In California, the minimum wage varies depending on the employer's size. As of 2023, the minimum wage is $15.50 per hour for large employers (26 or more employees) and $15.00 per hour for small employers (25 or fewer employees).
However, it's important to note that waiters and other tipped employees can earn less than the standard minimum wage because tips are considered part of their compensation. In California, the minimum wage for tipped employees is still $15.50, but their total earnings can significantly increase due to tips.
Based on Glassdoor data, waiters in California have an average base pay ranging from approximately $32K to $54K annually, with total pay (including tips) potentially reaching up to $74K. This suggests that while their base pay may start around minimum wage, actual earnings can be much higher due to tips.