Waiters and Waitresses Salary in San Diego, CA (2026)
Source: BLS OEWS · San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA · 24,800 employed
The average Waiters and Waitresses salary in San Diego, CA is $46,930 per year. The middle 50% of Waiters and Waitressess earn between $34,150 and $36,900. Top earners in the 90th percentile make $79,530 or more. Entry-level positions typically start around $33,550. The median of $35,060 is above the mean, reflecting the wage distribution in this field.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Breakdown in San Diego, CA
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry-level) | $33,550 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,150 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $35,060 |
| Mean (Average) | $46,930 |
| 75th Percentile | $36,900 |
| 90th Percentile (Top earners) | $79,530 |
Related Jobs in San Diego, CA
| Occupation | Mean Annual |
|---|---|
| Chefs and Head Cooks | $71,720 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers | $47,320 |
| Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | $46,160 |
| Bartenders | $46,110 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $43,990 |
| Cooks, All Other | $41,380 |
Waiters and Waitresses Salaries in Other Cities
| City | Mean Annual |
|---|---|
| Kahului, HI | $78,510 |
| Burlington, VT | $67,480 |
| Seattle, WA | $58,180 |
| Albany, NY | $54,870 |
| Urban Honolulu, HI | $53,990 |
| Bremerton, WA | $53,840 |
| Olympia, WA | $53,810 |
| Portland, ME | $53,680 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Waiters and Waitresses salary in San Diego, CA?
The average Waiters and Waitresses salary in San Diego, CA is $46,930 per year, according to BLS OEWS.
What is the median Waiters and Waitresses salary in San Diego, CA?
The median Waiters and Waitresses salary in San Diego, CA is $35,060 per year. Half of Waiters and Waitressess earn more than this and half earn less.
How much do entry-level Waiters and Waitressess make in San Diego, CA?
Entry-level Waiters and Waitressess in San Diego, CA typically earn around $33,550 per year (10th percentile). Workers in the 25th percentile earn about $34,150.
What do the highest-paid Waiters and Waitressess earn in San Diego, CA?
The highest-paid Waiters and Waitressess in San Diego, CA earn $79,530 or more per year (90th percentile). The 75th percentile wage is $36,900.
How many Waiters and Waitressess work in San Diego, CA?
There are approximately 24,800 Waiters and Waitressess employed in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area, per BLS OEWS.