Busser Salary in Honolulu, HI
Bussers in Honolulu, HI, in 2026, earn approximately $18.00 per hour, which translates to about $720.00 per week, $3,120.00 per month, and $37,440.00 per year.
The demand for Bussers in Honolulu is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating positive job growth and increasing opportunities in the hospitality industry in the region.
How Much Does a Busser Make in Honolulu, HI?
The salary of a Busser in Honolulu varies by experience and employer. Below is a breakdown of typical earnings at various experience levels for this position.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $10.00 | $400.00 | $1,733.33 | $20,800.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $11.00 | $440.00 | $1,906.67 | $22,880.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $13.00 | $520.00 | $2,246.67 | $27,040.00 |
Do Bussers in Honolulu Earn Tips?
Bussers typically earn tips in addition to their base salary. On average, they can receive an extra $10 per hour in tips, which can significantly boost their overall earnings daily.
Busser Salary in Honolulu vs. National Average
Nationally, Bussers earn an average of around $14.50 per hour, translating to about $30,160 per year.
Compared to the national average, Bussers in Honolulu earn slightly more at $18.00 per hour and $37,440 annually, reflecting the higher cost of living and local hospitality industry standards.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Honolulu for Bussers
Nearby areas to Honolulu also offer competitive wages for Bussers:
- Waikiki: $18.00 per hour
- Downtown Honolulu: $17.50 per hour
Those working in Waikiki tend to earn the highest wages, benefiting from the area's heavy tourist traffic and numerous high-end dining establishments.
What Influences a Busser’s Salary in Honolulu?
Several factors affect the salary a Busser can earn in Honolulu:
- Experience and Skills: Bussers with more experience and better service skills tend to command higher wages and receive better tips.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants and hotels often pay higher salaries and provide more generous tip pools compared to casual or fast-food venues.
- Shift Timing: Evening or weekend shifts may attract higher pay due to increased demand and tips.
- Location: Establishments in tourist-heavy areas such as Waikiki typically offer better pay.
How To Become a Busser in Honolulu
Starting a career as a Busser in Honolulu involves several practical steps:
- Understand Food Safety: Obtain the Hawaii Food Handler Certification which is mandatory for all food service roles to ensure compliance with safety practices.
- Consider Hospitality Education: Programs such as the Culinary Arts Program at Kapi'olani Community College or the Hospitality and Tourism Program at University of Hawai'i at Mānoa provide valuable foundational knowledge for hospitality roles.
- Gain Experience: Entry-level work in restaurants or hotels provides hands-on experience vital for advancement.
- Acquire Required Licenses: For establishments serving alcohol, the Alcohol Server Certification is necessary.
Top Employers Hiring Bussers in Honolulu
Several prominent employers in Honolulu regularly seek Bussers, including:
- The Cheesecake Factory
- Hyatt
- Dave & Buster's
- Hula Grill Waikiki
Establishments That Bussers in Honolulu Work At
Bussers typically work in a variety of hospitality establishments in Honolulu:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Often provide steady hours but moderate wages compared to upscale venues.
- Full-Service and Fine Dining: Typically offer higher wages and better tip opportunities.
- Hotels and Resort Restaurants: These often pay more due to busy tourist seasons and higher service standards.
- Fast Casual and Cafes: Usually offer lower pay but may offer flexible hours.
The type of establishment can significantly impact a Busser’s total earnings with fine dining and hotel environments generally providing the best salaries and tips.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Honolulu for Bussers
If you are considering similar roles to Busser, you may explore these related jobs that share overlapping skills and experience levels.
These positions include Backwaiter, Fine Dining Server, and Cashier, each offering different responsibilities and compensation structures within the hospitality industry.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Bussers in Honolulu
Bussers should be familiar with key labor laws and tax regulations affecting their employment in Honolulu:
- Review federal labor laws and protections on the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- Gain specific information about Hawaii state labor rules at the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations website.
- Access local regulations and resources on employment from the City and County of Honolulu official website.