Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Virginia Beach, VA-NC

In Virginia Beach, VA-NC, waiters and waitresses typically earn a median annual salary of $36,910, which is approximately $17.74 per hour. This figure surpasses the national median for this occupation by $3,150 annually. When compared to the local median household income of $80,533, the earnings of waitstaff represent nearly 46% of that amount. This suggests a significant discrepancy between individual worker incomes and overall household earnings in the region. The comparison underscores the challenges faced by those earning wages typical for this occupation when attempting to support households without additional income sources or financial assistance.

Entry-level workers within this field often find themselves at the lower end of the pay spectrum, with salaries starting around $27,650 annually (10th percentile), while more experienced individuals can earn up to $61,760 per year (90th percentile). This substantial range in earnings is primarily driven by factors such as years of experience, hours worked, tips received, and the establishment's location or prestige. For instance, those working at high-end restaurants or establishments with higher customer volumes may achieve salaries closer to the 75th percentile or above due to increased tip potential and job stability. Conversely, entry-level positions often correlate with part-time work schedules, fewer benefits, and less opportunity for significant tips, contributing to lower earnings overall.