Busser Job Description: Duties, Skills, and How to Hire the Right One

What does having a clear and attractive busser job description have to do with running a restaurant? A lot, actually.As a restaurant owner or manager, you already know that great service keeps diners coming back. But let’s be honest––when we talk about restaurant teams, the spotlight usually lands on chefs or servers. 

Bussers are your silent superstars, quietly making sure everything runs like a well-oiled machine. They are the ones who can stop chaos from happening when that table turns over faster than expected, or that reservation for two magically turns into four.

That’s why hiring a great busser isn’t as easy as “must carry plates, must wipe tables.” It takes hustle, teamwork, and attention to detail on the little things. The best bussers move fast, stay organized, and help servers deliver and A+ dining experience.

So, how do you attract the right people for the busser job? It all starts with writing a busser job description that doesn’t just list duties; it sells the role. Let’s break it down so you can land your next MVP busser.

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What are bussers supposed to do?

At dine-in restaurants, bussers are responsible for keeping eating spaces neat, clean, and ready for the next guest. That usually includes making sure tables are set with silverware, glassware, and condiments in their proper places.

But a restaurant busser’s job description goes beyond setting tables. Bussers in a restaurant can help with refilling water glasses, delivering food, clearing tables between courses, and resetting dining areas after guests leave. They also work closely with servers to keep things running smoothly.

A few other busser responsibilities might include:

• Wiping down tables between seatings to keep the dining area spotless.
• Polishing glassware and silverware for a sparkling table setup.
• Cleaning menus to keep them looking new for guests.
• Storing and organizing dining room furniture at the end of shifts.
• Sweeping or vacuuming floors to keep a clean environment.
• Refilling condiment dispensers, like salt, pepper, or ketchup.

Even though people consider the busser position an entry-level restaurant job, a busser’s job duties can keep a restaurant out of trouble. Health and safety standards are often judged based on how clean a restaurant is so maintaining a restaurant dining room is a big deal. A great table busser creates a great dining experience for both employees and guests.

Busser job responsibilities

The clearer you are on a busser’s job responsibilities, the clearer your busser job description will be––and the better your next hire will be. Busser’s jobs can sometimes overlap with hosts, servers, and even food runners.

While servers take orders, and hosts manage the flow of seating, bussers should be focusing on keeping the dining area clean and organized. A well-trained busser supports both the front-of-house and back-of-house team.

Here are a few busser job responsibilities:

Table maintenance and cleaning

A table busser makes sure every guest sits down to a fresh, clean setup––no leftover crumbs or rogue ketchup smears here. That means clearing used plates fast, bussing tables like a pro, and wiping everything down before the next diners arrive.

They’re also on deck to reset tables with silverware, napkins, and condiments.

Customer assistance

Bussers may not take orders, but they’re still part of the great service equation. Need a water refill? Extra napkins? Clean fork after an unfortunate spaghetti incident? A good busser is always one step ahead, assisting customers.

Support for servers and kitchen staff

Bussers are the ultimate restaurant sidekicks, helping servers by running food, clearing plates, and keeping stations stocked. And let’s not forget the kitchen crew. A solid busser keeps the back-of-house happy by getting dirty dishes out of the way fast, so chefs can focus on cooking instead of playing Jenga with used plates.

Dining room and restaurant upkeep

Nobody wants to eat in a messy dining room. Bussers help keep the space guest-ready by sweeping floors, organizing chairs, wiping down booths, and making menus clean enough that you could––well––eat off them.

Just remember that even though bussers can seem like a jack-of-all-trades, their responsibilities shouldn't overlap too much with the other roles. You don’t want bussers pouring drinks, or taking orders, or hopping on the line to cook up some hamburgers.

Required skills for a busser

A busser job description isn’t just about listing a bunch of duties, it should highlight the key busser skills that set great candidates apart. Experience is helpful––of course––but lots of bussers are applying at restaurants with no experience. That’s why you need to keep an eye out for the right mix of hard and soft skills.

Here are some of the best busser job skills that every restaurant owner or manager should look for:

Speed and efficiency

A table busser doesn’t have time to stand around––or at least they shouldn’t. The faster tables turn over, the more guests a restaurant can seat. Whether it’s clearing a four-top before the next reservation or delivering extra napkins before someone waves you down, a great busser works quickly to keep service flowing.

