salary$46,040 a year$22 an hour · median pay in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$31,880per year
Top pay (top 10%)$81,060per year
Jobs in the area46,160people work this job
Can a server (waiter/waitress) afford Arlington?
Expensive. Rent of $2,666 a month takes 69.5% of the median server (waiter/waitress) salary. That is over the 30% rule, so many people in this job share housing or need a second income.
Server (Waiter/Waitress) pay in similar cities
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a server (waiter/waitress) make in Arlington, VA?
The median pay for a server (waiter/waitress) in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area is $46,040 a year ($22 an hour). Most earn between $31,880 and $81,060.
Can a server (waiter/waitress) afford to live in Arlington?
Typical rent of $2,666 a month takes 69.5% of the median server (waiter/waitress) salary, which we rate Expensive.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, for the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area.