How Much Do Bartenders Make in California?
Median wage from BLS May 2025 — and the after-tax number the salary sites skip. Tax year 2026.
Quick answer
According to payandtaxes.com's analysis of BLS May 2025 data and 2026 tax law, the median Bartenders in California earns $36,220 per year and takes home $30,845 ($2,570/month) — a keep-rate of 85.2%, with 71,470 employed in the state.
Free. No signup. Single filer, standard deduction — full model.
| Gross pay | $3,018.33 |
| Federal income tax | $180.53 |
| Social Security | $187.14 |
| Medicare | $43.77 |
| California state income tax | $36.51 |
| You keep | $2,570.39 |
How much do Bartenders make in California?
The median Bartenders in California earns $36,220 per year (BLS May 2025), about $17.41 per hour.
What is that after taxes?
$36,220 gross in California keeps $30,845 after federal income tax ($2,166), FICA ($2,771) and state income tax ($438) — $2,570 per month, a 85.2% keep-rate.
How does California compare to the national median for Bartenders?
The California median is $1,880 above the national median of $34,340.
Which state pays Bartenders the most?
Hawaii has the highest median gross for Bartenders at $76,490 — but compare take-home, not gross: state taxes change the order.
Bartenders salary in every state · California paycheck calculator · California minimum wage