California ranks 13th of 51 states and D.C. for bartenders pay, trailing top-paying Hawaii ($68,820) by $32,920 — a 92% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $33,340 to $79,780 — a $46,440 spread, 11% tighter than the national $51,990 range.
California employs roughly 9.4% of all bartenders in the country (69,790 workers).
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 | n/a |
| 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.
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.