📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Virginia (2026)

Virginia · 10.0% above national average · Very High Demand

Average
$38,808
per year
Median
$34,408
per year
Hourly
$18.66
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
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Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$27,368
25th Percentile — Junior$34,408
50th Percentile — Median$34,408
75th Percentile — Senior$50,248
90th Percentile — Top Earners$55,943
💡 Top-earning Waiters and Waitressess in Virginia make up to $55,943 per year. The job market in Virginia is rated very strong, with key industries including Government, Technology, Defense.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$33.5k
2021
$34.5k
2022
$35.5k
2023
$36.6k
2024
$37.7k
2025
$38.8k
2026
📈 Waiters and Waitresses salaries in Virginia have followed the national trend with 3.0% annual growth. The strong demand in Virginia's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Waiters and Waitresses Salary by City in Virginia
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Virginia Beach $40,748 +5.0% Very High
Richmond $39,584 +2.0% Very High
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Waiters and Waitresses Job Market in Virginia
Key factors affecting compensation

Virginia is home to a very strong job market for Waiters and Waitressess. The state's key industries — Government, Technology, Defense — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $38,808 per year, Virginia's Waiters and Waitresses salaries are 10.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in Virginia (index: 1.1) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in Virginia can expect to earn $27,368–$34,408, while experienced Waiters and Waitressess can command $50,248–$55,943.

Looking ahead, the Waiters and Waitresses profession in Virginia is projected to grow at 3.0% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Government continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Waiters and Waitresses salary in Virginia is $38,808 per year in 2026, which is 10.0% above the national average of $35,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Waiters and Waitressess the highest wages in Virginia due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Virginia has a very strong job market with major industries in Government, Technology, Defense. This makes it one of the better states for Waiters and Waitresses employment.
  • At $38,808/year, Virginia Waiters and Waitresses salaries are 10.0% higher than the national average of $35,280/year.