Waiter and Waitress Salary in West Virginia
Based on 9K+ workers in West Virginia
Median Annual Salary (WV)
$35,380
$17.01/hr
vs National Average
$33,965
+4.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$20K – $61K
9K employed in West Virginia
The median Waiter and Waitress salary in West Virginia is approximately $35,380 per year, which translates to about $17 per hour. This figure is 4.2% higher than the national average, offering a competitive earning potential for those in the service industry within the state. Currently, there are around 8,600 individuals employed in this role across West Virginia.
Several factors can influence the actual income for a Waiter or Waitress in West Virginia. Experience level, the specific establishment's size and reputation, and its location within the state can all play a significant role. Additionally, the volume of business and the generosity of customer tips are crucial determinants of overall earnings beyond the base hourly wage.
Salary Distribution — Waiter and Waitress in West Virginia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $20,230 |
| 25th percentile | $22,800 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $35,380 |
| 75th percentile | $47,430 |
| 90th percentile | $60,560 |
Top-Paying Industries for Waiter and Waitress (U.S.)
Which industries pay Waiter and Waitresss the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Waiter and Waitresss in West Virginia tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $79,660 | — |
| Administrative and Support Services | $37,090 | 16K |
| Educational Services | $36,680 | 780 |
| Manufacturing | $36,380 | 18K |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $36,090 | 6K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Waiter and Waitress in West Virginia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (West Virginia) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $35,380 |
| 2026 (projected) | $36,441 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | West Virginia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $35,380 | $33,965 |
| 2026 (projected) | $36,441 | $34,984 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary by Experience Level in West Virginia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $22,800 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $35,380 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $47,430 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $60,560 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary in Other States
Related Waiter and Waitress Salaries in West Virginia
How other high-demand occupations in West Virginia compare to Waiter and Waitress ($35,380 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Waiter and Waitress | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in WV | $29,590 | -16.4% | $14.23/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in WV | $26,070 | -26.3% | $12.53/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in WV | $34,510 | -2.5% | $16.59/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in WV | $36,720 | +3.8% | $17.65/hr |
| Medical Assistant in WV | $37,180 | +5.1% | $17.88/hr |
| Firefighter in WV | $37,350 | +5.6% | $17.96/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in WV | $37,660 | +6.4% | $18.11/hr |
| Dental Assistant in WV | $37,960 | +7.3% | $18.25/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in WV | $38,210 | +8.0% | $18.37/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in WV | $38,430 | +8.6% | $18.48/hr |
| Receptionist in WV | $31,920 | -9.8% | $15.35/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in WV | $38,890 | +9.9% | $18.70/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Waiter or Waitress in West Virginia?
- The salary range for a Waiter or Waitress in West Virginia typically falls between $20,230 and $60,560 annually. This wide range reflects variations in experience, location, and the type of establishment where they are employed.
How does the Waiter and Waitress salary in West Virginia compare to the national average?
- The median Waiter and Waitress salary in West Virginia, at $35,380 per year, is 4.2% higher than the national average. This suggests that West Virginia offers a slightly more favorable earning environment for these positions.
What is the average hourly wage for a Waiter or Waitress in West Virginia?
- The average hourly wage for a Waiter or Waitress in West Virginia is around $17 per hour. This is based on a median annual salary of $35,380, illustrating the hourly compensation for this profession in the state.
How many people are employed as Waiters and Waitresses in West Virginia?
- There are approximately 8,600 individuals employed as Waiters and Waitresses throughout West Virginia. This indicates a substantial presence of these service roles within the state's workforce.