Skip to content
AffordMap
Food Service · West Virginia

How to Become a Waiters and Waitresses in West Virginia

Waiters and Waitresses in West Virginia earn a median salary of $30,320/year, which is 10% below the national average. West Virginia has a state income tax of ~3.0%. After taxes and rent, a waiters and waitresses takes home approximately $713/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$30K
Median salary in West Virginia
-10%
vs. national average
3.0%
State income tax
9,190
Employed in West Virginia

What a waiters and waitresses can afford in West Virginia

Gross annual salary$30,320
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 3.0% state tax)$2,125/mo
Median 2BR rent (West Virginia)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home66.4% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$30,320/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$713/mo

Becoming a waiters and waitresses in West Virginia

1

Meet education requirements

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

2

Gain required experience

Many waiters and waitresses positions in West 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 West Virginia licensure or certification

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

4

Find positions in West Virginia

West Virginia employs 9,190 waiters and waitresses. The highest concentrations are in Charleston and Parkersburg-Vienna.

Waiters and Waitresses salary by metro area in West Virginia

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Charleston$36K$17.46/hr1,250
Parkersburg-Vienna$31K$15.05/hr710
Weirton-Steubenville$31K$15.03/hr480
Morgantown$30K$14.45/hr1,110
Wheeling$29K$14.02/hr900
Beckley$29K$13.88/hr700
Huntington-Ashland$27K$13.18/hr1,740

Waiters and Waitresses salary range in West Virginia

10th percentile (entry)
$19K
25th percentile
$21K
Median (50th)
$30K
75th percentile
$46K
90th percentile (senior)
$59K
View jobs for Waiters and Waitresses
Currently hiring in West Virginia
View →
More openings for Waiters and Waitresses
Currently hiring in West Virginia
View →
Find accredited trade programs
Apprenticeship and certification paths
View →
Full waiters and waitresses salary breakdown in West Virginia
Percentiles, trends, and comparisons
View →
Calculate take-home pay in West Virginia
After federal + 3.0% state tax
Calculate →
Compare West Virginia cost of living to other states
See where your salary goes further
Compare →

Waiters and Waitresses careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a waiters and waitresses make in West Virginia?

The median waiters and waitresses salary in West Virginia is $30,320 per year ($14.58/hr). This is 10% below the national median of $33,760. Salaries range from $19,310 to $59,380.

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

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

Can a waiters and waitresses afford to live in West Virginia?

At the median salary of $30,320, a waiters and waitresses in West Virginia would take home approximately $2,125/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 66.4% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

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

The highest paying metro areas for waiters and waitresses in West Virginia are Charleston ($36,310), Parkersburg-Vienna ($31,300), Weirton-Steubenville ($31,260). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does West Virginia have state income tax for waiters and waitresses?

Yes, West Virginia has a state income tax rate of approximately 3.0%. On a $30,320 salary, this means roughly $897/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.