Career comparison
Busser vs. Dishwasher
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Dishwashers earn more at the median ($34,810 vs. $33,980), while bussers usually get to work faster (A few days on the job of training). Bussers clear and reset tables so restaurants run smoothly. Dishwashers keep the kitchen running by washing dishes, pots and equipment.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Busser | Dishwasher | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $33,980 ($16.34/hr) | $34,810 ($16.73/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $21,300 – $46,570 | $26,200 – $42,860 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +5.3% (faster than average) | -1.0% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 95,300 | 68,900 |
| Typical entry education | No formal educational credential | No formal educational credential |
| Training time | A few days on the job | A few days on the job |
| Key credential | Food handler card | Food handler card |
| Work setting | Bussers work in restaurant dining rooms.. | Dishwashers work in hot, wet kitchens.. |
What each job does
Busser
- Clear tables
- Reset tables
- Refill water
- Run food
- Restock stations
Dishwasher
- Run dish machines
- Scrub pots and pans
- Restock clean dishes
- Take out trash
- Clean floors
How they’re similar
Both careers involve teamwork, physical work, and in-demand. Both are part of the hospitality, food & tourism field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose busser if…
- I want to start now
- I move fast
- I like teamwork
Choose dishwasher if…
- I want to start now
- I don’t mind getting wet
- I work fast
Still torn? Take the Busser fit quiz and the Dishwasher fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, busser or dishwasher?
Dishwashers earn more at the median: $34,810 versus $33,980 for bussers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Bussers typically train faster (A few days on the job) than dishwashers (A few days on the job).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects bussers to grow +5.3% from 2025–35, compared with -1.0% for dishwashers.