salary$35,540 a year$17 an hour · median pay in the Salinas, CA area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$34,320per year
Top pay (top 10%)$73,940per year
Jobs in the area3,100people work this job
Can a server (waiter/waitress) afford Salinas?
Expensive. Rent of $2,412 a month takes 81.4% of the median server (waiter/waitress) salary. That is over the 30% rule, so many people in this job share housing or need a second income.
Server (Waiter/Waitress) pay in similar cities
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a server (waiter/waitress) make in Salinas, CA?
The median pay for a server (waiter/waitress) in the Salinas, CA area is $35,540 a year ($17 an hour). Most earn between $34,320 and $73,940.
Can a server (waiter/waitress) afford to live in Salinas?
Typical rent of $2,412 a month takes 81.4% of the median server (waiter/waitress) salary, which we rate Expensive.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, for the Salinas, CA metro area.