Salary Range — 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $33,310 | $16.02 |
| 25th percentile | $34,230 | $16.46 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $35,290 | $16.97 |
| 75th percentile | $39,210 | $18.85 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $70,450 | $33.87 |
| Mean (average) | $44,250 | $21.27 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $35,290 | — |
| Vermont | $60,910 | +73% |
| Hawaii | $48,570 | +38% |
| Washington | $47,490 | +35% |
| New York | $46,460 | +32% |
| District of Columbia | $45,770 | +30% |
| Maine | $44,550 | +26% |
| Rhode Island | $42,600 | +21% |
| New Hampshire | $39,270 | +11% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $35,570 | 51,970 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $35,000 | 37,730 |
| Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse | $35,770 | 175,340 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | $35,790 | 78,320 |
| Bartenders | $35,900 | 69,790 |
| Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop | $35,910 | 42,450 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Waiters and Waitresses salary in California?
The mean waiters and waitresses salary in California is $44,250 per year. The median (middle) salary is $35,290 per year. Source: BLS OEWS 2024.
What is the starting salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in California?
Entry-level waiters and waitressess (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $33,310 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $34,230 per year.
What is the highest Waiters and Waitresses salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $70,450 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $39,210 per year.
How does the California Waiters and Waitresses salary compare to the national average?
The median waiters and waitresses salary in California is $35,290, which is +5% above national average of $33,760.
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