Salary Range — 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $33,340 | $16.03 |
| 25th percentile | $34,090 | $16.39 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $35,900 | $17.26 |
| 75th percentile | $43,270 | $20.80 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $79,780 | $38.36 |
| Mean (average) | $45,750 | $21.99 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $35,900 | — |
| Hawaii | $68,820 | +92% |
| New York | $60,750 | +69% |
| District of Columbia | $54,930 | +53% |
| Vermont | $54,310 | +51% |
| Washington | $48,320 | +35% |
| Maine | $47,630 | +33% |
| Virginia | $46,860 | +31% |
| New Jersey | $45,660 | +27% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop | $35,910 | 42,450 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $35,990 | 15,800 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | $35,790 | 78,320 |
| Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse | $35,770 | 175,340 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other | $36,220 | 31,750 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $35,570 | 51,970 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Bartenders salary in California?
The mean bartenders salary in California is $45,750 per year. The median (middle) salary is $35,900 per year. Source: BLS OEWS 2024.
What is the starting salary for a Bartenders in California?
Entry-level bartenderss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $33,340 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $34,090 per year.
What is the highest Bartenders salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $79,780 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $43,270 per year.
How does the California Bartenders salary compare to the national average?
The median bartenders salary in California is $35,900, which is +7% above national average of $33,530.
Data Source: This data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, May 2024 release.
All wages are estimates. Actual salaries may vary based on experience, education,
employer, and other factors. bls.gov/oes