Minimum wage in LA (Los Angeles, Agoura Hills: transplants, apartment, health insurance) - City-Data Forum

space_monkey · 03-20-2008, 04:22 AM

[SIZE=2]How much is minimum wage for jobs located in the Los Angeles county? The kind of job that does not require a certificate in training or a college degree. Fast food restaurants, grocery stores, retail stores, etc..

I’m planning a budget for myself, I realize the amount that I’ll be spending while living there and I’d like to know that I can earn a decent amount to balance my budget.

As soon as I get there I’ll be looking for some type of work and I don’t have a college degree, so I’ll take whatever I can in the meantime while I pursue my career job.

Thank you.
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SandyCo · 03-20-2008, 07:04 AM

Minimum wage in California is now $8 an hour, but you're dreaming if you think you can exist on that in this area, even with roommates, even living in only a single apartment. Most jobs that pay minimum wage will be part time with little or no benefits (health insurance, anyone?), which means you'll have to work at least two jobs. You'd better pray that you find the second job very close to the first job, or you'll be stuck in traffic commuting between them every day. If you have a car and it dies, how will you get it fixed? I know I'm painting a very bleak picture, but the reality is that it's extremely expensive to live in this city.

If you're living on a trust fund, or have a bunch of money saved up, then yes, what you're saying is doable. Otherwise, please find a job where you're at first, save some money, and then move here.

And welcome to City-Data.

amc760 · 03-20-2008, 10:17 AM

Well, fast food jobs will work you practically full time but you won't get the benefits for it, haha. You can do that,and an easy job on the side.

But probably the best thing to do is work a job that gets you tips. Waiting tables,bussing tables, car washes, catering, etc.

You'll be surprised how much you make, and usually you'll make more in tips than in you checks.

Being a waiter at a busted Chili's made me like 25k a year, and that's working part time like 20 hours a week. 25k is peanuts, but while you're going to school full time, I think it's decent spending money.

If you decide to double up on a job, I recommend getting a couple of waiting jobs. They pay more than regular min wage jobs, and usually don't feel like that much work. I know a guy who bartends at two different chain restaurants(i.e. not classy) and he pulls in a fairly decent income for the job that it is.

I think that's the best job if your trying to go to school full time, or are not ready to settle with a job yet.

The nicer restaurants(white tablecloth places) will bring you in even more money.

amc760 · 03-20-2008, 10:20 AM

oh yeah, but remember that you could make 40,000 a year , and you'd still be better off with a roomate.
a waiting job, or a minimum wage job aren't going to give you a fun life with your own apartment, car, or lots of nights out.

it's more to get you by while you go after whatever career you really want.

whatever78 · 03-20-2008, 01:40 PM

besides tip jobs look for general office jobs which will pay over minimum wage; not great, buch much better than fast food,

ex

FRONT DESK RECEPTIONIST FOR A LAW FIRM - START IMMEDIATELY (broken link)

CESpeed · 03-20-2008, 03:33 PM

Customer service jobs are pretty good, too. What's your career job? If you have clerical experience, sometimes you can enter your career that way and work your way up.

amc760 · 03-20-2008, 04:47 PM

also, waiting jobs are good, because you'll probably get a chance to meet a lot of people. a lot of young people do service jobs...students, new transplants, wannabe actors, etc

Charles · 03-20-2008, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SandyCo

Minimum wage in California is now $8 an hour,

Just for fun..

My first job was summer 1977 (16) at Teradyne (then in Chatsworth, now in Agoura Hills) soldering PC boards. I earned $3.30. Minimum wage was $2.65.

space_monkey · 03-23-2008, 01:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amc760

oh yeah, but remember that you could make 40,000 a year , and you'd still be better off with a roomate.
a waiting job, or a minimum wage job aren't going to give you a fun life with your own apartment, car, or lots of nights out.

it's more to get you by while you go after whatever career you really want.

Yeah, while in LA, my focus is towards schooling and working my way towards a career. I do have money saved up, though as soon as I get back out to LA, I'll look for a job that pays decent. For what I'll be spending, I would like to see an income that balances my budget out.

While there it will be more work than play. And I don't get into the city life style as much. So, some small place to sleep and shower is fine, and I do have medical insurance.

Thank you all for the replies.