Waitress Salary in Chesapeake, VA
Waitresses in Chesapeake, VA, in 2026, earn approximately $17.48 per hour, which translates to about $699.20 per week, $3,029.87 per month, and $36,358.40 per year.
The position of Waitress is experiencing a positive job growth rate of 5% per year, indicating an increasing demand for waitstaff in Chesapeake, VA.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Chesapeake, VA?
The salary of a Waitress in Chesapeake can vary widely depending on experience, tips, and employer type. Below is a breakdown by experience level.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $12.41 | $496.40 | $2,144.67 | $25,812.80 |
| Mid-level (average) | $17.48 | $699.20 | $3,029.87 | $36,358.40 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $28.02 | $1,120.80 | $4,853.20 | $58,281.60 |
Do Waitresses in Chesapeake Earn Tips?
Yes, Waitresses typically earn tips in addition to their hourly wages. On average, a Waitress in Chesapeake can expect to earn an extra $10 to $15 per hour in tips, which can significantly increase overall income.
Waitress Salary in Chesapeake vs. National Average
Nationally, Waitresses earn about $17.48 per hour, or around $36,358.40 per year on average.
Comparatively, the average hourly and yearly salaries for a Waitress in Chesapeake align with these national figures, showing that local wages are competitive with the broader market.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Chesapeake for Waitresses
Several nearby areas offer slightly higher pay for Waitresses:
- Great Bridge: $19.00 per hour
- Greenbrier: $18.50 per hour
Working in Great Bridge may provide better earning potential compared to Chesapeake proper.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Chesapeake?
Several factors influence how much a Waitress can earn in Chesapeake, including:
- Experience and Tenure: Those with more experience tend to receive higher pay and better tipping opportunities.
- Skills and Customer Service Quality: Strong interpersonal and upselling skills often translate to better tips and wages.
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining restaurants usually pay more than casual or fast food venues.
- Shift and Hours Worked: Working peak hours, weekends, and holidays can come with shift differentials and higher tip income.
- Local Economic Conditions: The economic health of Chesapeake impacts consumer spending and tip generosity.
How To Become a Waitress in Chesapeake
Becoming a Waitress in Chesapeake involves some clear steps to gain employment and improve qualifications:
- Gain Basic Food Service Knowledge: Consider completing programs like the Tidewater Community College Culinary Arts Program or Virginia Beach Technical and Career Education Center’s Culinary Arts program, which offer valuable training.
- Earn Food Safety Certifications: Certifications such as ServSafe Food Handler and TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) are highly recommended to ensure compliance and responsible alcohol service.
- Develop Customer Service Skills: Practical experience in hospitality or retail improves interpersonal communication and multitasking abilities.
- Apply to Local Employers: Look for openings in popular local restaurants and chains.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Chesapeake
Some of the prominent employers looking for Waitresses in Chesapeake include:
- Red Lobster
- The Granby
- Tarquin's Restaurant
- Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint
- Monterey Bay Fish Grotto
Establishments That Waitresses in Chesapeake Work At
Waitresses in Chesapeake find employment in a variety of establishments, including:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These often provide stable hourly wages plus tips and generally moderate earning potential.
- Fine Dining Establishments: Here, Waitresses can earn higher wages and more substantial tips due to higher price points and service expectations.
- Fast Casual and Chain Restaurants: These locations may pay lower wages and generate fewer tips but often offer greater job availability.
- Bars and Breweries: Earnings can be supplemented through alcohol sales tips, often boosting income.
The type of establishment greatly influences total compensation, especially through the tipping culture and clientele.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Chesapeake for Waitresses
If you are interested in related hospitality roles, consider these similar careers:
These include Bartender, Fine Dining Server, and Backwaiter positions, each with their own salary and responsibility scopes within hospitality.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Chesapeake
Understanding labor laws and taxes is important for Waitresses working in Chesapeake. Helpful resources include:
- Visit the U.S. Department of Labor website for federal labor laws, wage standards, and worker protections.
- Consult the Virginia state government site for regulations on employment, wage laws, and workers’ rights specific to Virginia.
- For city-specific employment information, visit the Chesapeake government website.