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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Waitress in California is $27,001 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $13.
However, a Waitress's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Waitress Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $28,901 | $2,408 | $556 | $14 |
| Average | $27,001 | $2,250 | $519 | $13 |
| 25th Percentile | $24,801 | $2,067 | $477 | $12 |
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La Fontaine Restaurant - Walnut Creek, CA
The Norwegian Club Of San Francisco - San Francisco, CA
A Waitress's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Waitress's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Waitress | 0-1 years | $26,913 |
| Restaurant Assistant General Manager | 1-3 years | $46,777 |
| Restaurant Operations Manager | 3-5 years | $63,132 |
| Restaurant Sales/Operations Regional Manager | 5+ years | $95,119 |
| Casino Restaurant Operations Director | 5+ years | $132,471 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Waitresses. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Waitress salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $28,661. While startup companies pay approximate $24,331.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $24,331 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $25,713 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $27,703 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $28,661 |
For Waitress roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Waitress positions in Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Waitress as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $32,401 | $16.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Waitress's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $28,901 | $2,408 | $556 | $14 |
| Average | $27,001 | $2,250 | $519 | $13 |
| 25th Percentile | $24,801 | $2,067 | $477 | $12 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Waitress, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Fast Food Restaurant Shift Supervisor | $38,300 | 42% |
| Gourmet Restaurant Manager - Casino | $65,600 | 143% |
| Culinary Services Supervisor | $44,600 | 65% |
| Food Service Operations Team Lead | $45,500 | 69% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Waitress job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Gotham Bar & Pool Club Inc
San Bernardino, CA
Gotham Bar & Pool Club Inc | San Bernardino, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Description. We are in search of a skilled and professional Bartender/Waitress to join our team. The Bartender/Waitress w... more
11 Days Ago
Morrison Living
Los Angeles, CA
Morrison Living | Los Angeles, CA
Job Description. Job Description. . Morrison Living is hiring immediately for part time. WAITER/WAITRESS. positions. Location. Solheim Senior Living - 2236... more
7 Days Ago
Bon Appetit
South San Francisco, CA
Bon Appetit | South San Francisco, CA
Job Description. Job Description. . We are hiring immediately for part time. WAITER/WAITRESS. positions. Location. Chico Marx - 2 Tower Place, South San Fr... more
7 Days Ago
Flik Hospitality Group
Los Angeles, CA
Flik Hospitality Group | Los Angeles, CA
Job Description. Job Description. We are hiring immediately for a full time. WAITER/WAITRESS. position. Location. Air Canada Lounge LAX - 600 World Way, Te... more
7 Days Ago
Unidine
Ontario, CA
Unidine | Ontario, CA
Job Description. Job Description. . Unidine is hiring immediately for a part time. WAITER/WAITRESS. position. Location. Inland Christian Home - 1950 South ... more
8 Days Ago
Morrison Living
Walnut Creek, CA
Morrison Living | Walnut Creek, CA
Job Description. Job Description. . Morrison Living is hiring immediately for a part time. WAITER/WAITRESS. position. Location. Sequoia Living Viamonte at ... more
8 Days Ago
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