How much does a busser make?
Answer: A typical busser in the United States makes $33,980 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 543,000 people work in this job. Below the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Busser pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| 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 |
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.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a busser do?
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.
What's a typical day like?
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.
How to get this job
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.
High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
Surprise: the IRS lists “busser” among U.S. jobs that customarily receive tips.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Food Preparation and Serving jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
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