A busser cleans and resets tables, clears dirty dishes, supports wait staff, and maintains a clean dining room. Bussers help restaurants run smoothly by preparing dining areas, refilling water glasses, and ensuring guests leave satisfied. This entry-level role requires physical ability, attention to detail, and strong customer service skills.
Busser Responsibilities in a Restaurant
The busser job description includes helping the restaurant stay clean and organized. A busser supports servers by clearing tables, removing dirty dishes, and resetting places quickly so new restaurant patrons can be seated. They help daily operations run smoothly in a fast paced environment.
Main busser responsibilities include:
- Cleaning tables and chairs after guests leave
- Resetting tables with napkins, table condiments, and place tableware
- Refilling water glasses, drinks, and breadsticks
- Organizing dirty utensils and delivering them to the dish area
- Checking for spills or debris in the dining room
In many restaurants, bussers also help greet guests, refill beverages, and sometimes serve welcome snacks like chips or bread. They ensure each dining area meets health and safety regulations.
What Makes a Good Busser?
A good busser works quickly, stays organized, and watches every table carefully. This entry level role is ideal for someone who works well in a fast paced setting and likes being part of a team.
A successful busser has:
- Great customer service skills
- Attention to detail
- Basic knowledge of safety regulations
- Ability to carry heavy trays
- Good communication with staff members
Most bussers have a high school diploma, though some restaurants hire students or part-timers. A skilled busser also helps other team members by sharing tasks and staying alert to what guests need.
A Day in the Life of a Busser
A busser works before, during, and after meal service. They begin by setting tables with clean tableware, flowers, and condiments. When guests arrive, bussers refill water and remove extra items. After guests leave, they clean up the dining areas to make space for the next group.
In a typical shift, bussers:
- Bus tables in a timely manner
- Keep dining areas tidy
- Help guests and answer questions
- Remove dirty utensils and reset tables
- Assist servers with large groups or young children
In busy dining establishments, a busser is essential to helping all team members stay on track.
Physical and Skill Requirements
The busser job description template includes both physical and customer-facing duties. You must be strong, fast, and ready to handle long hours on your feet.
Required traits:
- Physical ability to lift, walk, and bend
- Ability to remain calm in a rush
- Know how to work in a fast paced way
- Team player mindset
- Good hygiene and understanding of safety regulations
Many restaurant managers look for people who can move with purpose, reset areas fast, and help keep customers happy.
Busser Job Overview Table: Responsibilities, Salary & Requirements
This table compares common support roles in restaurants, including the busser job description, skills required, and average pay.
| Job Title | Average Pay | Core Duties | Entry Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Busser | $12–$16/hr | Cleaning tables, refilling drinks, resetting | High school diploma, training |
| Dishwasher | $12–$15/hr | Clean dirty dishes, manage kitchen tools | On-the-job training |
| Food Runner | $13–$17/hr | Bring food, support servers | Physical strength required |
| Host/Hostess | $13–$18/hr | Greet guests, manage seating chart | Friendly and organized |
| Server Assistant | $14–$18/hr | Support servers, reset dining room | Communication, team player |
Source: Glassdoor, Indeed, ZipRecruiter (2024–2025)
Advancement in the Restaurant Industry
Many people start as bussers and grow into new roles in the hospitality industry. Bussers learn how daily operations work, how to work with a team, and how to handle a variety of tasks.
Possible career paths include:
- Server or Food Runner
- Host/Hostess
- Team Lead or Shift Manager
- Restaurant management
A capable busser shows they can handle tasks with care and speed. Helping to optimize all the details of service makes them stand out.
Most Popular Questions About Bussing Jobs
These are the questions we get asked the most often in regards to the What Does a Busser Do.
What does a busser do in a restaurant?
A busser clears tables, resets place tableware, helps refill drinks, and supports the wait staff. They help keep daily operations flowing by maintaining clean dining areas and staying alert to guest needs.
Is bussing considered an entry-level role?
Yes. The busser job is an entry level role in the restaurant industry. Most employers ask for a high school diploma, but they offer training on cleaning tables, refilling drinks, and following health rules.
How is a busser different from a food runner?
A busser focuses on clearing tables, resetting dining areas, and organizing dirty utensils. A food runner delivers serving plates and helps during busy shifts. Both roles support the team in different ways.
What skills make someone a good busser?
A skilled busser is fast, organized, and calm. They must have strong customer service habits, good timing, and be able to carry heavy trays safely through a crowded restaurant.
Can bussers move up to higher roles?
Yes. Many bussers grow into restaurant management, server, or host roles. Learning how to provide customer service, follow safety regulations, and help staff are key skills that lead to promotion.
What health and safety rules must bussers follow?
Bussers follow health and safety regulations like proper sanitizing, wearing clean uniforms, and handling dirty dishes carefully. They also keep aisles clear and use safe practices when setting tables and serving.
What makes the role physically demanding?
Bussers spend long shifts walking, lifting, and bending. They must carry heavy trays, move quickly in a fast paced environment, and remain alert. Physical ability is one of the most important busser requirements.
