How to Become a Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in California
Food Servers, Nonrestaurants in California earn a median salary of $37,690/year, which is 9% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~1.8%. After taxes and rent, a food servers, nonrestaurant takes home approximately $1,224/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.
What a food servers, nonrestaurant can afford in California
Becoming a food servers, nonrestaurant in California
Meet education requirements
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant 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.
Gain required experience
Many food servers, nonrestaurant 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.
Obtain California licensure or certification
California may require specific licensing or professional certification for food servers, nonrestaurants. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in California
California employs 29,570 food servers, nonrestaurants. The highest concentrations are in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont and San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara.
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant salary by metro area in California
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $45K | $21.5/hr | 4,440 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $44K | $21.25/hr | 1,890 |
| Napa | $39K | $18.82/hr | 160 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | $38K | $18.34/hr | 410 |
| Salinas | $38K | $18.27/hr | 350 |
| Vallejo | $37K | $18/hr | 260 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $37K | $17.86/hr | 1,810 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles | $37K | $17.76/hr | 240 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $37K | $17.72/hr | 10,460 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville | $37K | $17.72/hr | 170 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $37K | $17.65/hr | 390 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $37K | $17.59/hr | 2,690 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $36K | $17.33/hr | 610 |
| Stockton-Lodi | $36K | $17.3/hr | 380 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $36K | $17.3/hr | 2,180 |
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant salary range in California
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a food servers, nonrestaurant make in California?▼
The median food servers, nonrestaurant salary in California is $37,690 per year ($18.12/hr). This is 9% above the national median of $34,460. Salaries range from $34,580 to $57,700.
What are the requirements to become a food servers, nonrestaurant in California?▼
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant 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 food servers, nonrestaurant afford to live in California?▼
At the median salary of $37,690, a food servers, nonrestaurant in California would take home approximately $2,636/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 53.6% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for food servers, nonrestaurants in California?▼
The highest paying metro areas for food servers, nonrestaurants in California are San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($44,710), San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($44,200), Napa ($39,150). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does California have state income tax for food servers, nonrestaurants?▼
Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 1.8%. On a $37,690 salary, this means roughly $688/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.