workers, the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area has a slightly higher concentration of waiter and waitress positions compared to the national average, indicating a healthy demand.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) being 0.98?
An LQ of 0.98 means that the proportion of Waiters and Waitresses in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA workforce is very close to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where the profession is neither significantly over-represented nor under-represented.
Does the high number of local workers mean more competition?
A large local workforce of 91,020 suggests a competitive job market. However, the stable Location Quotient indicates that demand is also present, creating a dynamic environment for job seekers.
How does the salary compare to other major California cities?
While this data focuses on the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metropolitan area, salaries for Waiters and Waitresses can vary significantly across different regions within California due to local economic conditions and cost of living.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 91,020 employees in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area with a job density of 14.681 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Waiters and Waitresses • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA