Busser Salary in Kansas City, MO
Bussers in Kansas City, MO, in 2026, earn approximately $12.49 per hour, which translates to about $499.60 per week, $2,164.93 per month, and $25,979.20 per year.
The demand for Bussers in Kansas City is growing at a healthy rate of about 5% per year, indicating an increasing number of opportunities and a positive employment outlook in the hospitality sector.
How Much Does a Busser Make in Kansas City, MO?
The salary of a Busser in Kansas City varies based on experience and expertise. Here is an overview of typical earnings across different experience levels.
| 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 Kansas City Earn Tips?
Bussers often do earn tips, which can significantly supplement their income. On average, a Busser in Kansas City may earn an extra $3 to $6 per hour in tips, depending on the establishment and shift, adding a valuable boost to their base salary.
Busser Salary in Kansas City vs. National Average
Nationally, Bussers earn an average of around $14.20 per hour, or about $29,536 per year.
Compared with the national figures, Bussers in Kansas City earn a bit less, at approximately $12.49 per hour and $25,979.20 annually. This difference may reflect Kansas City's lower living costs and market conditions.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Kansas City for Bussers
Salary rates for Bussers vary in different areas near Kansas City:
- Downtown: $13.50 per hour
- Country Club Plaza: $13.00 per hour
These neighborhoods often offer higher wages due to busier dining scenes and upscale restaurants.
What Influences a Busser’s Salary in Kansas City?
The following factors typically influence how much a Busser earns in Kansas City:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Bussers who work efficiently and reliably tend to earn higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining restaurants and high-volume venues often pay premium rates compared to casual or fast-food eateries.
- Shift Timing: Working evening or weekend shifts may come with increased pay or higher tips.
- Tip Earnings: Bussers in busier or more upscale locations generally receive more generous tips, supplementing their wage.
- Local Market Demand: As the hospitality industry grows in Kansas City, competition for skilled Bussers can push wages upward.
How To Become a Busser in Kansas City
Starting a career as a Busser in Kansas City involves several important steps:
- Gain Basic Hospitality Skills: Understanding restaurant operations and maintaining excellent customer service are key.
- Consider Culinary Arts Programs: Programs like Johnson County Community College Culinary Arts Program offer valuable training that can advance both your skills and career prospects.
- Explore Hospitality Management Education: Metropolitan Community College Hospitality Management Program provides insights into the broader hospitality industry, useful for career growth.
- Obtain Relevant Certifications: Certifications such as ServSafe Food Handler Certification ensure knowledge of food safety procedures, while the TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) Certification can be beneficial when working in alcohol-serving venues.
- Gain Experience: Entry-level work in busy restaurants builds practical skills and may lead to advancement opportunities.
Top Employers Hiring Bussers in Kansas City
Some of the notable Kansas City employers seeking Bussers include:
- The Big Biscuit
- Hilton Kansas City Airport
- Hilton
Establishments That Bussers in Kansas City Work At
Bussers typically find roles within various types of eateries, such as:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These establishments generally offer steady employment and base wages with tipping opportunities.
- Fast Casual Venues: Bussers here may earn a slightly lower base pay but benefit from high customer turnover.
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Often provide the highest wages and tipping potential due to upscale clientele and service expectations.
- Hotels and Event Spaces: May offer consistent schedules, tips, and benefits.
The type of establishment impacts both salary and tip earnings, with higher-end venues often offering greater total compensation.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Kansas City for Bussers
If you're interested in roles similar to Busser, consider these related positions:
These include Backwaiter, Server, and Cashier, all of which involve working directly with guests and supporting restaurant operations.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Bussers in Kansas City
Bussers should be aware of federal, state, and local labor laws and taxes to ensure their rights and obligations are met.
- Visit the Federal website for labor laws and regulations for comprehensive employment guidelines.
- For Missouri-specific labor laws, check the Missouri state website.
- Kansas City local policies can be found on the Kansas City local government website.