Bussing Tables
By Eric Hammer
Bussing tables for a living is hardly a glamour job, however
it is often a stepping stone to better paid jobs in the hospitality
industry. You should be aware however that getting a job where
you only have to bus tables is extremely difficult, if not impossible
to do because most times, bussing is done by the waiters and
when it is not done by them, the person responsible for bussing
is required to do pretty much every menial job in the entire
restaurant and not just bussing.
The only other job which is considered to be on the same level
as a busboy or busgirl is a dish washer. Bussing is a low paid
job which requires no special skills and as such is typically
given to teenagers as a first job, often after school.
The good news is that if you prove yourself as a bus person
in the restaurant, you may eventually get promoted and offered
the chance to become a member of the wait staff. While this is
still not a particularly well paid position, it is one that pays
more and which can potentially pay significantly more if you
were to get a job at a top restaurant where the tips are good.
How Much Can You Make?
Typically, you should not expect to earn much more than minimum
wage for this job. The range of the salary according to reports
is around $7.25 per hour up to $8.00 per hour as of 2011, with
only a few areas topping $10 per hour.
Ways to Make More | Related Opportunities
| Tips
Working overtime bussing tables may provide you with additional
income if your restaurant offers you the extra hours (Note that
there are labor laws requiring they pay overtime, though some
restaurant owners may try to skirt the law). You should also
look for a restaurant that allows you to share the tips with
the wait staff. While you will not get much of the money (the
lion’s share goes to the wait staff), you will get at least
a little bit more money.
Keeping a positive attitude and being friendly is still important,
even when you are working as a bus person. Remember that you
are still working in the hospitality industry and you will last
longer when you offer service with a smile. Remember also not
to take out the tubs for clearing the tables when customers are
still at the table. Clear tables by hand until the customers
leave.
As previously noted, you can think of this job as a stepping
stone to becoming a member of the wait staff. Another job you
may consider in the restaurant industry is dish washer, however
be aware that unlike the position of bus person, this is unlikely
to lead to promotions.
Qualifications / Requirements
You will not need any qualifications to do this kind of job.
First Steps
Put on something presentable (Your T-shirt and torn jeans
are probably not a good choice – you want to look like someone
responsible who belongs in the restaurant) and drop by several
restaurants to ask if they are hiring for wait staff.
Resources
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A28303959
- All about being a busboy.
http://www.ehow.com/busboys
- Article on how to be a busboy.
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