How to Become a Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks in California
Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks in California earn a median salary of $39,200/year, which is 14% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~1.9%. After taxes and rent, a hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks takes home approximately $1,320/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.
What a hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks can afford in California
Becoming a hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks in California
Meet education requirements
Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks positions in California typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks 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 hotel, motel, and resort desk clerkss. 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 27,500 hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks. The highest concentrations are in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont and San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara.
Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks salary by metro area in California
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $45K | $21.46/hr | 3,400 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $45K | $21.4/hr | 1,300 |
| Napa | $44K | $20.93/hr | 370 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $43K | $20.54/hr | 7,820 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | $39K | $18.94/hr | 570 |
| Salinas | $39K | $18.59/hr | 850 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $39K | $18.53/hr | 1,550 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $38K | $18.35/hr | 2,980 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville | $37K | $17.98/hr | 250 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $37K | $17.88/hr | 650 |
| Yuba City | $37K | $17.81/hr | 60 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $37K | $17.77/hr | 380 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles | $37K | $17.75/hr | 720 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $37K | $17.73/hr | 2,550 |
| El Centro | $36K | $17.54/hr | 90 |
Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks salary range in California
Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks make in California?▼
The median hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks salary in California is $39,200 per year ($18.85/hr). This is 14% above the national median of $34,270. Salaries range from $35,370 to $52,530.
What are the requirements to become a hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks in California?▼
Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks positions in California typically require High school diploma or equivalent. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks afford to live in California?▼
At the median salary of $39,200, a hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks in California would take home approximately $2,732/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 51.7% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks in California?▼
The highest paying metro areas for hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks in California are San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($44,630), San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($44,520), Napa ($43,540). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does California have state income tax for hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks?▼
Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 1.9%. On a $39,200 salary, this means roughly $749/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.