Busser Salary in Athens, GA
Bussers in Athens, GA, in 2025, earn approximately $13.90 per hour, which translates to about $556.00 per week, $2,409.33 per month, and $28,912.00 per year.
The demand for Bussers in Athens is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive trend and expanding opportunities in the hospitality industry within the area.
How Much Does a Busser Make in Athens, GA?
The salary of a Busser in Athens varies depending on experience and employer type. Below is a breakdown of typical earnings based on various experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $10.50 | $420.00 | $1,820.00 | $21,840.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $14.10 | $564.00 | $2,434.00 | $29,328.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,946.67 | $35,360.00 |
Do Bussers in Athens, GA Earn Tips?
Bussers typically do earn tips as part of their compensation. They can make an estimated extra $5 to $10 per hour in tips, depending on the establishment and shift, which can significantly supplement their base salary.
Busser Salary in Athens, GA vs. National Average
Nationally, Bussers earn around $14.24 per hour, approximately $29,619.20 annually.
Compared to the national average, Bussers in Athens earn a bit less per hour at $13.90 but closely align with the yearly earnings nationally, suggesting competitive wages relative to local cost of living and market demand.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Athens, GA for Bussers
Nearby areas offer slightly different salary opportunities for Bussers:
- Downtown Athens: $15.50 per hour
- Five Points: $17.60 per hour
Bussers working in Five Points might enjoy the highest wages near Athens, reflecting the area's busy dining scene and possibly more upscale restaurants.
What Influences a Busser’s Salary in Athens, GA?
Several factors influence the salary of a Busser in Athens, including:
- Experience and Performance: More experienced Bussers with strong work ethics tend to earn higher wages and tips.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale and busy restaurants typically pay more and provide better tipping opportunities.
- Skills and Responsibilities: Bussers who take on additional tasks like cleaning duties or customer service may receive better pay.
- Shift Timing: Working peak dinner hours or weekends can result in higher tips and sometimes better base pay.
How To Become a Busser in Athens, GA
Starting a career as a Busser in Athens involves several key steps:
- Gain Basic Food Service Knowledge: Programs such as the Athens Technical College Culinary Arts Program offer foundational skills useful for Bussers.
- Enhance Customer Service Skills: Communication and teamwork are crucial; the University of Georgia Hospitality and Food Industry Management Program provides broader hospitality training that can be helpful.
- Obtain Food Safety Certification: Certifications like the nationally recognized ServSafe Food Handler Certification ensure understanding of safe food practices.
- Consider Alcohol Service Training: If working in establishments serving alcohol, the TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) Certification is beneficial for responsible alcohol handling and can set you apart.
Top Employers Hiring Bussers in Athens, GA
Popular employers seeking Bussers in Athens include:
- Olive Garden
- Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen
- The National
Establishments That Bussers in Athens, GA Work At
Bussers in Athens typically find employment in various types of establishments:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Provide steady work with moderate wages and tips.
- Fast Casual Restaurants: Offer less tipping but often have higher base wages.
- Fine Dining Establishments: Usually pay higher salaries and provide better tipping opportunities.
- Event Venues and Hotels: Provide varied schedules and sometimes higher pay depending on events.
Working in different establishment types affects the overall salary and tip potential, with fine dining usually offering the highest earnings for Bussers.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Athens, GA for Bussers
If you are interested in similar roles related to Bussers, here are a few alternatives:
These include Backwaiter, Cashier, and Dishwasher roles, which share operational similarities with Busting and offer various career advancement pathways within hospitality.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Bussers in Athens, GA
Understanding the legal and tax framework is essential for Bussers:
- Visit the Georgia Department of Labor website for information on labor laws, minimum wage, and employment regulations in the state.
- For federal tax information, the Internal Revenue Service website provides resources on income taxes, withholding, and reporting requirements.