Waiters and Waitresses in California
Local pay for waiters and waitresses in California, on the same wage scale as the U.S. Growth and openings are national.
SOC 35-3031
$36,080
median pay, California
229,970
employed in California
+2.4%
vs U.S. median
-0.7%
growth, 2024–34 (U.S.)
What waiters and waitresses earn in California
California · annual wage · OEWS May 2025
Half of waiters and waitresses in California earn between $34,900 and $39,870 a year; the U.S. median is $35,230.
$36,080
MEDIAN
$39,870
P75
$68,950
P90
Pay by metro in California
$41,920
$38,860
$37,130
$36,830
$36,610
$35,930
$35,850
$35,850
$20k $60k $100k