Waitress Salary in Richmond, VA
Waitresses in Richmond, VA, in 2026, earn approximately $13.90 per hour, which translates to about $556.00 per week, $2,409.33 per month, and $28,912.00 per year.
The demand for Waitresses in Richmond is growing at about 5% per year, indicating a positive trend and expanding opportunities in the local food service industry.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Richmond, VA?
The salary of a Waitress in Richmond can vary depending on experience and the specific employer, but here is a general look at earnings across experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $10.50 | $420.00 | $1,820.00 | $21,840.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $14.10 | $564.00 | $2,433.00 | $29,328.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,947.33 | $35,360.00 |
Do Waitresses in Richmond Earn Tips?
Waitresses typically earn a significant portion of their income through tips. On average, a Waitress in Richmond may earn an extra $10 per hour in tips, which can substantially increase their overall earnings, especially in busy or upscale establishments.
Waitress Salary in Richmond vs. National Average
Nationally, Waitresses earn an average of around $14.50 per hour, translating to about $30,160 per year.
When compared to the national average, Waitresses in Richmond earn slightly less, at about $13.90 per hour and $28,912 annually.
This difference may be influenced by variations in local cost of living and restaurant industry dynamics.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Richmond for Waitresses
Looking at nearby areas in Richmond, VA, salaries for Waitresses can vary:
- Downtown: $15.50 per hour
- The Fan District: $17.60 per hour
Working in The Fan District offers Waitresses in Richmond the highest pay locally, reflecting perhaps a concentration of more upscale restaurants and higher tipping opportunities.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Richmond?
Several important factors impact how much a Waitress can earn in Richmond:
- Experience and Tenure: More experienced Waitresses often command higher wages and better tip averages.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants or busy bars typically pay higher tips and sometimes better base pay.
- Shift Timing: Evening or weekend shifts may offer increased earnings due to higher customer traffic and tip potential.
- Skills and Customer Service Quality: Strong communication and multitasking skills help Waitresses maximize tips and job opportunities.
- Local Economy and Demand: Richmond’s growing hospitality industry supports expanding job openings and competitive wages.
How To Become a Waitress in Richmond
To pursue a career as a Waitress in Richmond, consider the following steps:
- Gain Basic Food Service Knowledge: Enrolling in programs such as the Culinary Arts Program at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College can provide foundational skills relevant to food service roles.
- Understand Hospitality Operations: The Hospitality Management Program at Virginia Commonwealth University offers education on restaurant management and service, which can enhance career prospects.
- Obtain Relevant Certifications: Certifications like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification ensure awareness of food safety standards.
- Alcohol Service Training: Completing TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) Certification is beneficial for serving alcohol responsibly and is often required by employers.
- Gain Experience: Starting in entry-level positions at cafes or casual dining helps build customer service proficiency.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Richmond
Richmond hosts a variety of employers frequently seeking skilled Waitresses, including:
- McDonalds
- Five Guys
- Fiji Island
Establishments That Waitresses in Richmond Work At
Waitresses in Richmond typically work in a range of establishments such as:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These places offer steady shifts and tips but may have a moderate pay rate.
- Fast Casual Chains: Spots like Five Guys or McDonalds may pay hourly wages with limited tipping opportunities.
- Upscale Restaurants and Bars: Typically provide higher base pay plus substantial tips, influencing total earnings positively.
- Themed or Ethnic Restaurants: These may vary widely in pay and tip structure depending on customer base.
The type of establishment significantly affects both the wage and the tipping potential for Waitresses.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Richmond for Waitresses
Waitressing shares skills and work environment similarities with several other hospitality roles:
These related positions include Server, Fine Dining Server, and Backwaiter.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Richmond
Waitresses working in Richmond, VA, should be informed of relevant labor laws and tax regulations to ensure compliance and understanding of their rights.
- For federal labor laws and regulations, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- State-specific employment information can be found on the Virginia Employment Commission website.
- Local regulations and business resources are available via the Richmond government website.