Introduction
Bussing Tables (keeping tables clean) at a restaurant is one of the easiest and most popular part-time jobs in the United States of America because it does not require any prior qualification/work experience. It is the easiest way to enter the restaurant industry for an individual who aspires to make it big within this industry (becoming a chef, etc.). It may not appear to be the most appealing job out there, but it is a great opportunity for an individual to continue their studies, make a side income, and slowly climb their way to the top.
What are Bussing Tables?
As mentioned briefly above, bussing tables is an entry-level, low-paid position within the restaurant industry where individuals are hired to keep restaurant tables clean and prepared for customers. They are popularly known as busboys or busgirls.
This position is considered equal to that of a dishwasher in the restaurant industry, but employment as a dishwasher does not promise expansion, change, or promotion. Bussing tables, on the other hand, allow employees to land better positions after a certain time.
It is hard to find employment as a busboy or busgirl (employees who are hired to bus tables). Furthermore, in most cases, waiters themselves bus the tables while they are serving customers. Thus, an individual hired as a busboy, or a busgirl should be ready to engage themselves in other menial jobs around the restaurant. But over time, with dedication and hard work, they can be promoted to the position of a restaurant server, which can be advantageous if customers tip well.
Bus Person Job Requirements
A bus person’s responsibilities include
-Clearing tables (this includes clearing tables of used glasses, plates, other cutlery, napkins, etc.)
-Refilling glasses (this is applicable only in case servers/waiters are busy)
-Serving food during peak hours (since the restaurant can face staff shortages during peak hours)
-Clean tables and make them accessible for other customers
-Inform servers/waiters if customers at a certain table need anything
-Stock service areas with supplies like condiment bottles, salt, and pepper shakers every time they are empty
Work schedules are easily manageable for this position since it is a part-time job. It is a great work option for high school/college students to make an income while managing time for their studies.
Skills Required to Work as a Busser
-As already mentioned above, getting employed as a Busser is not a difficult task. Interested candidates do not require any prior training or degree to get the job. But what they do need is the right skill set, determination, and hard work to prevail in this job and eventually, move up to a better job within the restaurant work field.
-Below, we have mentioned the required skills that a candidate should possess to prevail as a Busser
Customer service skills: An individual working as a busser will be required to interact with customers visiting the restaurant for a major part of their workday. Thus, while dealing with diners, they should ensure that they are on their best behaviour while maintaining a professional demeanour. Bussing tables can be challenging for individuals who are often shy in public and can’t entertain a lot of people with positivity and patience.
Strength and stamina: Stamina and strength are when it comes to working in the restaurant industry. Individual who is hired as a busser will have to be constantly on their feet for the majority part of their shift. Thus, they need the strength to carry multiple dishes at once, stand for long hours, move tables across the restaurant, carry heavy trash bags outside, and tend to other menial jobs across the restaurant. Thus, candidates who wish to apply for a job as a buzzer should possess the strength and stamina that the job demands.
Teamwork: All jobs within the restaurant industry require employees to have the ability to work in a team. Bussers are expected to work together with the waitstaff and the kitchen staff. Furthermore, they also work together with bartenders, host/hostesses, and other restaurant employees. In addition to this, they are also expected to aid in other small jobs across the restaurant.
Attentiveness: Attentiveness is one of the most important attributes that one requires to work successfully as a Busser. Bussers must possess the ability to move swiftly and carefully in a crowded place like a restaurant. Furthermore, they should also be attentive to what customers need, and fulfil those needs
Conclusion
Bussing tables is an entry-level, low-paid position within the restaurant industry where individuals are hired to keep restaurant tables clean and prepared for customers. They are popularly known as busboys or busgirls.
Work schedules are easily manageable for this position since it is a part-time job (with no prior work experience or qualification). It is a great work option for high school/college students to make an income while managing time for their studies.
In most cases, waiters themselves bus the tables while they are serving customers and thus it is important for an individual hired as a busboy or a busgirl to be ready to engage themselves in other menial jobs around the restaurant. But over time, with dedication and hard work, they can be promoted to higher positions in the restaurant industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question1) How much money can a Busser make?
Answer) According to online reviews, the national average of working as a Busser is over $21,000 per year, which roughly calculates to $10/hour. Individuals should remember that this income can vary from location to location. The hourly range of bussing tables across the United States, at different restaurants, is roughly around $7.21 to $15.
Question2) Can Bussers make tips?
Answer) Bussers can certainly make tips while working but they should remember that across a majority of restaurants, the major percentage of tips is shared between the waitstaff. Thus, they shouldn’t expect to earn a lot of money by making tips.
