Job Description for Bussing Tables

Bussers are always on their feet making sure that food service tables are well-maintained. Bussers also contribute to customer satisfaction through small details, such as filling water glasses or making sure condiments are provided in due time. These workers assist servers and bartenders. According to the Occupational Information Network, bussers are also known as dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers.

Responsibilities

According to the Occupational Information Network, a busser helps to facilitate food service. This worker cleans and sets tables; replaces and replenishes unclean table linens, dishes, glassware and silverware; carries dirty dishes; supplies the service bar with food; and serves water, coffee and butter to customers. These workers also assist waiters, waitresses and bartenders by bringing meals from the kitchen to the customers.

Environment and Hours

Bussers can be found in food service and drinking establishments, such as restaurants, dining rooms, cafeterias and bars. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers in the food and beverage serving industry are more likely to receive part-time work than employees in almost any other occupation. Food service and drinking establishments have long dining hours and offer flexible work opportunities. A flexible work schedule is attractive to many teens who wish to acquire valuable work experience. More than 1 out of 5 food and beverage serving and related workers are between the ages of 16 to 19 years old. Many employees work nights, weekends and holidays.

Education and Training

According to the Occupational Information Network, little or no preparation is required for this position. Some employers will require a high school diploma or GED certificate. Learning to buss tables requires a few days to a few months of on-the-job training. Typically, an experienced employee trains new workers in this occupation.

Earnings

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers earned a national mean hourly wage of $9.09 and a national mean annual wage of $18,900 in May 2009. The industries that employed the highest number of individuals in this occupation were full-service restaurants with a mean annual wage of $18,260; traveler accommodations, $21,680; limited-service eating places, $17,370; special food services, $19,540; and elementary and secondary schools, $21,150.

Outlook

According to the National Employment Matrix from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for dining room and cafeteria attendants is expected to increase at a rate of 6 percent through 2018.