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Food Service · California

How to Become a Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers in California

Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers in California earn a median salary of $35,790/year, which is 10% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~1.7%. After taxes and rent, a dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers takes home approximately $1,103/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$36K
Median salary in California
+10%
vs. national average
1.7%
State income tax
78,320
Employed in California

What a dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers can afford in California

Gross annual salary$35,790
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 1.7% state tax)$2,515/mo
Median 2BR rent (California)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home56.1% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$35,790/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,103/mo

Becoming a dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers in California

1

Meet education requirements

Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers positions in California typically require No formal educational credential. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain California licensure or certification

California may require specific licensing or professional certification for dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helperss. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in California

California employs 78,320 dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers. The highest concentrations are in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont.

Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers salary by metro area in California

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara$40K$19.04/hr4,100
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont$38K$18.4/hr10,440
Napa$36K$17.47/hr830
Santa Rosa-Petaluma$36K$17.35/hr1,180
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim$36K$17.25/hr28,380
Vallejo$36K$17.15/hr510
Salinas$35K$17/hr1,020
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad$35K$16.96/hr8,860
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom$35K$16.93/hr4,340
Santa Cruz-Watsonville$35K$16.84/hr500
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario$34K$16.58/hr7,300
San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles$34K$16.52/hr1,020
Modesto$34K$16.52/hr650
Redding$34K$16.51/hr220
Merced$34K$16.5/hr170

Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers salary range in California

10th percentile (entry)
$33K
25th percentile
$34K
Median (50th)
$36K
75th percentile
$39K
90th percentile (senior)
$51K
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Full dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers salary breakdown in California
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Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers make in California?

The median dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers salary in California is $35,790 per year ($17.21/hr). This is 10% above the national median of $32,670. Salaries range from $33,390 to $50,850.

What are the requirements to become a dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers in California?

Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers positions in California typically require No formal educational credential. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers afford to live in California?

At the median salary of $35,790, a dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers in California would take home approximately $2,515/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 56.1% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers in California?

The highest paying metro areas for dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers in California are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($39,610), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($38,270), Napa ($36,330). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does California have state income tax for dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers?

Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 1.7%. On a $35,790 salary, this means roughly $612/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.