California ranks 16th of 51 states and D.C. for waiters and waitresses pay, trailing top-paying Vermont ($60,910) by $25,620 — a 73% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $33,310 to $70,450 — a $37,140 spread, 16% tighter than the national $44,010 range.
California employs roughly 10.6% of all waiters and waitresses in the country (243,300 workers).
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 | n/a |
| 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.
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.