Waiter and Waitress Salary in California
Based on 230K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$36,080
$17.35/hr
vs National Average
$33,965
+6.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$34K – $69K
230K employed in California
The median Waiter and Waitress salary in California is $36,080 per year, which translates to approximately $17 per hour. This figure is notably higher than the national average, showing a gain of 6.2% for those in this profession within the Golden State. With a substantial number of employed individuals, understanding this pay scale is crucial for both current and aspiring service professionals.
Several factors can influence the actual Waiter and Waitress salary in California. These often include the specific location within the state (major cities versus rural areas), the type of establishment (fine dining versus casual), and the employee's experience level and tips earned. The salary range can extend from $34,320 to $68,950, reflecting these diverse earning potentials across the state.
Salary Distribution — Waiter and Waitress in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $34,320 |
| 25th percentile | $34,900 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $36,080 |
| 75th percentile | $39,870 |
| 90th percentile | $68,950 |
Top-Paying Industries for Waiter and Waitress (U.S.)
Which industries pay Waiter and Waitresss the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Waiter and Waitresss in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $79,660 | — |
| Administrative and Support Services | $37,090 | 16K |
| Educational Services | $36,680 | 780 |
| Manufacturing | $36,380 | 18K |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $36,090 | 6K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Waiter and Waitress in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $36,080 |
| 2026 (projected) | $37,162 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $36,080 | $33,965 |
| 2026 (projected) | $37,162 | $34,984 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $34,900 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $36,080 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $39,870 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $68,950 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary in Other States
Related Waiter and Waitress Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Waiter and Waitress ($36,080 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Waiter and Waitress | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in CA | $44,880 | +24.4% | $21.58/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in CA | $42,280 | +17.2% | $20.33/hr |
| Cashier in CA | $37,100 | +2.8% | $17.84/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in CA | $34,320 | -4.9% | $16.50/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in CA | $38,440 | +6.5% | $18.48/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in CA | $42,870 | +18.8% | $20.61/hr |
| Security Guard in CA | $43,240 | +19.8% | $20.79/hr |
| Receptionist in CA | $44,100 | +22.2% | $21.20/hr |
| Rehabilitation Counselor in CA | $44,480 | +23.3% | $21.38/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in CA | $47,630 | +32.0% | $22.90/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in CA | $49,560 | +37.4% | $23.83/hr |
| Tutor in CA | $49,570 | +37.4% | $23.83/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Waiter or Waitress in California?
- The median salary for a Waiter and Waitress in California is $36,080 per year. This breaks down to an hourly rate of about $17, and it's 6.2% higher than the national average.
What is the salary range for Waiters and Waitresses in California?
- In California, the salary range for Waiters and Waitresses typically falls between $34,320 and $68,950 annually. This wide range indicates significant variations in earning potential based on experience and location.
How many Waiters and Waitresses are employed in California?
- California is a significant market for this profession, with approximately 229,970 Waiters and Waitresses employed. This large number contributes to the overall dynamic of the service industry wages in the state.
Is the Waiter and Waitress salary in California higher than the national average?
- Yes, the Waiter and Waitress salary in California is higher than the national average. Specifically, it sits at 6.2% above the national median, reflecting the higher cost of living and demand in the state.