LocalSalaryHub Salary Report
Waiters and Waitresses in San Jose, CA · Generated June 3, 2026
Waiters and Waitresses Salary in San Jose, CA — Take-Home Pay Calculator
$41,920
Mean: $52,010
~$32,698 est. take-home
$20.15
Based on 2,080 hrs/yr
100
100 = national avg
Salary Distribution
Where the median falls between the 25th and 75th percentile.
25th %
$39,300
Median
$41,920
75th %
$44,560
Median is in the 50th percentile of the typical range
Waiters and Waitresses in other CA cities
Compare the same occupation across cities in CA.
About Waiters and Waitresses salaries in San Jose, CA
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for waiters and waitresses in San Jose, CA is $41,920. This is based on the most recent Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey data.
Salaries typically range from $39,300 (25th percentile) to $44,560 (75th percentile), reflecting differences in experience, employer size, and specialization.
The estimated hourly rate is $20.15 per hour, based on a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Career Outlook
Waitstaff employment is projected to grow 3% through 2034. Fine dining and upscale casual restaurants continue to seek experienced servers, while fast-casual and counter-service models are reshaping entry-level roles.
💡 Key insight: Servers at high-end restaurants in major cities can earn well above the median through tips, sometimes exceeding $60,000 annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a waiters and waitresses in San Jose?▾
The median salary is $41,920 per year. The mean (average) salary is $52,010.
How much does a waiters and waitresses make per hour in San Jose?▾
The estimated hourly rate is $20.15 per hour.
What is the salary range for waiters and waitresses in San Jose?▾
Salaries typically range from $39,300 (25th percentile) to $44,560 (75th percentile).
Salary Conversion Table
How does $41,920 per year break down across different time periods?
| Period | Gross | Est. Take-Home |
|---|---|---|
| Yearly | $41,920 | $32,698 |
| Monthly | $3,493 | $2,725 |
| Biweekly | $1,612 | $1,258 |
| Weekly | $806 | $629 |
| Hourly (40h/wk) | $20.15 | $15.72 |
| Hourly (35h/wk) | $23.03 | $17.97 |
| Hourly (30h/wk) | $26.87 | $20.96 |
| Daily (8h) | $161 | $126 |
Take-home estimates use an effective tax rate of 22%. Actual amounts vary by filing status, deductions, and state tax.
Waiters and Waitresses: Highest-Paying Cities in the U.S.
Top 10 cities nationwide for waiters and waitresses, based on BLS median salary data.