about that. The cost of living in LA is a lot higher than most places so your salary pretty much goes entirely to rent and bills. you live off your tips. if you work in a good restaurant or as a bartender in a popular club you can do quite well. Most waiters walk with about $50 to $100 a day. If you're a hot girl you average double that. also keep in mind that nearly all places in LA will not let you work more than 30 hours a week so they dont have to get you health insurance. It's better to do part time in two places. Oh, it's very illegal for a company to take your tips.