What Does a Busser Do? A Complete Guide to Duties, Salary, and Skills

A busser is an essential entry-level support role in the food service industry, responsible for maintaining cleanliness and assisting servers to ensure a positive dining experience. Key responsibilities include clearing and resetting tables, refilling supplies, and supporting the front-of-house team. The national average salary for a busser is approximately $25,000 annually, but this can vary based on location and establishment type. Success in this fast-paced role requires strong attention to detail, physical stamina, and excellent communication skills.

What Are the Primary Duties and Responsibilities of a Busser?

The core function of a busser, sometimes called a busperson or restaurant assistant, is to support the smooth operation of the dining area. This entry-level position is critical for table turnover—the process of preparing a table for new guests quickly after the previous party leaves. Based on our assessment of industry standards, typical busser duties include:

• Clearing plates, glassware, and silverware from tables efficiently.
• Wiping down tables and sanitizing surfaces.
• Resetting tables with clean linens, napkins, and utensils for the next guests.
• Refilling condiment bottles and salt and pepper shakers.
• Alerting servers to guest needs, such as drink refills.
• Sweeping floors and cleaning spills promptly to ensure safety.
• Emptying trash and recycling bins in the dining area and kitchen.
• Assisting with food running during peak hours.

Bussers typically report to a head server or the restaurant manager and are integral to the front-of-house team, working collaboratively to enhance the overall customer experience.

What is the Typical Work Environment and Salary for a Busser?

Bussers work in fast-paced environments like restaurants, hotels, bars, and catering halls. Shifts often require being on your feet for extended periods and may include evenings, weekends, and holidays. The work can be physically demanding, involving lifting heavy trays and working in warm, noisy kitchens.

According to data aggregated from industry sources on ok.com, the average annual salary for a busser in the United States is approximately $25,000, which translates to an hourly wage of about $12. However, compensation can vary significantly. The table below outlines key factors influencing salary:

How Can You Become a Busser?

Landing a busser position is an excellent entry point into the hospitality industry. Formal education is typically not a strict requirement, making it an accessible role for many job seekers. Here are the key steps to secure a position:

1. Meet Basic Requirements: Most employers require candidates to be at least 16 years old and have a basic understanding of English. A high school diploma or GED is beneficial but not always mandatory.
2. Develop Relevant Skills: Highlighting the right skills on your application is crucial. Essential skills for a busser include:
   • Physical Stamina: The ability to remain active and on your feet for long shifts.
   • Time Management: Juggling multiple tasks like clearing, cleaning, and resetting tables efficiently.
   • Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with servers, hosts, and kitchen staff.
   • Attention to Detail: Ensuring every table is spotless and properly set.
3. Prepare Your Resume: Create a targeted resume that emphasizes any customer service experience, even from non-restaurant settings. Use action verbs like "supported," "maintained," and "assisted" to describe your responsibilities.
4. Expect On-the-Job Training: Most restaurants provide training to familiarize new hires with their specific side work duties, safety protocols, and table-setting standards.

To build a long-term career, consider obtaining a food handler's certification, which demonstrates knowledge of food safety practices and can make you a more competitive candidate for advancement into roles like server or bartender.