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Virginia Beach, VA

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Busser Salary in Virginia Beach, VA

Bussers in Virginia Beach, VA, in 2026, earn approximately $15.67 per hour, which translates to about $626.80 per week, $2,716.13 per month, and $32,593.60 per year.

The demand for Bussers in Virginia Beach is growing positively at about 5% per year, indicating an expanding job market and increasing opportunities for those entering this position.

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Find out how your salary compares to the average Busser salary.
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Location
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Average Busser Salary in Virginia Beach, VA:
Your salary is the same as the Virginia Beach, VA salary average.
$15.67
Your Salary
$15.67
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$15.67
$31.34
Market Average
$15.67

How Much Does a Busser Make in Virginia Beach, VA?

The salary of a Busser in Virginia Beach varies depending on experience. Here is an overview of typical earnings based on different levels of experience:

Experience levelHourly payWeekly payMonthly payYearly pay
Entry-level (~25th percentile)$10.50$420.00$1,820.00$21,840.00
Mid-level (average)$14.10$564.00$2,432.00$29,328.00
Top earners (90th percentile)$17.00$680.00$2,946.67$35,360.00

Do Bussers in Virginia Beach Earn Tips?

Bussers do typically earn tips as part of their compensation. They can make an additional $5 to $10 per hour in tips depending on the establishment and shift, which substantially boosts their overall income.

Busser Salary in Virginia Beach vs. National Average

Nationally, Bussers earn an average hourly wage of about $14.24 per hour, which translates to roughly $29,619.20 per year.

Comparatively, Bussers in Virginia Beach earn a slightly higher hourly rate at $15.67 per hour and an annual salary of $32,593.60, reflecting some advantage due to local demand or living costs.

Highest-Paying Areas Near Virginia Beach for Bussers

If you're willing to commute or consider nearby cities, here are some of the highest paying areas for Bussers near Virginia Beach:

  • Reston: $18.46 per hour
  • Woodbridge: $17.63 per hour

Both cities offer significantly higher wages than Virginia Beach itself, which may be attractive for experienced Bussers seeking better pay.

High-Paying Cities for Bussers

The table below showcases four of the best cities to work in as a Busser. You can see the average annual wage for a Busser in each of these cities.

City

Avg Salary

Avg Hourly Wage

Chicago, IL

$32,819

$15.78

Los Angeles, CA

$28,230

$13.57

Miami, FL

$25,223

$12.13

NYC, NY

$33,498

$16.10

What Influences a Busser’s Salary in Virginia Beach?

Several factors can influence how much a Busser can make in Virginia Beach, VA:

  • Experience: More experienced Bussers who are efficient and familiar with restaurant operations can command higher wages.
  • Skills: Bussers with additional skills such as knowledge of food safety, customer service, or assisting with hosting duties often earn more.
  • Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants, hotels, or busy dining venues tend to pay better and also offer more tipping opportunities.
  • Shift Timing: Evening and weekend shifts often provide higher tip potential and possibly differential pay.
  • Location: Bussers in higher-cost areas or near tourist hubs typically receive better compensation.

How To Become a Busser in Virginia Beach

Starting a career as a Busser generally requires minimal formal education but benefits from certain training and certifications:

  • Culinary and Hospitality Education: Programs like the Tidewater Community College Culinary Arts Program provide foundational skills in food preparation and restaurant service.
  • Career and Technical Training: The Virginia Beach Technical and Career Education Center offers courses focusing on practical hospitality skills suitable for Bussers.
  • Food Safety Certification: Certifications such as the ServSafe Food Handler Certification validate knowledge of sanitation and safety practices.
  • Alcohol Service Training: For Bussers working in establishments serving alcohol, the TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) Certification is beneficial.

Gaining on-the-job experience through entry-level positions and demonstrating a strong work ethic are also key to advancing as a Busser.

Top Employers Hiring Bussers in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach has a vibrant hospitality sector with many establishments looking for reliable Bussers. Some top employers include:

  • Red Robin
  • Havana
  • THE EGG BISTRO
  • Rib City
  • Holiday Inn
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Establishments That Bussers in Virginia Beach Work At

Bussers in Virginia Beach commonly find work in a variety of dining establishments, such as casual restaurants, fast casual eateries, fine dining venues, and hotel restaurants.

The type of establishment significantly influences pay and tipping opportunities. For example, fine dining restaurants often offer higher base wages and tips than fast casual spots.

Furthermore, hotel restaurants and tourist-focused venues might offer steadier employment with additional perks.

Related Hospitality Jobs in Virginia Beach for Bussers

If you're interested in exploring related roles to a Busser in the hospitality industry, consider similar positions that share skills or responsibilities.

Job Title

Avg Salary

Backwaiter

$32,636

Server

$35,457

These include Backwaiter, Cashier, and Server positions, which involve direct customer interaction and offer various salary and tip potentials.

Labor Laws and Taxes for Bussers in Virginia Beach

Bussers should be aware of labor laws and taxation rules relevant to their employment in Virginia Beach.