Waiters and Waitresses Salary in California
In California, waiters and waitresses earn a median of $35,290 per year.
Median (California)
$35,290
Bottom 10%
$33,310
Top 10%
$70,450
Employed in California
243,300
How California compares
Refit analysis ·In California, waiters and waitresses earn a median of $35,290 — 5% above the national median of $33,760. Locally the range runs $33,310 to $70,450. About 243,300 people hold this role in the state.
Refit analysis ·California ranks #16 of 54 states for waiters and waitresses pay — roughly the 72th percentile among states. That trails the top-paying state (Vermont, $60,910) by 73%. State employment of about 243,300 also shapes how competitive local openings are.
National benchmark
US median
$33,760
US bottom 10%
$18,500
US top 10%
$62,510
Skills that move pay in this role
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
- Writing
- Mathematics
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