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Busser Salary in El Cajon, CA

Bussers in El Cajon, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $16.50 per hour, which translates to about $660.00 per week, $2,860.00 per month, and $34,320.00 per year.

The job market for Bussers in El Cajon is showing positive growth with about 9% increase per year, indicating a rising demand for this role in the hospitality sector locally.

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Find out how your salary compares to the average Busser salary.
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Location
Your Salary
Average Busser Salary in El Cajon, CA:
Your salary is the same as the El Cajon, CA salary average.
$16.50
Your Salary
$16.50
$0.00
$16.50
$33.00
Market Average
$16.50

How Much Does a Busser Make in El Cajon, CA?

The salary of a Busser in El Cajon can vary depending on experience and place of work, but here is a breakdown based on different experience levels.

Experience levelHourly payWeekly payMonthly payYearly pay
Entry-level (~25th percentile)$10.92$436.80$1,888.00$22,656.00
Mid-level (average)$12.52$500.80$2,170.67$26,041.60
Top earners (90th percentile)$14.13$565.20$2,438.67$29,366.40

Do Bussers in El Cajon Earn Tips?

Bussers in El Cajon typically do earn tips as part of their income. They can often earn an additional $10 per hour in tips, depending on the establishment and shift, supplementing their base salary significantly.

Busser Salary in El Cajon vs. National Average

Nationally, Bussers earn an average of around $14.50 per hour, which equates to about $30,160 per year.

Compared to the national average, Bussers in El Cajon earn higher at about $16.50 per hour and $34,320 annually.

This premium likely reflects the local demand and living costs in the area.

Highest-Paying Areas Near El Cajon for Bussers

Nearby locations offer varied pay rates for Bussers as shown below:

  • Sycuan Casino: $21.23 per hour
  • Outback Steakhouse: $15.50 per hour

Working at venues like Sycuan Casino might offer Bussers significantly higher pay compared to other local establishments.

High-Paying Cities for Bussers

The table below showcases four of the best cities to work in as a Busser. You can see the average annual wage for a Busser in each of these cities.

City

Avg Salary

Avg Hourly Wage

Chicago, IL

$32,819

$15.78

Los Angeles, CA

$28,230

$13.57

Miami, FL

$25,223

$12.13

NYC, NY

$33,498

$16.10

What Influences a Busser’s Salary in El Cajon?

Several key factors influence the salary potential of Bussers in El Cajon:

  • Experience: More experienced Bussers can typically command higher wages.
  • Type of Establishment: Working in upscale restaurants, casinos, or hotels often pays more than casual or fast-food dining venues.
  • Shift Timing: Evening or weekend shifts may offer higher pay due to demand.
  • Skills and Efficiency: Bussers with good multitasking abilities and speed are often rewarded.
  • Tip Earnings: The overall compensation can be enhanced significantly through tips in busy and high-end establishments.

How To Become a Busser in El Cajon

To start a career as a Busser in El Cajon, consider the following steps:

  • Gain Hospitality Basics: Enroll in relevant programs such as the Grossmont College Culinary Arts Program, which offers foundational skills suitable for food service roles including Bussers.
  • Consider Free Courses: San Diego Continuing Education Hospitality and Culinary Arts provides free courses that prepare students for entry-level restaurant roles.
  • Obtain Food Handling Certification: The ServSafe Food Handler Certification ensures you understand safe food handling practices, a valuable credential for Bussers.
  • Responsible Beverage Service: If working where alcohol is served, having the California Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Certification is often required.

Top Employers Hiring Bussers in El Cajon

In El Cajon, several employers are actively hiring Bussers, including:

  • Sycuan Casino
  • Outback Steakhouse
  • Chili's
  • El Torito
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Establishments That Bussers in El Cajon Work At

Bussers can be found working across different types of dining establishments, including:

  • Casual Dining: Offers steady work with moderate wages, often including tip income.
  • Fast Casual Restaurants: Typically pay slightly lower wages but have a fast-paced work environment.
  • Upscale or Full-Service Restaurants: These may offer higher base pay and greater tips, increasing overall earnings.
  • Casinos and Hotels: Generally offer better compensation and benefits, making them attractive employers.

The salary can differ notably depending on the nature and prestige of the establishment.

Related Hospitality Jobs in El Cajon for Bussers

For those interested in exploring similar roles within hospitality that share comparable skills and work environments, the following positions might be appealing:

Job Title

Avg Salary

Backwaiter

$32,636

Server

$35,457

These include Backwaiter, Cashier, and Server roles, which often involve customer interaction and responsibilities similar to a Busser.

Labor Laws and Taxes for Bussers in El Cajon

Bussers working in El Cajon should be mindful of state and federal labor regulations and tax laws: