> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Great rate or buck short? - URL: https://www.smdp.com/great-rate-or-buck-short/ - Published: 2007-05-26T15:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-24T00:52:10.000Z - Author: Kevin Herrera - Tags: local, Pier, #archive-import *See where your salary ranks among Santa Monicans* CITYWIDE Some would say its impolite, even downright rude to ask, but there’s something in us all that wants to tap the guy in the cubicle next to us on the shoulder and ask him what he’s pulling down each month. The answer just might be shocking, and could lead a few disgruntled workers to reconsider their career paths. For instance, did you know that a former veterinarian’s assistant-turned-dog-sitter — a profession some might consider trivial — can rake in more than $75,000 a year? Or that a person operating the pier roller coaster, someone charged with ensuring the safety of our kids, earns just $7.50 an hour with no benefits? Recent surveys have shown that Americans are troubled by the widening income gap between the nation’s highest earners and everyone else; a gap that has grown dramatically in recent decades. In the last five years, inflation and adjusted wages rose less than 1 percent per year for the vast majority of households. So what is the gap in Santa Monica? The top money makers are CEOs of major entertainment companies like Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. and Activision, where executives earn anywhere from $1.2 million to $3.6 million. Those on the opposite end of the spectrum are working in the service industry, including fast-food cooks and bartenders, who make minimum wage, or $7.50 an hour. For those earning the bare minimum, tips often mean the difference between eating Top Ramen noodles or dining on fettucini alfredo. “It really depends on the bar you work at,” said Alicia Lecce, a bartender at the Britannia Pub in downtown Santa Monica near the Third Street Promenade. “Here, I can make anywhere from $100 to $300 in a night. It’s really the tips. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to survive.” Despite the pay, Lecce said she loves her job because of the atmosphere. At the cozy watering hole, Lecce socializes with regulars who always have stories to tell, and as an aspiring actress, tending bar gives her the flexibility she needs to go on auditions. “I think it’s a good way for those who are trying to be creating to do other things,” Lecce said. “It’s a way to survive out here in LA, which is very expensive. You make good money and it’s always a party.” In retail, workers tend to fair a little better than those serving up suds. However, just like bartending or waiting tables, a lot depends on the location. A popular, higher-end boutique offers a greater opportunity to make rent and have a little fun than working at a major retailer like J. Crew. At A.B.S. Clothing Collection, located along Montana Avenue’s trendy shopping district, sales associate Christina Cody estimates that she takes home $1,500 every two weeks before taxes. That’s for 40 hours of work and includes commission. In a good week though, she can make as much as $1,700 before Uncle Sam takes his share. Without commission, Cody would earn just $12 an hour, hardly enough to keep her out of poverty. “I try to base my living on my hourly wage so I don’t extend myself, but it’s hard,” said Cody, who has a bachelor’s degree in the arts and dreams of becoming a designer. “I’m not poor. I’m living comfortably and I make enough, but I’d like to make more. Who wouldn’t?” IT’S MAKE OR BREAK For many, the trick is being self-employed or finding a job in local government. With the former, it is the flexible hours and the freedom, while with the latter it’s job security, structured pay increases, dependable benefits and every other Friday off, that is, if you work in City Hall. Lyola Torres, a hairstylist and co-owner of Chase, a high-end salon on Wilshire Boulevard, said since going into business for herself she has seen her salary jump considerably, much of which has to do with her attention to her clients, which keeps people coming back. “With salary and tips, I’m easily making over $100,000 a year,” said Torres, a stylist in high demand who can charge around $400 to $500 for a cut and color. “It really depends on what services the client wants, how creative and talented you are and how much you are willing to work. “These are very long days. It doesn’t come easy.” Torres said that straight out of beauty school, junior stylists make anywhere from $18,000 to $25,000 and often have to pay salons for a slot. Once promoted, a stylist can make $50,000 to $80,000 a year, but one also has to be willing to work long hours and drop what they are doing in their personal lives and attend to a client. Customer service is very important and can make or break a stylist. “You better be prepared to come in early and stay late,” Torres said. But it’s worth it, especially when a client walks in feeling frumpy and leaves with a smile on their face. “When your hair looks great, you feel confident and you feel good,” Torres said. Those looking for something stable should consider the public sector, such as teaching or working in City Hall. Those just starting out in the teaching profession can earn as much as $42,000 in Santa Monica, according to Harry Keiley, president of the Santa Monica-Malibu Classroom Teachers Association. The average teacher with a master’s degree can earn as much as $60,000, if not more. As for city employees, one only has to look at police officer trainees. They’re not even cops yet, but pull down roughly $76,000 a year. A custodian in his or her first year on the job can earn anywhere from $32,000 to $39,000, plus generous benefits. And if one works hard enough, they could eventually become head of a department or the manager of an entire city. Police Chief Timothy Jackman earns $178,000 a year, or $14.833 a month, while City Manager Lamont Ewell, who is in charge of running the day-to-day operations at City Hall, pulls down $245,000 a year, or $20,416 a month — enough to buy new Acura every month. City Council members, many of whom have a full-time job in addition to their council duties, earn $932.11 per month, or about $466 per meeting. The mayor receives a bit more, with $1,118.54 a month. Elected officials also receive $50 for each housing and parking authority meeting and $30 for the redevelopment agency. In the end, how much one gets paid is important, but it’s not the end all for some, especially those who are doing what they love to do. “I get paid to play with dogs and cats all day long,” said Teri Chiota, owner of Puppy Love, a pet-sitting service. “It is truly one of my favorite things in the world to do and I guess I’m just lucky enough to make a great living doing it.” *Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 26, 2007.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/052607.pdf?ref=smdp.com)