Wage Benchmark Overview
Median Annual Salary
$35,500$17.07 per hour · $2,958 monthlyRun the numbers on your own pay
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Take-Home Pay Explorer
Waiters and Waitresses Wage Percentiles in Salinas, CA
Official survey estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Full-time calculations assume standard 2,080 annual working hours.
| Earning Tier | Hourly Wage | Monthly Gross | Annual Gross | Est. Annual Net (CA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $16.25/hr | $2,817 | $33,800 | $29,004 |
| 25th Percentile | $16.54/hr | $2,867 | $34,400 | $29,462 |
| Median (50th Percentile)Metro Benchmark | $17.07/hr | $2,958 | $35,500 | $30,302 |
| 75th Percentile | $18.89/hr | $3,275 | $39,300 | $33,203 |
| 90th Percentile | $32.64/hr | $5,658 | $67,900 | $54,391 |
Cost of Living & Purchasing Power in Salinas, CA
A dollar does not buy the same basket of goods everywhere. Compare how $$35,500 measures up against local economic conditions:
Explore Related Salary & Regional Profiles
Compare waiters or waitresses salaries statewide and examine overall earnings in California:
Frequently Asked Questions About Waiters and Waitresses Pay in Salinas, CA
What is the median salary for waiters or waitresses in Salinas, CA?
The official BLS median annual wage for waiters or waitresses in Salinas, CA is $35,500, which equates to approximately $2,958 per month or $17.07 per hour for a 2,080-hour work year.
What is the hourly pay for waiters or waitresses in Salinas, CA?
The median hourly wage for waiters or waitresses in Salinas, CA is $17.07 per hour based on the BLS survey. One in ten earned less than $16.25/hour and one in ten earned more than $32.64/hour.
What is the pay range for waiters or waitresses in Salinas, CA?
BLS wage estimates for waiters or waitresses in Salinas, CA span from $33,800 at the 10th percentile to $34,400 at the 25th, $39,300 at the 75th, and $67,900 at the 90th. These are wage distribution points, not experience levels.
How much do waiters or waitresses take home after taxes in Salinas, CA?
On a median gross salary of $35,500, an estimated $30,302 lands in net take-home pay per year ($1,165 biweekly) for a single filer claiming the standard deduction in California in 2026. Total tax withholding equals $5,198 (an effective rate of 14.6%).
How much do waiters or waitresses make per month in Salinas, CA?
On the median annual salary of $35,500, gross monthly income is $2,958. After federal, FICA, and California state income taxes, estimated net take-home pay is $2,525 per month (or $1,165 every two weeks).
Is $35,500 a good salary in Salinas, CA?
At $35,500, the median salary for waiters or waitresses is 36.5% of the Salinas, CA median household income ($97,230). According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the metropolitan price parity index is 109.0, making regional consumer goods and services 9% more expensive than the U.S. average.