Bartenders Salary in California
Bartenders in California earn a median of $36,220 a year, +5% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $36,220
- vs. U.S. median
- +5% ($34,340)
- Rank among states
- 20 of 51
- Jobs in the state
- 71,470
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $34,320; the top 10% earn over $75,130. Nationally the range is $20,110 to $73,770.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Waiters and Waitresses$36,080 median in California
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant$39,010 median in California
- Gambling Dealers$35,090 median in California
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop$36,640 median in California
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers$36,010 median in California
- Stockers and Order Fillers$42,870 median in California
Bartenders pay in California
How much do bartenders make in California?
The median is $36,220 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $34,320 and the top 10% earn over $75,130. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for bartenders?
On pay alone it ranks 20 of 51 (+5% vs. the national median of $34,340). Living costs are not included.