Attention to detail

It’s not just about clearing plates, it’s about spotting the empty breadbasket before guests ask, noticing a wobbly table, or making sure silverware is spotless before it hits the table. A busser who pays attention to detail catches the little things that make a big difference in guest happiness.

Teamwork

Bussers support the entire restaurant. Whether it’s running food from the kitchen, refilling drinks for the servers, or helping hosts reset tables, the best bussers work as a team to keep the dining room out of the weeds. A restaurant is a fast-paced environment, and teamwork is the secret ingredient to keeping up.

Physical stamina

Being a busser means being on their feet for long shifts, carrying heavy trays, and moving quickly—without breaking a sweat. The ability to handle the physical demands of a restaurant busser job is just as important as speed and attention to detail.

Customer service skills

Even though bussers aren’t servers, they still interact with guests. A friendly attitude, a willingness to help, and the ability to handle requests with kindness go a long way. A great busser contributes to the overall dining experience, making customers feel welcome and a priority.

Communication skills

Whether it’s taking a request to the kitchen, checking in with servers, or answering customer questions, a busser job description should emphasize strong communication skills. The best bussers at a restaurant can keep everyone in the loop, no matter how in the weeds they are, without disrupting service.

How to write a busser job description for hiring

When you write a busser job description, you don’t just want to list a bunch of duties, you want to attract the right person for the role. Think of it as your restaurant’s opening pitch to potential hires. Paint the picture of why your restaurant is a great place to work—and then highlight busser responsibilities.

And if you want to help applicants understand how their experience fits the role, make it easy for them to apply with a well-written busser resume description. It should highlight their skills and experience in a way that matches exactly what you’re looking for.

Below is an example busser job description template that you can customize.

Example busser job description template

Job Title:

Busser

Location:

[Your Restaurant’s Location]

Job Type:

[Full-time/Part-time/Seasonal]

Job Summary

Love working in a fast-paced restaurant? We’re looking for a busser to join our team and keep things running smoothly! Bussing tables, resetting dining spaces, and assisting servers are all part of the gig. If you’re quick on your feet, detail-oriented, and love providing great service, we want to meet you!

Responsibilities

• Set and clear tables, ensuring the dining area stays clean and inviting
• Assist servers by delivering food and refilling drinks
• Bus tables efficiently to prepare for new guests
• Sweep, vacuum, and keep the restaurant floor tidy throughout shifts
• Polish silverware and glassware for a top-tier presentation
• Maintain condiment stations and refill napkins, salt, pepper, and other essentials
• Work with kitchen staff to transport dirty dishes quickly and safely
• Follow all restaurant health and safety regulations

Requirements

• Previous experience in a busser position or restaurant role is a plus
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Strong communication skills to coordinate with servers and kitchen staff
• Physical stamina—bussing tables means being on your feet for long shifts
• A friendly attitude and commitment to excellent customer service
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage
• Opportunity to earn tips alongside the front-of-house team
• Employee meals and employee discounts
• Any additional benefits your restaurant offers

This table busser job description helps set clear expectations for the role while also making your restaurant stand out. Don’t forget to tweak it to match your restaurant’s vibe. The right busser job duties outlined in your post can help you find a team member who’s not only great at bussing tables but also fits in with your crew.

Now, let’s talk about how much a busser position pays and what perks you can offer to attract the best candidates.

Average busser salary

If you want to attract the best of the best, you’ve gotta know what a fair wage looks like for a busser position. Offering a competitive busser salary is going to guarantee you see some great candidates apply.

How much does a busser make?

A busser’s wage depends on things like location, restaurant type, and whether you have a tip-share. Bussing tables is an entry-level role which means they typically start at an entry-level minimum wage. The good news is, there’s room for higher earnings.

Hourly wage

On average, bussers earn $14.16 per hour, with upscale restaurants or high-cost-of-living areas offering higher wages. If you’ve got a restaurant in New York, you’re going to have to pay a higher wage so your team can survive in the big city.

Annual salary

According to Indeed, a full-time busser working 40 hours a week can earn an annual salary between $21,525 and $50,743, depending on location, restaurant policies, and experience.

