Waitress Salary in Newport News, VA
Waitresses in Newport News, VA, in 2026, earn approximately $18.54 per hour, which translates to about $741.60 per week, $3,213.60 per month, and $38,563.20 per year.
The demand for Waitresses in Newport News is growing at a healthy rate of 5% per year, indicating an increasing need for service staff in the local hospitality sector.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Newport News, VA?
The earnings of a Waitress in Newport News vary based on experience and place of employment. Here’s an overview of typical salaries across different levels of experience.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $12.41 | $496.40 | $2,147.07 | $25,772.80 |
| Mid-level (average) | $18.54 | $741.60 | $3,213.60 | $38,563.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $30.23 | $1,209.20 | $5,232.53 | $62,478.40 |
Do Waitresses in Newport News Earn Tips?
Yes, Waitresses in Newport News often earn tips that can amount to an extra $10 per hour. This significantly boosts their overall income, reflecting their direct interaction with customers and service quality.
Waitress Salary in Newport News vs. National Average
Nationally, Waitresses earn an average of around $17.50 per hour, which equates to about $36,400 annually.
Compared to the national average, Waitresses in Newport News make a slightly higher hourly wage of $18.54 and an annual salary of approximately $38,563.20.
This difference may be driven by local market demand and living costs.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Newport News for Waitresses
Nearby areas with competitive Waitress salaries include:
- Area 1: $19.57 per hour
- Area 2: $19.32 per hour
These areas offer slightly higher pay and can be attractive options for those willing to commute.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Newport News?
Several factors impact how much a Waitress can earn in Newport News:
- Experience and Tenure: Waitresses with several years in the field tend to earn more, reflecting improved skills and reliability.
- Quality of Service and Tips: Exceptional customer service often results in higher tips, substantially increasing total earnings.
- Type of Establishment: Waitresses working at upscale restaurants or bars typically earn higher base pay and tips compared to fast-food or casual dining.
- Shift Timing: Working evening or weekend shifts can sometimes lead to shift differentials or more tips due to higher customer volume.
- Local Economic Conditions: Supply and demand in Newport News directly affect wages offered for Waitresses.
How To Become a Waitress in Newport News
Starting a career as a Waitress in Newport News involves some key steps:
- Gain Basic Food Service Knowledge: Enrolling in a Culinary Arts Program at Thomas Nelson Community College provides valuable skills for food handling and service.
- Consider Hospitality Education: The Hospitality Management Program at Christopher Newport University offers useful management-focused knowledge for career growth.
- Obtain Safety Certifications: Certifications such as the ServSafe Food Handler Certification and TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures) Certification are often required and enhance job prospects.
- Develop Customer Service Skills: Friendly and effective communication is essential for success in waitressing.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Newport News
Leading establishments seeking Waitresses in Newport News include:
- Waterman's Bar & Grill
- The Greenhouse Kitchen
- Blue Seafood & Spirits
Establishments That Waitresses in Newport News Work At
Waitresses in Newport News find employment in various settings, including:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Often characterized by steady customer flow and moderate tips.
- Fast Casual Establishments: Slightly lower wages and tips but with faster-paced service.
- Upscale Restaurants and Bars: Typically offer higher base pay and higher tip potential due to the clientele and service quality.
- Cafés and Bistros: Smaller-scale but can offer consistent earnings.
The type of establishment has a notable impact on earnings, especially through tip variation and wage policies.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Newport News for Waitresses
Waitresses interested in related roles might consider positions that involve customer service and food handling.
These include Waiter/Waitress, Fine Dining Server, and Backwaiter positions—roles with overlapping skills and tip-earning potential.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Newport News
Waitresses should be familiar with relevant labor laws and tax regulations to ensure their rights and obligations are protected.
- Visit the Federal website for labor laws and regulations for comprehensive federal guidelines.
- Consult the Virginia state website for labor and employment laws for state-specific rules.
- For local government information, check the Official Newport News, VA website.