How much money does a cocktail waitress make?

How much could i make as a cocktail waitress in Los Angeles?

• I'm 21 really pretty great body...do u think it wud be hard 4 me to get a job as a cocktail waitress in L.A??? Wud i make good $$$???

• Answer:

  It really depends on where you work. Unfortunately for cocktail waitresses, people don't drink like they used to so some cocktail waitresses don't make very much. I used to work very upscale Rodeo Dr when people drank and made a lot of $$$, as a second job. And as far as what you look like, there are a zillion girls who look fantastic, so you need to be exceptionally competent more than great looking. Remember, women are customers too, and often the biggest checks are couples on dates, and you don't want to tick off the women, you want to play to them. Memorize the most common drink recipes out of a bartending book and know what they look like, it really helps. If you work upscale, you should dress like the clients. It doesn't make them tip less because you look like you don't need the money, it makes them tip more because they think you might be a peer and they don't want to look cheap. I used to always be asked if I had a wealthy husband and was just waiting for fun. Since you don't mention if you have experience, I'll guess that you don't. Learn your drinks, go to places you'd like to work and watch the waitresses and learn. Alcohol is where the money is in a restaurant, so the management wants someone who can sell up. Nice hotel restaurants and bars can be a good bet since often people are there on trips expecting to spend money. The restaurant business is way down with the economy. Clubs can be good, but sometimes the people are horrible tippers. Good luck!