California ranks 4th of 51 states and D.C. for food servers, nonrestaurant pay, trailing top-paying Colorado ($38,180) by $490 — a 1% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $34,580 to $57,700 — a $23,120 spread, 27% wider than the national $18,180 range.
California employs roughly 10.9% of all food servers, nonrestaurant in the country (29,570 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $34,580 | $16.63 |
| 25th percentile | $35,660 | $17.14 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $37,690 | $18.12 |
| 75th percentile | $45,510 | $21.88 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $57,700 | $27.74 |
| Mean (average) | $42,730 | $20.55 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $37,690 | n/a |
| Colorado | $38,180 | +1% |
| New York | $38,010 | +1% |
| Washington | $37,770 | +0% |
| District of Columbia | $37,570 | +0% |
| Hawaii | $37,470 | -1% |
| Massachusetts | $36,540 | -3% |
| New Hampshire | $36,110 | -4% |
| Vermont | $36,040 | -4% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Recreation Workers | $37,580 | 48,580 |
| Telemarketers | $37,450 | 3,480 |
| Dishwashers | $37,440 | 73,050 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $37,440 | 5,590 |
| Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment | $37,300 | 48,280 |
| Retail Salespersons | $37,250 | 352,860 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Food Servers, Nonrestaurant salary in California?
The mean food servers, nonrestaurant salary in California is $42,730 per year. The median (middle) salary is $37,690 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in California?
Entry-level food servers, nonrestaurants (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $34,580 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $35,660 per year.
What is the highest Food Servers, Nonrestaurant salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $57,700 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $45,510 per year.
How does the California Food Servers, Nonrestaurant salary compare to the national average?
The median food servers, nonrestaurant salary in California is $37,690, which is +9% above national average of $34,460.