How much does a busser make?
a year · about $16 an hour
A typical busser in the United States makes $33,980 a year, about $16 an hour, below a typical US worker ($50,980) (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
Before guests arrive, a busser lays out clean napkins and silverware and stocks water, dishes, and condiments. During the rush, they clear plates, wipe and reset tables, refill water, and help servers get food out.
Did you know? Surprise: the IRS lists “busser” among U.S. jobs that customarily receive tips.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $21,300 and $46,570How do you become one?
In the United States, no formal schooling or prior experience is usually required; federal rules allow restaurant bussing from age 14, with limits for 14- and 15-year-olds and possibly stricter state rules. Apply to a restaurant and learn through short on-the-job training.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, busser pay can differ with experience, performance, the restaurant and location, and how many hours or shifts someone works. Some bussers get a share of pooled tips, which can change total pay.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Hawaii ($51,200), lowest in Texas ($21,550).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $21,300 | $33,980 | $46,570 | about 543,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $51,200 | about 4,000 |
| Washington | $41,420 | about 6,000 |
| District of Columbia | $39,080 | about 4,000 |
| Maine | $38,560 | about 2,000 |
| Maryland | $37,020 | about 13,000 |
Official definition: Facilitate food service. Clean tables; remove dirty dishes; replace soiled table linens; set tables; replenish supply of clean linens, silverware, glassware, and dishes; supply service bar with food; and serve items such as water, condiments, and coffee to patrons.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/food-preparation-and-serving/food-and-beverage-serving-and-relat
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/35-9011.00
- www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/2a-child-labor-restaurants
- seasonaljobs.dol.gov/jobs/H-400-26003-531128
- www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/occupations-that-customarily-and-regularly-received-tips-
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY