SOC 35-3031 · May 2025 · BLS OEWS
Waiters and Waitresses — Northeast Virginia
Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area · 9 metro areas compared
The median wage for Waiters and Waitresses in Northeast Virginia, VA is $36,610 per year, close to the national median of $35,230 for the same occupation.
Wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
Salary overview
The median wage for Waiters and Waitresses in Northeast Virginia, VA is $36,610 per year, close to the national median of $35,230 for the same occupation. Half of workers earn between $29,770 and $47,950. Beyond that band, the tenth percentile sits at $27,420 and the ninetieth at $73,710.
The area has 790 jobs in this occupation, which works out to 13.6 of every thousand jobs. Within the state, Harrisonburg records the highest median at $44,760. Of the 253 occupations with published wages in this area, it sits 204th.
Percentile breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | vs US median |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $27,420 | −22.2% |
| 25th | $29,770 | −15.5% |
| Median (50th) | $36,610 | +3.9% |
| 75th | $47,950 | +36.1% |
| 90th | $73,710 | +109.2% |
| Mean | $43,160 | +22.5% |
Other metro areas in Virginia
| # | Metro area | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harrisonburg | $44,760 | 1,150 | |
| 2 | Charlottesville | $44,030 | 2,140 | |
| 3 | Virginia Beach | $39,020 | 13,100 | |
| 4 | Richmond | $38,470 | 9,120 | |
| 5 | Staunton | $37,910 | 690 | |
| 6 | Winchester | $37,680 | 990 | |
| 7 | Blacksburg | $37,670 | 1,080 | |
| 8 | Roanoke | $37,380 | 2,220 | |
| 9 | Lynchburg | $36,780 | 1,410 |
What the pay is worth locally
Prices in Northeast Virginia sit close to the national average, so $36,610 is worth roughly its face value against pay elsewhere.
Published median
$36,610as reported by BLSLocal price level
101.1US average = 100 · BEA 2024Adjusted for local prices
$36,212US average = 100 · BEA 2024Key takeaways
- Median pay is $36,610 a year, 3.9% above the national median.
- Published pay spans $27,420 to $73,710 between the tenth and ninetieth percentiles.
- The area has 790 jobs in this occupation.
- The highest-paying metro area covered is Harrisonburg, at $44,760.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median wage for Waiters and Waitresses in Northeast Virginia, VA?
The median annual wage is $36,610, or $17.60 per hour, as of May 2025. Half of the workers in this occupation earn more than that and half earn less.
Is that higher than the national average?
The national median for this occupation is $35,230, so pay in Northeast Virginia, VA is 3.9% higher. These figures are medians, not averages: half of workers fall on each side.
What do the top earners make?
The top tenth of this occupation in Northeast Virginia, VA earns more than $73,710 per year. The ninetieth percentile is the highest figure the survey publishes.
What is the starting range?
The tenth percentile wage is $27,420 per year. The survey measures wages actually paid rather than experience level, so this reflects the lowest-paid tenth rather than entry-level pay specifically.
Which area nearby pays the most?
The highest median for this occupation among the metro areas covered is in Harrisonburg, at $44,760 per year.
How many jobs are there in this occupation here?
The survey estimates 790 jobs in this occupation in Northeast Virginia, VA. Self-employed workers are not included.
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Wages are for wage-and-salary workers; self-employed workers are not included. Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.
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