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Busser Salary in Kansas City, KS

Bussers in Kansas City, KS, in 2025, earn approximately $11.34 per hour, which translates to about $453.60 per week, $1,965.60 per month, and $23,587.20 per year.

The demand for Bussers in Kansas City is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a positive outlook and expanding opportunities in the hospitality industry for this position.

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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 Kansas City, KS:
Your salary is the same as the Kansas City, KS salary average.
$11.34
Your Salary
$11.34
$0.00
$11.34
$22.68
Market Average
$11.34

How Much Does a Busser Make in Kansas City, KS?

The salary of a Busser in Kansas City can vary depending on experience and specific employer, but here is a general look at earnings across experience levels.

Experience levelHourly payWeekly payMonthly payYearly 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 Kansas City Earn Tips?

Bussers often earn tips as part of their compensation, typically receiving an extra $5 to $10 per hour in tips depending on the establishment and shifts worked. Tips can significantly supplement their base wage.

Busser Salary in Kansas City 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 Kansas City earn slightly less, at about $11.34 per hour and $23,587.20 annually.

This difference may be influenced by regional economic factors and local cost of living.

Highest-Paying Areas Near Kansas City for Bussers

When looking at nearby areas, Busser salaries vary as follows:

  • Overland Park: $13.81 per hour
  • Leawood: $13.10 per hour

Bussers working in Overland Park and Leawood enjoy higher hourly wages compared to Kansas City, KS, making these locations attractive for those seeking better pay.

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 Kansas City?

Several key factors influence the salary of a Busser in Kansas City, including:

  • Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Bussers who efficiently handle their responsibilities tend to earn higher wages and better tips.
  • Type of Establishment: Bussers in upscale or fine dining restaurants often receive better pay and tips than those in casual or fast food settings.
  • Shift Timing: Evening and weekend shifts usually offer higher tip potential compared to daytime shifts.
  • Local Demand and Labor Market: The availability of jobs and competition can impact wage levels.
  • Additional Responsibilities: Bussers who take on extra tasks like assisting servers may command higher pay.

How To Become a Busser in Kansas City

Starting a career as a Busser in Kansas City can be facilitated by following these steps:

  • Obtain Basic Food Safety Knowledge: Certifications such as the ServSafe Food Handler Certification are valuable for understanding hygiene and safety standards.
  • Consider Hospitality Education Programs: Local programs such as the Johnson County Community College Culinary Arts Program and the Kansas City Kansas Community College Hospitality Management Program offer useful education in restaurant operations and hospitality service.
  • Gain Experience in Food Service Settings: Entry-level work in restaurants or catering services helps develop relevant skills and workplace familiarity.
  • Acquire Additional Certifications: The TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) Certification can be beneficial, especially for Bussers working in establishments that serve alcohol.

Top Employers Hiring Bussers in Kansas City

Several well-known employers frequently hire Bussers in Kansas City, including:

  • Dave & Buster's
  • Olive Garden
  • 54th Street
  • McCormick & Schmick's
  • Sporting Kansas City
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Establishments That Bussers in Kansas City Work At

Bussers commonly find employment in various types of food service establishments, including:

  • Casual Dining Restaurants: These offer regular hours with moderate wages and tipping potential.
  • Fast Casual Chains: Bussers here may have busier shifts but slightly lower tips compared to full-service establishments.
  • Fine Dining: Higher-end restaurants generally provide higher wages and more substantial tips to Bussers.
  • Hotels and Event Venues: Bussers in these locations may have seasonal work and opportunities for higher pay during large events.

The type of establishment has a significant impact on the overall earnings of Bussers, with upscale venues typically paying better than fast casual spots.

Related Hospitality Jobs in Kansas City for Bussers

If you are interested in careers similar to that of a Busser, here are a few related roles you might consider:

Job Title

Avg Salary

Backwaiter

$32,636

Fine Dining Server

$56,584

These related positions include Cashier, Fine Dining Server, and Backwaiter, which involve similar hospitality responsibilities and compensation ranges.

Labor Laws and Taxes for Bussers in Kansas City

Bussers working in Kansas City should be aware of federal, state, and local labor laws to ensure proper working conditions and benefits.