Server Salary in Santa Ana, CA

Updated on May 09, 2025
Position
City
Salary

How much does a Server make in Santa Ana, CA?

The average salary for a Server is $37,609 per year in Santa Ana, CA.

A server in Santa Ana, CA, can expect to earn a range of salaries. The average annual salary for this role is around $37,609. This figure can vary based on experience and the specific restaurant or establishment. Servers often earn additional income through tips, which can significantly increase the total earnings.

Factors that can influence a server's salary include the type of restaurant, the location within Santa Ana, and the number of hours worked. Those who work in busy areas or high-end restaurants may see higher earnings. Additionally, servers who excel in customer service and have a strong work ethic may receive higher tips, further boosting their income.

Server jobs in Santa Ana, CA

What are the highest paying cities for a Server near Santa Ana, CA?

Job seekers looking for server positions near Santa Ana, CA can find high salaries in nearby cities. Santa Monica, CA, offers the highest average salary of $40,418. Costa Mesa, CA, and Irvine, CA, follow closely with average salaries of $38,723 and $38,497, respectively. These cities provide excellent opportunities for those seeking competitive compensation in the server industry. Exploring other nearby cities, Brea, CA, and Fountain Valley, CA, also offer attractive salaries for server jobs. Brea, CA, pays an average of $38,465, while Fountain Valley, CA, pays $38,056. These figures highlight the potential for higher earnings in these areas. Job seekers should consider these locations for better financial prospects.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Server jobs near Santa Ana, CA, highlighting Santa Monica, CA with the highest at $40,418 and Buena Park, CA with the lowest at $36,225.
  1. Santa Monica, CA
    Average Salary: $40,418
    In Santa Monica, working as a server offers a vibrant atmosphere with a mix of tourists and locals. Many restaurants and cafes seek skilled servers to handle busy crowds. Notable places include The Ivy and Nobu Malibu.
    Find Server jobs in Santa Monica, CA


  2. Costa Mesa, CA
    Average Salary: $38,723
    Costa Mesa provides a lively environment for servers, with a variety of dining options. Servers here often enjoy a friendly community and a chance to work in upscale restaurants. Popular spots include The Black Stallion and The Cheesecake Factory.
    Find Server jobs in Costa Mesa, CA


  3. Irvine, CA
    Average Salary: $38,497
    Irvine offers a dynamic setting for servers, with many restaurants and bars. The city's growing population means steady business. Servers can find work at places like The Cheesecake Factory and The Capital Grille.
    Find Server jobs in Irvine, CA


  4. Brea, CA
    Average Salary: $38,465
    Brea is a great place for servers looking for a quieter pace. The city has many family-friendly restaurants. Servers here can enjoy a supportive work environment. Notable places include The Cheesecake Factory and P.F. Chang's.
    Find Server jobs in Brea, CA


  5. Fountain Valley, CA
    Average Salary: $38,056
    In Fountain Valley, servers work in a community-focused environment. The city has a mix of casual and fine dining options. Servers can find jobs at places like The Cheesecake Factory and The Capital Grille.
    Find Server jobs in Fountain Valley, CA


  6. Westminster, CA
    Average Salary: $37,560
    Westminster offers a diverse dining scene for servers. The city has many restaurants and cafes. Servers can enjoy a bustling atmosphere and work with a variety of customers. Notable places include The Cheesecake Factory and P.F. Chang's.
    Find Server jobs in Westminster, CA


  7. Tustin, CA
    Average Salary: $36,600
    Tustin provides a welcoming environment for servers, with many family-friendly restaurants. The city's growing population means steady business. Servers can find work at places like The Cheesecake Factory and The Capital Grille.
    Find Server jobs in Tustin, CA


  8. Newport Beach, CA
    Average Salary: $36,557
    Newport Beach offers a sophisticated setting for servers, with many upscale dining options. The city attracts a mix of tourists and locals. Servers can enjoy a vibrant atmosphere and work with a diverse clientele. Notable places include The Black Stallion and Nobu Malibu.
    Find Server jobs in Newport Beach, CA


  9. Garden Grove, CA
    Average Salary: $36,424
    Garden Grove provides a diverse dining scene for servers. The city has many restaurants and cafes. Servers can enjoy a supportive work environment. Notable places include The Cheesecake Factory and P.F. Chang's.
    Find Server jobs in Garden Grove, CA


  10. Buena Park, CA
    Average Salary: $36,225
    Buena Park offers a family-friendly environment for servers, with many casual dining options. The city has a mix of restaurants and cafes. Servers can enjoy a welcoming atmosphere. Notable places include The Cheesecake Factory and P.F. Chang's.
    Find Server jobs in Buena Park, CA

What are the best paying companies for a Server in Santa Ana, CA?

Kona Ice offers one of the best-paying server jobs in Santa Ana, CA, with an average salary of $43,260. Panda Restaurant Group and Buffalo Wild Wings also provide competitive salaries, with averages of $41,025 and $39,810, respectively. These companies present excellent opportunities for job seekers looking for rewarding server positions.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Server jobs in Santa Ana, CA, highlighting Kona Ice with the highest at $43,260 and Chipotle Mexican Grill with the lowest at $32,500.
  1. Kona Ice
    Average Salary: $43,260
    Kona Ice offers exciting Server jobs in Santa Ana, CA. They serve delicious ice slushies and treats. Kona Ice operates in many locations, including shopping malls and events.


  2. Panda Restaurant Group
    Average Salary: $41,025
    Panda Restaurant Group provides rewarding Server positions in Santa Ana, CA. They are known for their tasty Asian cuisine. This company operates many Panda Express locations in the area.


  3. Buffalo Wild Wings
    Average Salary: $39,810
    Buffalo Wild Wings offers competitive Server salaries in Santa Ana, CA. They serve a variety of American dishes and drinks. This popular sports bar has many locations in the city.


  4. Chick-fil-A Restaurants
    Average Salary: $37,214
    Chick-fil-A Restaurants provide good Server opportunities in Santa Ana, CA. They are famous for their chicken sandwiches and family-friendly atmosphere. Chick-fil-A has several locations in the area.


  5. HMSHost
    Average Salary: $36,143
    HMSHost offers Server jobs in Santa Ana, CA with a decent salary. They provide food services in airports and other travel locations. This company operates in various high-traffic areas.


  6. Albertsons
    Average Salary: $36,013
    Albertsons offers Server jobs in Santa Ana, CA with a good salary. They run many grocery stores in the area. This company provides a stable work environment for servers.


  7. Clearwater Living
    Average Salary: $35,986
    Clearwater Living offers Server positions in Santa Ana, CA. They focus on providing senior living services. This company operates several facilities in the city.


  8. Farmer Boys
    Average Salary: $35,923
    Farmer Boys offers Server jobs in Santa Ana, CA. They serve American and Hawaiian cuisine. This restaurant chain has multiple locations in the area.


  9. Diversified Restaurant Group
    Average Salary: $33,000
    Diversified Restaurant Group provides Server jobs in Santa Ana, CA. They operate a variety of restaurant brands. This company offers diverse work opportunities for servers.


  10. Chipotle Mexican Grill
    Average Salary: $32,500
    Chipotle Mexican Grill offers Server positions in Santa Ana, CA. They are known for their fresh Mexican food. Chipotle has several locations in the area.

Currently 24,699 Server job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Server in the US?

Learn what a Server does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Server today.
Position
Overview
Server
24,699 Job Openings