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Food Service · Virginia

How to Become a Waiters and Waitresses in Virginia

Waiters and Waitresses in Virginia earn a median salary of $44,760/year, which is 27% above the national average. Virginia has a state income tax of ~4.6%. After taxes and rent, a waiters and waitresses takes home approximately $1,064/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$45K
Median salary in Virginia
+27%
vs. national average
4.6%
State income tax
59,370
Employed in Virginia

What a waiters and waitresses can afford in Virginia

Gross annual salary$44,760
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 4.6% state tax)$2,996/mo
Median 2BR rent (Virginia)-$1,932/mo
Rent as % of take-home64.5% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$44,760/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,064/mo

Becoming a waiters and waitresses in Virginia

1

Meet education requirements

Waiters and Waitresses positions in Virginia typically require No formal educational credential. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Virginia. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many waiters and waitresses positions in Virginia require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Virginia licensure or certification

Virginia may require specific licensing or professional certification for waiters and waitresses. Requirements vary by state, contact the Virginia Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Virginia

Virginia employs 59,370 waiters and waitresses. The highest concentrations are in Harrisonburg and Charlottesville.

Waiters and Waitresses salary by metro area in Virginia

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Harrisonburg$45K$21.52/hr1,150
Charlottesville$44K$21.17/hr2,140
Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk$39K$18.76/hr13,100
Richmond$38K$18.5/hr9,120
Staunton-Stuarts Draft$38K$18.23/hr690
Winchester$38K$18.12/hr990
Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford$38K$18.11/hr1,080
Roanoke$37K$17.97/hr2,220
Lynchburg$37K$17.69/hr1,410

Waiters and Waitresses salary range in Virginia

10th percentile (entry)
$28K
25th percentile
$33K
Median (50th)
$45K
75th percentile
$56K
90th percentile (senior)
$74K
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Waiters and Waitresses careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a waiters and waitresses make in Virginia?

The median waiters and waitresses salary in Virginia is $44,760 per year ($21.52/hr). This is 27% above the national median of $35,230. Salaries range from $28,270 to $74,130.

What are the requirements to become a waiters and waitresses in Virginia?

Waiters and Waitresses positions in Virginia typically require No formal educational credential. Virginia may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Virginia licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a waiters and waitresses afford to live in Virginia?

At the median salary of $44,760, a waiters and waitresses in Virginia would take home approximately $2,996/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,932/month, that's 64.5% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for waiters and waitresses in Virginia?

The highest paying metro areas for waiters and waitresses in Virginia are Harrisonburg ($44,760), Charlottesville ($44,030), Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk ($39,020). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros, a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Virginia have state income tax for waiters and waitresses?

Yes, Virginia has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.6%. On a $44,760 salary, this means roughly $2,057/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.