Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Fresno, CA
In Fresno, CA, waiters and waitresses earn $33,290 at the median — $16 an hour. The range runs from $33K at the entry level to $60K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 102.16), that's roughly $32,586 in purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,664/month — about 72.4% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $33K get you in Fresno?
About waiters and waitresses
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Fresno, CA
Entry-level waiters and waitresses (10th percentile) start around $33K. Mid-career wages sit at $33K.Top earners bring in $60K or more - a $26K spread from bottom to top.
Waiters and Waitresses pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont | $61K | +80% | 3,730 |
| Hawaii | $49K | +44% | 13,830 |
| Washington | $47K | +41% | 43,720 |
| New York | $46K | +38% | 140,890 |
| District of Columbia | $46K | +36% | 10,540 |
| Maine | $45K | +32% | 8,540 |
| Rhode Island | $43K | +26% | 11,010 |
| New Hampshire | $39K | +16% | 10,840 |
| New Jersey | $39K | +15% | 56,560 |
| Virginia | $37K | +10% | 61,260 |
| Arizona | $37K | +9% | 55,010 |
| Connecticut | $36K | +8% | 21,720 |
| Massachusetts | $36K | +8% | 50,160 |
| Ohio | $36K | +7% | 76,260 |
| Michigan | $36K | +6% | 64,920 |
Track waiters and waitresses salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Fresno numbers change.
Related careers in Food Service
Frequently asked questions
How much do waiters and waitresses make in Fresno, CA?
The median is $33,290 a year - that works out to about $16 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $33,280, and experienced waiters and waitresses can clear $59,620. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $33K enough to live in Fresno?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,356/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,664/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 70.6% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a waiters and waitresses salary go in Fresno?
Fresno has a Regional Price Parity of 102.16 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median waiters and waitresses salary is worth about $32,586 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do waiters and waitresses get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.