Busser: Duties, Pay & Jobs Near You
What does a busser do? Clear tables and support restaurant service. Find busser jobs near you with average pay $11-$16/hr, required skills, and career path.
What does a Busser do?
A busser is responsible for Bussers clear and reset tables, assist servers, and help maintain restaurant cleanliness. Bussers clear and reset tables, assist servers, and help maintain restaurant cleanliness. They play a crucial role in keeping service flowing smoothly during busy periods.
As a busser, you can expect to earn between $11 and $16 per hour depending on experience and location. According toBLS OEWS, May 2024, this role is entry-level friendly. It is generally a alto job with medio scheduling.
Key duties of a Busser include:
- Clear dishes and reset tables quickly
- Refill water glasses and bread baskets
- Assist servers with guest needs
- Maintain cleanliness of dining area
- Stock service stations with supplies
Key Facts: Busser
- Average Hourly Rate$11-$16 / hour
- Industryhospitality
- Experience NeededEntry-level available
- Key SkillsSpeed & efficiency, Physical stamina, Teamwork
Market rates for a busser range from $11 to $16/hr. A typical busser is responsible for Bussers clear and reset tables, assist servers, and help maintain restaurant cleanliness.Calculate your exact take-home pay orfind current busser openings on Indeed Flex.
What are the job duties?
- Clear dishes and reset tables quickly
- Refill water glasses and bread baskets
- Assist servers with guest needs
- Maintain cleanliness of dining area
- Stock service stations with supplies
What skills do you need?
To succeed as a Busser, you'll need a mix of hard skills and soft skills. Here are the most important ones:
What are the requirements?
- Physical ability to lift and carry heavy items
- Fast-paced work environment capability
- Teamwork orientation
- Flexible schedule
Career Growth & Path
Here is a typical career progression for a Busser:
Want to see more paths? Check out ourCareer Path Explorer tool.
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What is it really like being a Busser?
The Good
- Fast hiring with minimal experience required
- Tip pools or tip-outs from servers can boost hourly earnings
- Keeps you moving: clearing, resetting, and running glassware
- Natural stepping stone to hosting or serving
The Challenging
- Physically demanding during rushes with heavy bus tubs
- Lower base pay than servers with less control over tips
- You are first on the floor when tables are messy and guests are impatient
Best For: People breaking into restaurants who want active work, can handle pace, and plan to move up to FOH roles.
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A Day in the Life of a Busser
Arrive for lunch shift, polish silverware and glassware, set up bus stations
Lunch service starts - watch tables for finished plates, refill water during slow moments
Lunch rush - clear, wipe, and reset tables fast to keep turnover high
Lunch winds down - deep wipe of high chairs, condiment refills, sweep dining room
Side work between services - fold napkins, polish, restock bus stations for dinner
Dinner service begins - back on the floor clearing and resetting
Dinner peak - work in tandem with servers, pre-bus during meals, reset within 60 seconds
Service ends - tip-out from servers, deep clean the dining room, mop side stations
- •Clear and reset within 60 seconds during a rush - speed of turnover is everything
- •Pre-bus while guests are still eating to keep tables tidy and servers fast
- •Watch the door - knowing how many guests are coming in helps you prioritize
- •Build relationships with servers - they decide your tip-out percentage
- Side towel (always)
- Non-slip closed-toe shoes
- Hair tie if hair is long
- Bottle opener (optional but useful)
All black usually (black shirt, black pants) or per venue standard. Non-slip closed-toe shoes, hair pulled back, minimal jewelry.
FAQs: Busser
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The information on this page is compiled from the following sources:
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We strive to keep all data accurate and up-to-date. Pay rates may vary based on location, experience, and employer.
About this data
Figures on this page are compiled from the public sources cited above and may be out of date. They are provided for general informational purposes only and do not constitute professional career, legal, tax, or financial advice. For the most current pay rates, verify with the original source, a qualified professional, or check the Indeed Flex app directly for real-time shift availability and compensation.
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