Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Busser
What bussers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a busser?
Set up stations. From there, the day usually includes clear tables, reset tables, and refill water. Evenings, weekends and holidays.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a busser working full time.
- Set up stations.
- Fill water pitchers.
- Clear and reset tables.
- Run food.
- Restock.
- Clean the dining room.
- Close side work.
Where bussers work
Bussers work in restaurant dining rooms.
Hours and schedule
Evenings, weekends and holidays.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Clear tables
- Reset tables
- Refill water
- Run food
- Restock stations
- Clean the dining room
- Help servers
Tools you’ll use every day
- Bus tubs
- Trays
- Pitchers
- Linens
- Rags
- Sanitizer buckets
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Easy entry
- Tip share
- Faster-than-average growth
- Path to server
What’s hard
- Low base pay
- On your feet
- Fast pace
- Late nights
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I want to start now
- I move fast
- I like teamwork
- I don’t mind cleaning
- I want to become a server
- I’m reliable
Not sure? Take the free Busser fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Lift bus tubs safely
- Watch for spills
- Announce “behind”
- Handle broken glass carefully