Also called: busboy, bus person
What a busser does
Bussers keep the dining room moving by clearing dishes, wiping and resetting tables, refilling water, and replacing silverware. They work closely with servers and hosts, communicating when tables are ready so guests are seated quickly. A strong busser is fast, quiet, and aware of the room, and anticipates what servers need before they ask. The role is physical and fast-paced, and it teaches how a restaurant actually runs, which makes it an ideal first job.
Pay snapshot: the BLS reports a national median of $16.34/hr for dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers, and $16.72/hr in the Boston metro. See the full salary breakdown.
Responsibilities
- Clear dirty plates, glasses, and silverware from tables
- Wipe and sanitize tables, chairs, and booths
- Reset tables with clean silverware, napkins, and glassware
- Refill water and bread and deliver condiments as needed
- Carry bus tubs to the dish area and sort items properly
- Tell the host and servers when tables are ready
- Help servers run food and drinks during busy periods
- Sweep and spot-clean floors during service
- Restock server stations with silverware, napkins, and supplies
- Follow sanitation rules for handling dirty dishes and cleaning chemicals
Requirements
- No experience required
- Ability to lift and carry bus tubs and stand for long shifts
- Willingness to work quickly in a team setting
- Food handler card or training where required locally
- Minimum age to work in a restaurant as set by state law
- Evening and weekend availability
Skills
- Speed and efficiency
- Awareness of the dining room
- Table-cleaning technique
- Teamwork
- Physical stamina
- Basic sanitation knowledge
- Respectful communication with guests
Schedule
Bussers commonly work lunch or dinner shifts of four to eight hours, with extra hands needed on Friday, Saturday, and holiday evenings.
Busser job posting template
Copy this, replace the bracketed parts, and post it.
Busser at [Restaurant Name], [City] About us [Restaurant Name] is a [concept] in [City] with a team that helps each other out. We are looking for a busser who works fast and keeps the dining room looking sharp. What you will do - Clear and reset tables quickly - Refill water and keep stations stocked - Carry dishes to the kitchen and sort them - Let the host and servers know when tables are ready - Help run food and drinks when needed What we are looking for - Energetic and reliable, no experience necessary - Able to lift bus tubs and be on your feet - Team attitude and good communication - Food handler card where required in [State] - Available evenings and weekends Pay and perks [$XX-$XX/hr + tip share]. Shift meals, flexible scheduling, and a clear path to server or other roles. Shifts [Shift], including weekends. How to apply Send your info to [Email/Link], or stop by [Address] and ask for [Manager Name].
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