Tips and perks

While bussers don’t often get direct tips, many restaurants will include them in the tip-out system, where servers or bartenders share a portion of their tips. This can add an extra $30 to $100 per week, depending on restaurant volume and tipping policies. Pretty sweet perk, if you ask us.

Other busser job perks might include:

• Free or discounted meals
• Flexible scheduling
• Opportunities for promotion to server or bartender positions
• Experience that builds teamwork, efficiency, and restaurant knowledge

Competitive wages and tip-sharing policies can make all the difference in hiring and keeping great employees.

Tips for hiring and managing bussers

Hiring a busser isn’t just about filling a position, it’s about finding someone who can keep up with the pace, support your team, and help create a seamless dining experience. Here’s how to bring in the best and keep them happy:

Look for speed and stamina.

Bussing tables isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a job that requires moving fast, starting on your feet for hours, and juggling multiple tasks at once. Whether it’s a packed Friday night or a never-ending brunch shift, a busser needs the energy to keep up. 

During interviews, look for candidates who can handle a fast-paced environment without breaking a sweat.

Hire team players.

A busser who works well with the team is worth their weight in gold. They help servers turn tables quickly, keep the kitchen stocked with clean dishes, and make sure the front of house flows. 

Look for candidates who thrive in a team setting and are looking for the next chance to jump in wherever they’re needed.

Offer growth opportunities.

Many bussers are just starting their careers in the restaurant industry, and they’ll work harder when they see a path forward––or upward. Let them know about opportunities to move up to food runner, server, or bartender roles. 

When someone knows that you’re invested in their future, you build a stronger, more motivated team.

Provide clear training.

A great busser isn’t born––they’re trained. Every restaurant has its own rhythm, and new hires need clear direction to keep up. Walk them through your table clearing, resetting, and cleaning procedures so they know exactly what’s expected. 

Having an easy-to-follow training manual can give your new employee a chance to study up. Clear expectations from the start mean fewer headaches during a busy shift

Bussers might not always be in the spotlight, but when you hire and train them well, they make every shift feel effortless. Take the time to find the right people and watch your service go from good to great.

Why a great busser makes a difference

A busser’s job description might not always get the spotlight in the hiring hierarchy, but their impact is undeniable. A good busser keeps service flowing, tables turning, and diners happy—so guests aren’t stuck waiting while your team scrambles to clear a mess. 

They also help reduce stress for your front-of-house team, which means smoother shifts, better teamwork, and ultimately, a more profitable restaurant. After all, happy employees stay longer, and efficient service leads to bigger tips and repeat customers.

But hiring the right busser position isn’t just about luck. Homebase makes it easy to attract, screen, and hire the best busser candidates for your team. Track applicants, and set up interviews—all in one place. Then, once they’re hired, Homebase helps with onboarding, scheduling, and communication so they can hit the ground running.

Use Homebase to find, hire, and manage your next great busser—and get back to running your restaurant.

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FAQs about busser jobs

Do bussers get tips?

Yes, bussers can get tips, but it depends on the restaurant’s tipping structure. Some restaurants include bussers in tip pooling, while others provide an hourly wage without tips. Make sure you’re clear with your busser job description whether tips are included or not.

Do you need experience to be a busser?

No, you don’t need prior experience to be a busser, as most restaurants provide on-the-job training. But, those soft skills are going to add up in a job interview. Strong teamwork, efficiency, and a willingness to learn can help new bussers succeed.

Is being a busser hard?

Being a busser can be hard. It is physically demanding since it requires fast-paced movement, lifting trays, and constant multitasking. But for those candidates with busser skills like stamina and efficiency, it’s a great way to gain experience in the restaurant industry and eventually move on up to other positions.

What’s the difference between a busser and a server?

A busser’s job focuses on clearing tables, refilling drinks, and assisting servers, while servers take orders and interact more with customers. Both roles work together to keep the restaurant on track, but bussers handle more behind-the-scenes tasks.

Can bussers become servers?

Yes, many bussers move into server positions after getting experience and proving they have customer service skills. Starting as a busser is a great way to learn the ins-and-outs of restaurants before moving into a server role.