SalaryNode

Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Fresno, CA

Waiters and Waitresses in Fresno, CA, earn an average annual salary of $40,420, surpassing the national average of $38,360. This higher local pay is influenced by the specific economic conditions and demand within the Fresno metropolitan area, reflecting a localized adjustment to the service industry's compensation structure.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $40,420 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.2% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,620.
  • Outlook: Fresno supports a substantial workforce of approximately 4,500 Waiters and Waitresses. While the Location Quotient of 0.64 suggests a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average, the presence of nearly 10 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a stable and consistent demand for these service professionals within the local economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$40,420

The average Waiters and Waitresses in Fresno, CA earns+5.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$19.4

Weekly

$777

Monthly

$3,368

Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Fresno, CA

Salary progression for Waiters and Waitresses in Fresno typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career progression opportunities available within this role.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$33,280$16
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$30,315$14.6
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$33,290$16
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$50,525$24.3
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$59,620$28.7

Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$40,420

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$40,420

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $40,420 in Fresno aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Waiter or Waitress's salary in Fresno is comparable to the national standard, offering a balanced financial landscape for residents.

Job Market Context

4,500

Total Jobs

9.563

Per 1K Jobs

0.64

Location Quotient

Below Average

Fresno, CA has 0.64x the national average concentration of Waiters and Waitresses jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

With a Location Quotient of 0.64, Fresno has a slightly lower concentration of Waiters and Waitresses compared to the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present, the market may not be oversaturated, potentially offering a moderate level of competition for job seekers in this field.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Fresno, CA?

The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Fresno, CA is $40,420. This typically ranges from $33,280 for entry-level positions to $59,620 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Fresno, CA is 5.4% higher than the national median of $38,360.

Is Fresno, CA a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?

Yes, slightly more lucrative than the national average.Waiters and Waitresses in Fresno earn an average of $40,420 annually, which is above the national average. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this makes Fresno a financially stable location for these roles.

Is Fresno, CA a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?

The Cost of Living Index in Fresno, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Fresno, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Hanford-Corcoran, CA ($38,160) and Visalia, CA.

What is the average salary for a Waiter/Waitress in Fresno, CA?

The average annual salary for Waiters and Waitresses in Fresno, CA is $40,420.

How does Fresno's waiter salary compare to the national average?

The average salary in Fresno ($40,420) is higher than the national average ($38,360) for Waiters and Waitresses.

What is the Cost of Living in Fresno, CA?

The Cost of Living Index in Fresno, CA is 100, which is equivalent to the national average.

How concentrated is the waiter job market in Fresno?

The job market for Waiters and Waitresses in Fresno has a Location Quotient of 0.64, indicating a slightly lower concentration than the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,500 employees in the Fresno, CA area with a job density of 9.563 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.