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Bartenders Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Bartenders make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$36,220
Median Annual Salary
▲
+0.9% vs 2024
$44,780
Mean Salary
$36,220
Median Salary
$17.41
Hourly Rate
71,470 people work as Bartenders in California
Bartenders salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Bartenders in California earn a median salary of $36,220 per year ($3,018/month).
This is 6.9% above the national average of $33,876.
California ranks #20 out of 51 states for Bartenders pay.
Approximately 71,470 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 0.9% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Bartenders
Mix and serve drinks to patrons, directly or through waitstaff.
Top Skills
Active Listening
3.75
Service Orientation
3.62
Social Perceptiveness
3.25
Speaking
3.12
Critical Thinking
3.12
Key Knowledge Areas
Customer and Personal Service
4.44
English Language
3.63
Education and Training
3.16
Sales and Marketing
3.14
Administration and Management
2.99
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
(43.0% of workers)
Salaries for Bartenders in California range from $34,320 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $75,130 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $34,660 and $40,990.
Median $36,220
P10: $34,320P25: $34,660P75: $40,990P90: $75,130
10th
$34,320
25th
$34,660
Median
$36,220
75th
$40,990
90th
$75,130
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$34,320
$16.50
$2,860
25th Percentile
$34,660
$16.66
$2,888
Median (50th)
$36,220
$17.41
$3,018
75th Percentile
$40,990
$19.71
$3,415
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$75,130
$36.12
$6,260
Note: The mean (average) salary of $44,780 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
The median annual salary for Bartenders in California is $36,220 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $44,780.
What is the salary range for a Bartenders in California?
Salaries for Bartenders in California range from $34,320 at the 10th percentile to $75,130 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $34,660 and $40,990.
What is the starting salary for a Bartenders in California?
Entry-level Bartenders positions in California typically start around $34,320 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $34,660 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Bartenders in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 71,470 people are employed as Bartenders in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Bartenders in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Bartenders in California is approximately $17.41 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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