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Waiters and Waitresses Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Waiters and Waitresses make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$36,080
Median Annual Salary
▲
+2.2% vs 2024
$44,600
Mean Salary
$36,080
Median Salary
$17.35
Hourly Rate
229,970 people work as Waiters and Waitresses in California
Waiters and Waitresses salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Waiters and Waitresses in California earn a median salary of $36,080 per year ($3,006/month).
This is 6.2% above the national average of $33,965.
California ranks #22 out of 51 states for Waiters and Waitresses pay.
Approximately 229,970 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 2.2% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Waiters and Waitresses
Take orders and serve food and beverages to patrons at tables in dining establishment.
Top Skills
Active Listening
3.75
Speaking
3.62
Service Orientation
3.62
Social Perceptiveness
3.5
Coordination
3.12
Key Knowledge Areas
Customer and Personal Service
4.37
English Language
3.75
Sales and Marketing
3.47
Food Production
3.25
Administration and Management
2.91
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
(57.0% of workers)
Salary Range: Waiters and Waitresses in California
Salaries for Waiters and Waitresses in California range from $34,320 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $68,950 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $34,900 and $39,870.
Median $36,080
P10: $34,320P25: $34,900P75: $39,870P90: $68,950
10th
$34,320
25th
$34,900
Median
$36,080
75th
$39,870
90th
$68,950
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$34,320
$16.50
$2,860
25th Percentile
$34,900
$16.78
$2,908
Median (50th)
$36,080
$17.35
$3,006
75th Percentile
$39,870
$19.17
$3,322
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$68,950
$33.15
$5,745
Note: The mean (average) salary of $44,600 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Waiters and Waitresses make in California?
The median annual salary for Waiters and Waitresses in California is $36,080 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $44,600.
What is the salary range for a Waiters and Waitresses in California?
Salaries for Waiters and Waitresses in California range from $34,320 at the 10th percentile to $68,950 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $34,900 and $39,870.
What is the starting salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in California?
Entry-level Waiters and Waitresses positions in California typically start around $34,320 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $34,900 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Waiters and Waitresses in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 229,970 people are employed as Waiters and Waitresses in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Waiters and Waitresses in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Waiters and Waitresses in California is approximately $17.35 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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